Orbitz Blog

Articles for ‘Gadgets & Gizmos’ Category

Planning ahead: 5 bad-weather travel tips

Monday, November 5th, 2012

Clear skies: Planning ahead can help avoid some travel problems. Photo: San Juan airport, by LatinFlyer.com

By Mark Chesnut

The devastation wrought by Hurricane Sandy brought into sharp focus the dangers of natural disasters. For travelers, it also brought to the forefront how a single event can wreak havoc on travel plans, as thousands of flights were canceled and airports were shuttered. And while there is only so much that anyone can do to make travel go smoothly during such trying circumstances, these five tips may help. (more…)

High-tech hotels: Four Seasons increases connectivity

Thursday, October 18th, 2012

Ready to roll: The Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles has a high-tech Mercedes van for meetings.

By Mark Chesnut

Staying connected is getting easier than ever at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts—with mobile meeting space, Wi-Fi–equipped limousines and even Skype-assisted check-ins among the latest offerings. (more…)

TV addict? Hot hotel gadgets to access movies, shows

Thursday, August 9th, 2012

An Apple a day: In-room iPads keep guests happy at Forty 1 North hotel.

By Mark Chesnut

With new gadgets and more in-room movies and game options than ever before, hotels in the 21st century are making it easy to stay entertained without leaving your room. (more…)

Mobilize your travel lust with our new app for iPhone

Thursday, June 21st, 2012

Fast and first: Download the all-new Orbitz app for iPhone to book flights, hotels and car rentals in a flash.

By Valerie Moloney

iPhone users, you deserve a travel app with a little fire under the face plate. So we redesigned the new Orbitz iPhone app from the ground up with you in mind. Launched today, the new iPhone app is an incredibly fast way to book flights, hotels and car rentals—in fact, you can book your entire trip in just over seven minutes.

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Wired sky: which airlines offer the most WiFi?

Wednesday, December 28th, 2011

High-tech takeoff: All of Delta's mainline aircraft have WiFi. Credit: Cubbie Vegas.

By Mark Chesnut

Not everyone wants to stay connected when they’re in the air. But for those who do want to surf the Web while flying, the highly inconsistent connectivity offered today can be a bit frustrating. To help you sort out who offers what and when, here’s a roundup of the latest onboard WiFi offerings. (more…)

Mobile Steals: Exclusive hotel deals only on mobile

Monday, December 12th, 2011

By Valerie Moloney

It’s hard to imagine the world without those instantaneous social feeds, but this new tool moves the mobile experience to a whole other echelon. Say hello to Orbitz Mobile Steals, exclusive, mobile-only discounts of up to 50% on select hotels worldwide. Available across all mobile channels, including the mobile site and via free, downloadable apps for iPhone, Android and iPad, these hotel deals trot the globe, from Miami Beach to London, and can be booked for same-day or future travel.

A tool that moves as fast as you do: Introducing Orbitz Mobile Steals, savings of up to 50% on hotels worldwide.

The beauty of the Steals: Searches can be saved between devices as long as the user logs in. So if you start your search on a desktop, you can complete the booking from a mobile device later. (more…)

Gate crashers: the top 5 free airport navigation apps

Tuesday, October 18th, 2011

Unfl-app-able: Use these recommended apps to save yourself time at the airport: Credit: joiseyshowaa.

By Mark Chesnut

No one likes to waste time in airports. Whether you’re desperately trying to find the shortest way to get to your next flight, or the best place to get “real” food, here are a few free apps that can help you better navigate the concourse on your next trip. (more…)

Top tech items for business meetings and conventions

Friday, August 19th, 2011

On-site assistance: the mobile version of Basecamp.

By Mark Chesnut

In August, Orbitz for Business — the corporate travel brand of Orbitz Worldwide — introduced Orbitz for Business Meetings, a new booking channel developed in conjunction with StarCite, a leading provider of Web-based solutions to manage corporate meetings and events.

But, as good as it feels to tout the latest business-oriented developments fresh from the Orbitz umbrella, there are lots of other great tech devices — including apps, programs and gizmos — that can also help make that next meeting go more smoothly. Here are a few of the best. (more…)

Robots, kiosks: Gadgets changing the hotel experience

Wednesday, July 27th, 2011

Fast forward: Check-in kiosks at the Yotel in New York City.

By Mark Chesnut

Whether you’re heading out on business or enjoying a Europe vacation or New York vacation, you’re more likely than ever to find technology playing a role in making your hotel stay go smoothly. But looking to the airline industry may provide the clearest vision of how hotels will operate in the future.

As with seemingly every aspect of modern life, smartphones are an increasingly helpful resource during hotel stays. Ritz-Carlton, for example, now offers its World Concierge service on Foursquare, the location-based mobile program. Using a smartphone, travelers can now check into locations and landmarks in 25 countries for tips provided by Ritz-Carlton concierge staff from all 75 Ritz-Carlton properties. (more…)

The 3-tap app: Orbitz launches free app for iPad users

Wednesday, July 6th, 2011

By Orbitz staff

Simple, powerful, fast and fun. The free Orbitz app designed just for the iPad lets you shop and book hotels effortlessly — on the couch or on the go. It delivers a vast selection of hotels, powerful comparison tools and secure booking in just 3 taps. And you can do it all within the vivid, friendly interface of the iPad, from the comfort of your … well, anywhere.

Book your next vacation in 3 simple taps on the iPad.

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