Orbitz Blog

Articles for ‘On the Road’ Category

Orbitz for Business inks deal for ground transport

Monday, March 5th, 2012

Sweet ride: Orbitz for Business has unveiled new options for ground transportation.

By Mark Chesnut

Whether traveling on business a weeklong seminar or morning meeting, nothing beats the convenience of private car service. Now, thanks to a new partnership between Limos.com, the world’s largest online marketplace for private car service, and Orbitz for Business, professionals can easily access premium car service at special rates for exclusive discounts at more than 2,000 local town car and limousine suppliers. (more…)

Work it out: Hotels offer new ways to stay fit

Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012

Let's get physical: The Sheraton Seattle is among the hotels with new fitness offerings.

By Mark Chesnut

Staying in shape while traveling isn’t always easy. But several hotels are offering new options for busy globetrotters to keep the blood flowing. (more…)

New today: the Hotels by Orbitz app for iPhone

Thursday, February 2nd, 2012

Save money and time with the new Hotels by Orbitz app for iPhone, which speeds you through hotel booking in just 3 taps.

By Valerie Moloney

iPhone devotees swear by its magical powers. Don’t know a song? Download an app. Refrigerator empty? Order groceries on your phone. And now, thanks to Orbitz, here’s one more convenience for booking hotels on the go: the new Hotels by Orbitz app for iPhone. (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…)

Road warriors: Test-driving rental car club benefits

Friday, September 30th, 2011

No line: The Hertz #1 Club Gold check-in counter.

By Mark Chesnut

Nearly every major rental car company offers some sort of membership club to lure frequent travelers with special benefits. But while most companies offer the same basic amenities — most often, the ability to bypass the main rental car counter, and the chance to receive special discount and sale offers — the programs are not all the same. Shopping around may help you to find the best choice for your specific travel needs. (more…)

The top 5 airport hotels in the U.S.

Wednesday, September 28th, 2011


Full color: the Aloft Denver International Airport hotel

By Mark Chesnut

Few people would choose to vacation at an airport hotel, but when it comes to convenience, these strategically placed properties are among the best options for anyone looking to catch a flight or make a quick business trip. But not all tarmac-adjacent guest rooms are created equal. Here are a few of the best choices around the nation.

Aloft Denver International Airport
Starwood’s relatively new aloft brand, which aims to combine style elements from W Hotels with value prices, offers a fresh-faced option for travelers stopping in Denver. The property features the brand’s trademark cheery colors and contemporary, loft-style decor, as well as 1,500 square feet of meeting space. (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…)

5 cool budget summer destinations from New York City

Friday, July 29th, 2011

Flower power: Escape the bustle of Manhattan to play in a field of wildflowers at Steep Rock nature preserve.

By Erik Torkells

If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the city. Bypass a New York City vacation for value stays within driving — or train — distance to the metropolis. (more…)

Green machines: Finding eco-friendly rental cars

Thursday, May 19th, 2011

Avis features cars that are SmartWay Certified by the EPA.

By Mark Chesnut

As hybrid vehicles find their way into more and more driveways, car rental companies are gradually adding eco-friendly options to their fleets as well.

Hertz offers the Green Collection, which includes Toyota Prius and Camry hybrids. National has a “standard hybrid” and an “SUV hybrid” car category. Enterprise has hybrid vehicles but, according to rental terms, cannot guarantee the model until you arrive at the counter.

Indeed, most rental car companies only have hybrids in limited locations — if at all. “We have very little demand either from consumers or companies for hybrids or electric cars at this time,” said John R. Barrows, vice president of communications at Avis Budget Group, “and so as a result we have virtually no electric vehicles and only a very small quantity of gas/electric hybrids available for rent.” (more…)

Southwest fills Newark schedule with 10 more flights

Monday, February 21st, 2011

Credit: Kevin Coles.

By Joe Brancatelli

Southwest Airlines, which launches flights from Newark Airport in March, has filled out its schedule with 10 more flights. There’ll be three nonstops daily to Denver; two daily flights to Houston‘s Hobby Airport; two nonstops to Phoenix; and three daily nonstops to Baltimore/Washington. Those flights all launch on June 5. Southwest begins its Newark incursion on March 27 with six nonstops to Chicago/Midway and two daily nonstops to St. Louis. Southwest got the necessary slots and gates at Newark as part of Continental and United’s concessions to get their merger approved in 2010.

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Joe Brancatelli is editor and publisher of JoeSentMe.com, a non-commercial Web site for business travelers. Copyright 2010 by Joe Brancatelli. Licensed by contract for Orbitz use.