Events We're Watching

Southern States on Alert as Potential Storm Brews in Gulf

The National Hurricane Center maintained a tropical storm warning Friday for an area stretching from Pascagoula, Mississippi, to Sabine Pass, Texas. The warning includes New Orleans. Read more

Another Hurricane Headed to the US?

Katia continues to churn west-northwestward in the central Atlantic Ocean east of the Lesser Antilles. Although some weakening has occurred, Katia is expected to restrengthen and eventually become a major hurricane. It is still too early to determine if any land areas will be directly affected by this system.

Travelers: Take us with you! We strongly recommend that you download our free mobile app from your online profile. You will receive instant flight status information to your mobile device, and be able to access your corporate booking site in an emergency. Use Click-to-Call to contact your Travel-On team for assistance.

Greece - Anti-Austerity Protests

Anti-austerity activists will stage protests in cities across Greece on Sept. 3. The largest protest will likely be in Athens with protesters gathering at Syntagma Square at 1800. Localized unrest is possible if police attempt to clear protest sites. Offices and businesses located near demonstration sites may close without notice, and protesters could spontaneously block roads. Expect traffic disruptions near the events.

Japan - Tropical Storm Talas

Japanese residents are bracing for the arrival of Typhoon Talas, a major storm expected to bring extended periods of rain and strong winds to many parts of the country. The Japan Meteorological Society said Friday that the large, slow-moving storm is expected to cross over the western and central parts of Japan on Friday and Saturday with wind speeds of up to 180 kilometers per hour.

Middle East/North Africa - Protests Likely Ahead of UN Vote

On Sept. 20, the UN General Assembly will vote on a prospective resolution that would offer Palestinian Authority the legal status of statehood. A regional increase in pro-Palestinian demonstrations is likely in the time period preceding the vote.. Demonstrations will be largest in countries with a high percentage of Palestinian refugees or in countries that have engaged in armed conflict with Israel, including Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and the Palestinian Authority. Violence is possible if security forces attempt to disperse protests or if demonstrators attempt to breach Israel's borders.

Portugal Protests

The government Aug. 31 drafted a new austerity package aimed at decreasing the country's public debt by 2015. Trade unions have announced they will demonstrate against the reform as it will cut social spending. Massive industrial actions and demonstrations are expected to erupt.

Warning: Debit Card Woes Ahead

If you regularly use your debit (ATM) card to make purchases, or if your card earns airline miles or other rewards, get ready for fewer benefits and more fees. New regulations cap the fees banks can charge merchants to process debit card transactions. And the big banks, unwilling to lose even a few pennies of potential revenue, have decided that if they can no longer get fat fees from merchants, they'll ding their card users instead. You're not really surprised, are you? Read more

Which Business Trip Fees Will Employers Cover?

Those extra airline fees that generate billions of dollars for the nation's air carriers have become a part of life for most business travelers. But not all airline fees are legitimate business expenses in the eyes of corporate America. Read more

Creeping Fees

Ancillary fees associated with air travel have become a mounting aggravation for business travelers and travel managers. Read more

Imminent Increase: Buyers Prepare For Hotel Negotiating Season

While it's still early to pinpoint to what degree hoteliers will raise rates when 2012 negotiations commence in September, hotel executives are projecting percentage increases in the mid-to-high single digits. Read more

Change to South Africa Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirements

As of October 1, 2011, all travelers to South Africa coming from, or transiting, a yellow fever risk area will be required to show proof of vaccination. Read more

Safe and Sound

There are a number of relatively simple steps that travelers can follow to mitigate risk while on an overseas vacation or business trip. Prior to departure, the first step is to research the status of your chosen destination. Read more

The Psychology of Travel

Conflict is often inherent in travel, from getting to the airport with your bags to reading a foreign menu. When those issues are addressed, understood or accepted, travel becomes far easier and more enjoyable. Read more

2011 Leading Edge Awards

In addition to presenting our reader-voted winners, the editors of Executive Travel have selected five companies that we consider game changers. Read more

Particle Physicist Proves Fastest Way to Board Aircraft

Almost everyone has been there: you rush to the airport only to stand in line and watch your plane board at what feels like a snail's pace. Yet few people take the time to come up with a better solution and even fewer see their idea tested. Read more

Top Tools For Frequent Fliers

These innovations will help you become a far more intelligent frequent flier because they won't be only about how many miles you have - they will help you determine which bonus offers are the best for you, which one offers the best bang for the buck and how you should plan your award usage over the years ahead. Read more

Airline/Airport Overreaction A Smart Move

So why did the airlines cancel so many flights when many more could have gone with ease? It's a combination of logistics, Boy Scout-like overpreparedness, and probably a little dash of fear of government-imposed penalties. Read more

Amtrak to Boost Security for 9/11 Anniversary

Amtrak, the federal railroad agency, has announced it is stepping up security for Sept. 11, the 10th anniversary of the terror attacks on World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Read more

Mobile Apps for Planners Are Hot: Here's How to Start

Smartphones are changing the game for meeting planners, thanks to an explosion of new meetings-centric mobile applications for both phones and tablets like the iPad. As a result, planners are hungry for knowledge about mobile apps. Read more

Running More Effective Meetings

Everybody's been there: a meeting with a written agenda and clearly thought out objectives can get derailed by any number of circumstances. A room that is too cold, a CEO whose speaking style can best be described as sedative, or just plain ill-considered objectives can all drive a meeting off its mark. Read more

Individual Incentives: Myth vs. Reality

Expert Jim Dittman addresses five misconceptions about this sometimes misunderstood "other" incentive option. Read more

Are Your Meetings Ready for Severe Weather?

Severe weather can strike unexpectedly, so venue managers need to know what to do in advance to protect their facilities and guests. Read more