Unlike most people seem to think at first, the truth is that now it is definitely the best moment for all the travelers to enjoy the trip that they have always dreamed with as the economy is now making it absolutely mandatory that airlines and travel agencies lower their prices in order to continue to attract costumers. Keeping this in mind, I would like you to read the msnbc.com article just below and see how you can definitely take the most out of your travels:
"By Kiri Blakeley
The economy may have crashed the travel budget of the average American, but for many executives and business owners, frequent travel is still a necessity.Most professionals say they are shifting to thrift, trimming their travel schedules, switching to cheaper destinations and hunting for bargains. But when you have to hop on a plane at a moment's notice, or take regular 14-hour flights from New York to Tokyo, there is only so much one can compromise on price and comfort.
Chalk it up to experience: Many of these executives have become travel experts, with the kind of know-how only true corporate nomads can obtain.
ForbesWoman spoke with 10 female executives from a wide array of industries for tips on what makes their exhaustive travel schedules less costly, more productive and even — dare we say it — fun.
Los Angeles-based shoe designer Taryn Rose, who travels once or twice a month on business to New York, Paris or Milan, says that using a high-end travel agent is well worth a $50 transaction fee (international fees range from $75 to $200).
Rose's agent, Lucie Fattal of Westside Travel in Beverly Hills, Calif., can negotiate deals for first-class flights and luxury hotels and properties, and can also book last-minute emergency flights. "She's been everywhere and knows all the managers and staff," says Rose.
Travelers who can't get someone like Fattal — who comes only by referral — can still use tricks of the trade: Many airlines offer priority upgrades for customers who travel over 100,000 air miles.
Jewelry designer Lorraine Schwartz swears by her American Express Centurion (or "black") card, which has given her access to upgrades on some airlines, hotel amenities like upgrades to suites, late checkouts and concierge service or complimentary car rentals.
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