sarita.povaiah's blog

How to Tackle Frequent Flier Pitfalls As business travelers, all of us would like to get to our destinations as quickly and as comfortably as possible. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Via Her has identified the most common complaints of women business travelers and suggests ways and means to either avoid or tackle them. Complaint 1: The Airline Lost/Damaged My Luggage Airlines sometimes misplace your checked-in baggage. This often happens when you have to take connecting flights to your destination. While in most cases, the airline locates your luggage and returns it to you, managing with the few clothes and essentials you may have in your carry-on is a bother. Avoid checking in luggage if you can manage with just a carry-on. Ensure your luggage is...

Following our article on the best iPhone applications, this week, Via Her focuses on BlackBerry applications suited for businesswomen. In the first quarter of 2009, the BlackBerry Curve edged out the iPhone to become the best-selling smartphone in the US, according to research group NPD. Interestingly, the iPhone held this top spot in both the third and fourth quarters of 2008. This goes to prove that despite the iPhone’s growing popularity, the BlackBerry still remains the device of choice in enterprise. Here are some of the best BlackBerry applications to help women business travelers. Your Comprehensive Travel Buddy The best application that could meet just about all your requirements while you are on the road, including providing a trip itinerary, weather forecasts, flight status...

How to stick to your exercise routine while on the road Ladies, let’s face it: as business women travelers with hectic work schedules, sticking to your regular fitness regimen can be difficult. Sticking to a healthy diet while traveling can be tough and adhering to a sports routine is even harder. However, following a fitness regimen on the road is much easier than you think. Here’s how you can make the best use of resources around you to stay in top shape even while on the go: Hit the Hotel Gym or Pool Take advantage of hotels that have a fitness center within them. In case your hotel does not have a gym, enquire in advance about good gyms or fitness centers in the vicinity of the hotel. Don’t forget that swimming is a great relaxing way to burn some calories, and could even...

10 Tech Gadgets to Simplify your Business Trip Via Her understands the specific needs of women business travelers and has chosen some handy travel gadgets that can make your business trips enjoyable and hassle-free. In-Flight Power USB Average Cost: $55 Have you found that your cell phone battery has died just when you really needed it—like after a long flight, you arrive at your destination and have to call a cab that was arranged to pick you up? The In-flight Power USB can help you avoid such a situation. This USB travel charging cable is designed for use in planes, trains, and buses, and recharges low-power handheld electronic devices such as cell phones, Blackberry, and iPods. Just plug it into the headset jack of a passenger seat and the USB converts audio output into USB...

Leverage your corporate negotiated rate First, look for hotels where your company or travel agent has a negotiated rate. Many hotels partner with travel agencies such as American Express Travel, Carlson-Wagonlit, Orbitz, and Expedia to obtain bulk-reduced rates with business-traveler-specific amenities such as complimentary internet access, gym access, and breakfast.   Frequent Guest Program Amenities Always join the hotel's frequent guest program.  In addition to being able to redeem points for free stays in the future, standard level members typically receive amenities such as complimentary newspapers, rooms with a view, or rooms on a higher floor (where it is safer and quieter). Very frequent travelers, or elite members, often receive guaranteed room availability, complimentary...

How to Stay Safe During a Business Trip When women travel alone for business or for pleasure, our primary concern is safety. As women, traveling alone in a new place and being exposed to new cultures and new people makes us feel even more vulnerable. However, with some smart planning and research beforehand, staying alert and trusting your gut instinct, you can turn your business travel trip into a fun experience without being either too lax or too paranoid about your safety. Do Your Homework Before you leave on your trip, spend some time researching your destination. Books and websites (such as www.via-her.com) can provide you with information on the safe parts of town, popular tourist locations, local customs or restrictions, dress codes, distances, currencies, and any common...

A quick guide to remain in fine fettle while on a business trip Let’s face it: Healthy habits often fly out the window when we’re on a business trip, and falling ill during or soon after a trip can put a damper on things. Business travel subjects your body to a barrage of health risks brought on by jet lag, sudden climatic changes, unsanitary hotel rooms, and unhealthy food. You can avoid the hassle by simply staying proactive about your eating and sleeping habits and taking a few preemptive measures. Forewarned is Forearmed Plan before you get on the plane. If you are traveling internationally, get a medical checkup and a clean bill of health from your physician before you leave. Certain destinations may call for mandatory immunization against diseases like yellow fever, typhoid,...