For women going places

1. Put your luggage in the inside of a cab with you and not in the trunk. And when you leave your location, text someone (spouse, assistant or friend) the taxi number, time you left where you left from and where you're going.
2. If you have a late meeting or a tight connection arrange for a limo/town car to pick you up and take you to your next destination. Frequently it's no more expensive than a cab to JFK and you don't have to worry about finding a cab and getting the crazy cab driver who just moved to town. The limo/town car show's up and wait's for you.
3. Minimize the number of shoes you bring by building your outfits from your shoes up.
4. Pick with a color scheme when packing such as Black, Red etc. Also pack several reversible items including camisole tops that you can wear backwards if you spill something on it.
5. Bring a piece of clothing that you can wrap yourself up in. My wrap is a two-toned pink cashmere shawl. It not only provides comfort, confidence and makes you feel like you're at home but I love putting on something bright and cheerful each day.
6. Pack a black metal binder clip in your briefcase for those pesky hotel curtains that won't close.
7. If you are always scrambling to find your hotel room key before you exit your room, get into the habit of placing it on the floor next to the door when you walk into your room.
8. Do something for you while you're on the road. All work and no play can add to frustration - save your favorite magazine, read a book or take a bath during some quiet time.
9. Bring your own favorite coffee or tea to make in the hotel room. I like milk with my coffee and hate the white powder stuff so I try to buy a small carton of milk to keep in the room, even if it's only in an ice bucket. The more I can wake up to my usual routine, the better I feel.
10. Brighten up your hotel room by keeping the flowers from your room service tray with you during your stay.

According to a USA Today analysis of the Department of Transportation data, 200,000 domestic airline passengers have been stranded on more than 3,000 planes for more than 3 hours in the last 21 months. Twenty-nine of those flights were delayed more than 4 hours and the Valentines' Day Jet Blue flight that got so much publicity was delayed for more than 6 hours.

Despite years of complaints, the airline industry hasn't come up a solution to this issue so the United States Congress has introduced an Airlines Passenger Bill of Rights Act. If the Act is passed into law, the impact to the traveler would be:

- Airlines would be required to give its passengers the option to deplane after a 3-hour delay. The pilot has the discretion to forego this option if take-off clearance is within 30 minutes after the 3-hour delay.

- Airlines would provide its passengers with adequate food, water, restrooms, ventilation and medical services.

- Contingency plans for long delays would be submitted by the airline that explains how passengers would be deplaned after a long delay and how gates/facilities will be shared during these delays.

We will continue to monitor this legislation and keep you updated as to progress as it becomes available.

A day doesn't go by without a story about travel fees, delays or changes. If you're having trouble keeping up with the new rules and restrictions and what it means to you and your budget you are not alone.

Historically October is a month where many businesses start worrying about end of the year sales/profit numbers and internal activity picks up. It is not uncommon to see more people traveling in a last quarter effort to add to sales.

Airline, hotel and rental car companies also have their eyes on the end of the year measurements. After a summer of incentives and discounts, here come the fees.

1. Airlines - Continuing on their quest to identify additional revenue streams new fees are still being added.

a. Checked luggage fees: In the first half of 2009, legacy airlines collected $1.3 billion in checked luggage fees. That's a lot of baggage. If you are not an elite member of an airlines frequent flyer program be prepared to pay for your checked luggage. And to keep you guessing, fees differ between airlines and destinations.

b. Change reservation fees: $1.2 billion has been collected by the airlines in changed reservation fees through June of 2009. Since business travelers often have to change plans you can get hurt the most by this. Instead of paying an additional fee ($50-$150 per flight leg), reserving a ticket in a higher fare class might be a more economical and more comfortable.

c. Want a preferred seat? Be prepared to pay. A number of airlines are holding out preferred seating for passengers at a charge of $5-$75. Fees differ between airlines and destination.

d. New this week - Holiday Penalty. American and United are assessing a $10 surcharge for people traveling during peak holiday times. Although the airlines are claiming it's a fuel surcharge - if you are planning on traveling November 29, the Sunday after Thanksgiving or January 2 or 3rd add an additional $10 into your travel budget.

e. Less is More (for the airlines): Reduced flight routes. Airlines have reduced the number of planes in the air and the number of options for smaller markets. Servicing has been switched to large airports where more passengers are likely to be. For example American Airlines has reduced by half the number of planes services Raleigh Durham and St Louis.

2. Hidden Hotel fees - most large hotel chains offered some type of incentive program during the summer of 2009. To supplement revenue, the hospitality industry continues to add fees -- if you are not aware of them -- they may surprise you on your bill. For example, a 'holding' bag fee for checking your luggage with the bell captain; mini-bar restocking fee; resort fee; early check out and internet service fee.

3. The mystery of rental car charges - Fees vary (like crazy) between locations and according to availability. In addition to the daily rate, rental contracts can include airport concession fees, facility charges, state rental surcharge, energy surcharge, insurance, refueling costs. The daily car rental fee at any car rental company is subject to supply and any pre-negotiated discounts. These discounts can be from your employer, association membership (ABA, AAA, AARP) or credit card/airline promotions.

These additional fees can pinch any traveler's budget plus give you a headache just trying to keep track of them. The good news is some of these items can be negotiated and the old saying of 'forewarned is forearmed' is true and can be more economical and less hassle.