No matter where you’re traveling, winter weather can cause unpredictable delays. Flight cancellations, poor driving conditions and closed businesses can be a major headache, especially if you’re far from home.

Even warm-weather regions aren’t immune to winter weather: Last year, major airports across the Southern United States were closed for days due to unexpected snowstorms. And since these parts of the country are less equipped to deal with ice and snow, you shouldn’t count them out when anticipating delays, either. The good news? With a little patience and preparation, you can make the best of less-than-perfect travel weather.

Air Travel Delays
All may be clear at your home airport, but if snow is bearing down on another part of the country, you still might suffer delays due to backlog. Before leaving for the airport, be sure to check your airline’s website to confirm your flight status. Many airlines and travel websites offer text message alerts or emails to keep you informed even when you’re en route.

Speaking of text messages and emails, keep chargers on hand for all of your electronics. If you get stuck in an airport, you’ll want to keep the batteries for your phone, laptop or tablet charged—and you don’t want to find out that what you need is in the bag you checked. And really, it’s best to not check any belongings at all, if you can help it. If you end up with an unplanned overnight stay, you’ll want to have your clothes and essentials with you. Plus, delays and cancellations are practically the perfect recipe for getting separated from your checked luggage.

It’s important to remember that airlines may not be required to compensate you for cancellations or delays due to weather. Some airlines will provide food vouchers or cots for stranded travelers, but it varies and you should be prepared to fend for yourself. If your flight is affected and you don’t mind picking up the tab, get rebooked for the next day and try to get a good night’s sleep at a nearby hotel.

Winter Driving Conditions
The best tip for driving in extreme wintry conditions is not to do it. But if you must be on the road, be sure to take precautions and consider sticking to driving during daylight hours on well-trafficked roads as frequently as possible. Review driving tips from The Weather Channel and winter storm advice from FEMA in advance. And before you head out to your destination, listen to local weather forecasts and always make sure someone knows your route.

If you’ve rented a car, make sure a representative from the rental company reviews essential safety and handling features with you before you leave the lot if you aren’t already familiar with them. If you’re driving your own car, check to see if it should be it serviced before taking it into uncertain driving conditions. Be prepared by always keeping your gas tank as full as possible, and keep a blanket and water in the car in case you get stranded.

Packing Advice for Winter Wear
Winter weather also means dealing with bulky, winter clothing, which can be hard to pack. If you’re flying, wear your winter coat and boots on the plane. It may be a pain going through security, but you’ll save room (and weight!) in your luggage, and won’t have to go digging for it once you’ve landed. When you board the plane, just ask a flight attendant to hang your coat in one of the closets.

Layering is key for winter wardrobes. It may be frigid outside, but as soon as you’re indoors, you’ll want to strip off those extra layers. Silk long underwear goes a long way in keeping you warm, plus it’s lightweight and easy to pack. A scarf is also a must-have and can double as a neck pillow for your flight. Can’t live without your chunky knits? Purchase a set of compression bags to help get everything in your suitcase.

The veteran business traveler hits the road an average of 12 trips per year, according to a survey by the Global Business Travel Association, a trade group for travel professionals. That much time away from home can be isolating, removing the road warrior from connections with family, friends and familiar environments.

There are ways to minimize that sense of dislocation by tweaking your routine and bringing a little bit of home with you when you travel.

1. Don’t live out of your suitcase. By unpacking and putting your “stuff” where it belongs, you’ll give yourself a subconscious cue that you’re in familiar territory.
2. Venture out of the room. Even if you need to bring your laptop with you, make use of the hotel’s welcoming shared spaces, such as seating areas around the fireplace and pool. Being around others can spark conversation or make silence more companionable.
3. Bigger is better. When possible, upgrade from a standard room to a suite for an extended stay. Having more elbow room, an in-room fridge and other conveniences makes a big difference.
4. Travel with your totems. What reminds you of home? Maybe it’s your pillow, a few photos, an iPod playlist. One frequent traveler opts for fresh flowers in a collapsible vase that’s easy to pack. Another listens to e-books to stay connected to the neighborhood book club. Or maybe it’s a comfy robe and slippers to make evenings cozy. Whatever it is, bring it.
5. Stay with your normal routine. Flying, driving and being on the move are disruptive enough. When possible, try to stick with your normal regime of exercise, diet and sleep habits to maintain balance away from familiar turf. Make use of your hotel’s fitness center and check for healthy food options in the breakfast offerings.
6. High tech helps. Kissing your spouse and kids goodnight over Skype isn’t perfect, but it’s better than nothing. Apps for smartphones, such as Apple’s FaceTime, deliver live video calls perfect for bedtime reading and sharing the details of a busy day. Even something as simple as keeping a photo gallery on your laptop to remind you of loved ones is a big help.
7. Membership has its privileges. Be sure to join your hotel’s frequent stay program. Club Carlson^SM rewards with free room nights, airline miles, prepaid cards and more. When you feel like your business is appreciated and the welcome mat is out, you’ll sleep easier, even if you are away from home.

Traveling for business can be a grind. But it doesn’t have to be. Why not give yourself a break and get more than just work out of your next business trip? Adding a Saturday night stay over instead of heading straight home can actually reduce the overall cost of the trip by saving on airfare, a strategy that lets you deduct your travel expenses and have a mini-vacation at the same time.

Since business travelers tend to be creatures of habit—remember George Clooney’s “same old” regimen in Up in the Air?—forging new paths may take some conscious effort. Even if you don’t add on extra days, there are still ways to recharge your batteries by getting local and soaking up a slice of regional culture.

1. Do what you love. From swimming laps at the Y to taking in a foreign film to perusing a farmers’ market, sniff out a source of R&R in your business destination. For example, conference goers in New Orleans can take a yoga class at the Cabildo Museum overlooking Jackson Square three mornings a week for just $12.50.

2. Stop by the local visitors’ center or CVB. In Philly, for example, the Independence Visitor Center in the heart of the historic district can hook you up with a Mural Arts walking tour, breakfast with Ben Franklin and a City Pass for bundled savings on museums and other attractions. There are plenty of free touring options, and a multilingual concierge staff can help you make the most of your time.

3. Force yourself to disconnect. Instead of catching up on email in your room, take a technology break and visit new surroundings. Even if you have to work, opting for sitting in a local coffee shop will expose you to an energizing flow of people and a sense of place.

4. Don’t always have dinner with colleagues. It’s easy to fall into the habit of rehashing office politics and the day’s business. Treat the end of the workday as exactly that, and go out and do your own thing.

5. Support local restaurants. Even somewhere as chain-heavy as Orlando has an indie restaurant scene, populated by gems such as Le Coq au Vin, where chef Louis Perrotte gives farm-to-table dining a decidedly French accent. Not sure where to start? Your Country Inns & Suites By Carlson front desk staff can help.

6.Museum hop. Just because a city museum is huge doesn’t mean you have to spend all day in it. Even the vast British Museum offers free 30–40 minute eyeOpener gallery tours introducing different areas of the museum’s collection. Dip in for the time available and you’ll walk out better for it.

7. Take in a show. Getting out and about can include experiencing repertory theater, showing up for a library lecture series or giving stand-up comics an audience. Anything that gets you out and about is a good thing.

8.Use social media. Search on Twitter or Facebook for a city and an activity, say hiking and San Francisco, or fishing and Columbus, and you’ll find all kinds of connections to explore.

Why plan one trip when you can plan two? When you stay for two or more consecutive nights, Sunday through Thursday, at participating Country Inns & Suites By Carlson^SM hotels in the U.S. and Canada between Oct. 2 and Dec. 1, 2011, and then register that stay on or before Dec. 22, 2011, we’ll send you a Free Night Reward Certificate! You can use the certificate for a free night stay between Dec. 15, 2011, and Feb. 15, 2012.

As if this offer isn’t tempting enough, you’ll also enjoy our everyday amenities, including:

• Hot complimentary breakfast (now available on classic dining ware at select locations)
• Free high-speed Internet
• Workout facility
• Business Center
• Free weekday newspaper
• Free freshly baked cookies
• Read It & Return Lending Library^SM
• Club Carlson^SM hotel rewards program
• Swimming pool

Book the Free Night Fall rate online now to enjoy this great offer at participating Country Inns & Suites hotels in U.S. and Canada. Visit countryinns.com/freenightfall for more details, terms and conditions.

If you’re a busy business traveler, keeping up is a tough task. We’re here to help, by compiling some blogs that you may find interesting. Grab an iPad or laptop and enjoy reading these 5 blogs for the busy business traveler:

• Road Warriorette: Advice, insight and observations about life on the road.
• Gulliver:The Economist’s correspondents inform and entertain business travellers with news, view and reviews.
• The Middle Seat Terminal: Tracking and unpacking the world of travel.
• Upgrade: Travel Better: Living the First Class Life…At Coach Prices.
• The Cranky Flier: A consumer travel blog from a self proclaimed “airline dork.”

What business-travel blogs are you a fan of? Share in the comments.

When is it OK to pack the spouse and kids for your next business trip?

For many frequent business travelers, mixing work and play can afford much-needed family time. But only if:

1. They want to go and will have something to do once they get there.
2. You’ll have some time to spend with them.
3. It doesn’t take away from the business goals of the trip.
4. The people you’ll be meeting won’t feel awkward or burdened.

Business Travel as a Family Affair
Amy Weirick, who travels about 10 times a year for her Columbus, Ohio-based public relations firm, invites her husband along half the time and her two sons two or three times a year. “It’s great to give the kids travel experiences beyond the family vacation,” she said. “They get a real sense of what I do for a living, which they may not have understood otherwise.”

The upside of traveling with the family is spending quality time together in a new and interesting environment. The downside can be limited flexibility to adapt to changes in your business schedule and feeling mentally exhausted from being “on” all the time.

It is important to maintain boundaries between business and family time and find out in advance the company policy for bringing family members along. Most companies know that spouses sometimes tag along to desirable locations. Usually between frequent flier miles and shared sleeping quarters, the cost for a spouse to accompany a traveler is small. Staying in a Country Inns & Suites hotel, with extras like free breakfasts, family-friendly swimming pools and locations convenient to top tourist attractions, makes it easy and affordable to enjoy quality time together.

Taking the family demands some advanced planning. Definitely wear comfortable clothes when traveling with children—you may have diaper mishaps and spills. You might even pack a change of clothes in your carry on if you’re going to a meeting directly after family time.

Do some research ahead of time in case you need to purchase attraction tickets in advance. A minor league baseball game; a visit to the local science or history museum, zoo or aquarium; and tours of historic sites are a few family-friendly options.

When a client or association gives the green light to bring the family, there can be another more subtle benefit. Depending on the situation, mingling with colleagues, clients and their families can convey a shared sense of family values, exchanging the gloss of corporate speak for a more authentic experience.

Traveling with the spouse and kids is something most clients can identify with, notes Weirick. “It’s good for clients and other professionals to see how important family is to me,” she said. “It helps them understand what really matters, which isn’t just the bottom line.”

All travel is not created equally. If you know the system, there are plenty of ways to do things better, faster and cheaper than other travelers. Sometimes it’s as easy as asking or doing a little advanced planning.

Loyalty Counts
There’s no reason not to join the free loyalty program for the hotel, car rental company and airline on your agenda. With Club Carlson^SM your hotel stays can quickly add up to points redeemable for free hotel nights, airline miles and even gift cards. Once you achieve an elite level, you’ll also be eligible for benefits such as room upgrades and late checkouts.

Likewise, by opting for the same airline each time you fly (when it’s possible) you’ll build up mileage points for future flights. But these days, what is even more appealing to travelers is that once you earn elite status, you can take advantage of perks such as waived baggage fees and upgrades for you and a companion.

The Airline Seat Shuffle
Even if you don’t have elite status, you can still try and get your favorite spot on the plane. When you make your reservation, go ahead and select the best seat available at the time. If you prefer a different seat, pull up your itinerary on the airline website using your confirmation number. You should be able to view the open seats on the plane and change seats if you’d like. You can do this as many as four or five times leading up to departure and move your seat to a better one. Elite status members are upgraded 24 to 48 hours before a flight, leaving their seats in coach up for grabs.

And if you’re wondering which seat to jockey for, take a look at SeatGuru to see detailed seating charts organized by airline. SeatGuru alerts you to seats with obstructions, those that do not recline, etc.

Breeze Through Checkpoints
Standing in line can be frustrating. Many airports, thankfully, now have separate lanes for different types of travel. If you get in the expert traveler lane, chances are you’ll get through faster. Just make sure you know the TSA guidelines and have your ID ready.

Another option is to pick a different checkpoint. People generally funnel from the ticketing counter to the nearest security line. If you know the lay of the land, you may find that a short walk leads you to a wide-open checkpoint.

Just Ask!
Sometimes, all you have to do is ask and you can get the VIP treatment without an extra penny. When you book your hotel room, ask about transportation from the airport. You may find that a car service sedan is the same price as a taxi. Also, let them know if you prefer a certain floor or view. If your flight is full, ask about compensation options for switching to a different flight. Many travel perks are available just by asking politely. You might be surprised by the answers you get!

A tough economy has made many businesses, and their traveling employees, rethink how they spend travel budgets. Even if your company hasn’t put the squeeze on your expense account, it’s a good idea to watch your spending and show that you have their interests in mind. Being a conscientious traveler is sure to make a good impression no matter how your budget has changed.

At the Airport
If you’re flying to your destination, the first thing you can do to make a difference is to book early. Fares will continue to increase, as your departure date grows closer. If you can, book at least two weeks in advance to avoid price increases.

When your travel day arrives, save money by catching a ride. Parking costs add up quickly and can eat into your travel budget. If you don’t have someone who can drop you off, weigh the cost of taking a taxi from your house versus parking. Many airports also have inexpensive long-term parking with shuttles to and from the terminal. You may even be able to negotiate with some of the companies managing off-site parking and get lower rates for extended stays.

Many airlines now charge baggage fees of about $25 per checked bag. If you’re able to travel with only a carry-on bag, you’ll save on fees and not have to waste time waiting in baggage claim. If you need a larger bag, consider an airline that doesn’t charge fees, such as Southwest. Many airlines also waive baggage fees for customers who have reached a certain status in their loyalty programs.

Take Advantage of Hotel Amenities
Some hotels charge outrageous amounts for amenities such as Internet, parking and breakfast. Even if you find a low room rate, these extra fees can bring your nightly costs to that of a premium hotel. An easy way to make your company’s bean counters happy is to pick a place that includes these perks.

Every Country Inn & Suites hotel offers free hot breakfast and, in the U.S. and Canada, free high-speed Internet. That could mean a savings for a family of four of about $50 a day for choosing one of these properties over other hotels.

Avoid Car Rental “Extras”
Renting a car is more complicated than ever. Do you need insurance? A GPS? A hybrid? Extra mileage? Chances are, you’re fine answering, “No.” Check with your company administrators, but you’re likely to be covered under your company insurance and can decline additional coverage. A GPS can be convenient, but it’s usually not worth the extra cost. And most rentals include unlimited mileage, but check to be sure.

As for the type of car, it’s better to go ahead and lock in the low rate on a compact and upgrade on the spot. The low-price economy and compact classes sell out first so you may get lucky and get an automatic upgrade to the next available car class. Even if you’re not offered an upgrade, you can usually negotiate one at the service desk. You may even get one for free—it never hurts to ask!

The right technology will help you be more productive on the road with less backache. Even if you’re not a technophile, your business travels will benefit when you take advantage of the latest trends in electronics. New tablet-style computers and eReaders might be just what you need to shed some weight in your luggage and stay connected. And when you stay at a Country Inns & Suites By Carlson hotel, you’ll be able to take advantage of free high-speed Internet access!

Tablet Computers

It’s not hard to see why tablet computers are surging in popularity. With easy-to-use touch screens and advanced technology, tablets offer the same functionality of laptops in a lighter package. Tablets are different from laptops and their netbook counterparts because they don’t have a keyboard. Instead, you operate a tablet using your fingers or a stylus and an onscreen keyboard. 

The best-known and most popular tablet is the Apple iPad. Now in its second generation, the iPad has set the standard for tablets with its intuitive design and handy apps. Connect to your hotel’s Wi-Fi and create documents in Microsoft Office or join a virtual meeting. Other popular tablets to recently hit the market include the BlackBerry PlayBook, the Samsung Galaxy Tab, Dell Streak 7 and Motorola Xoom.

eReaders

The weight and bulk of books can add up fast when travelling. EReaders are lightweight and slim, making them ideal for reading on the go. These devices hold thousands of books, magazines and newspapers and can connect to the Internet to download through an online bookstore. Because they are optimized for reading (unlike a tablet), eReaders can go days without being charged.

The two most popular eReaders are the Amazon Kindle and Barnes & Noble Nook. Both devices use new technology to make reading easier on the eyes, even in sunlight. Consider the Kindle if you travel internationally (it’s currently the only device that will automatically connect with Wi-Fi overseas). If you don’t want to miss the full-color photos in books or magazines, the Nook Color may be a good choice.

Any Wi-Fi–enabled eReader will be able to connect easily using your hotel’s free high-speed Internet so you can browse for a new novel or download your hometown newspaper.

Keeping Them Juiced

I won’t soon forget the hour I spent in a department store in Chicago where I was borrowing a wall outlet to charge my phone. I had just bought a new charger from the store after an off-brand charger I bought that same morning failed. Keeping your electronics going can be a headache, and all device chargers are not created equal.

The Chargepod is a multi-device charger that can charge up to six devices using one outlet. It’s light and portable, and charges most phones, iPods and GPS devices. For charging small devices without a wall outlet, the iGo Charge Anywhere is a good bet. It’s a wall charger/battery combo that can recharge your phone and other devices even if you’re not in your hotel room.

In support of the current “Country Means Business” promotion, Road Warriorette will be featuring a weekly sponsored post on behalf of Country Inns & Suites and has been compensated by Country Inns & Suites for her contribution.

Loads of business travel can cause you to feel uprooted.  Rarely do you find yourself at home, and sometimes you miss the sense of belonging and comfort that home provides. Even though you are only in your hotel room a short time, you can do a few quick things to make your home away from home feel more comfortable. The next time you are away, try to make your current hotel room, wherever it may be, feel more like home. You may be surprised how much it can help!

Unpack a little. I’m not saying spread your stuff all over the room, especially if you’re only there to sleep for a few hours before moving on. But having your own things around you can be comforting. So go ahead and put your toiletries on the bathroom counter, set out your laptop on the desk, and hang up your coat. For my first year of business travel, I carried a photo collage of my husband and dogs with me, and glancing over at that made me happy.

Listen to your favorite music. I have an iPhone app for my favorite radio station at home, and when traveling I listen to it every morning while I get ready. It connects me, and keeps me in my normal routine. Other times I will just listen to my current favorite album (right now: Brothers by The Black Keys).  Music can have a powerful effect on your mood, so try it next time you feel a bit blue.

Stick to your normal routine. Every night, I do my normal bedtime routine, using my familiar products from home. Then before bed I read for a few minutes before turning on my White Noise app and going to sleep. What is your nighttime routine? Stick to it, and you will feel more comfortable.

Stay connected. Call your significant other, kids, family members, or friends. Just because you’re on the road doesn’t mean you have to cut off all contact! I have pictures as the screensaver on my computer, so I’m constantly seeing a rotating gallery when not using it. Skype conversations are great because you get to actually see the people you are talking to.

Book a nice hotel. This may sound obvious, but if you are in a terrible hotel it will not make you feel at home. I don’t mean you need to only stay in five star or very fancy hotels—far from it. Some hotel chains are more welcoming than others! One of the things I loved about my Country Inns & Suites visit was the homey lobby area with a fireplace, which created a great inviting feel! And with a chain, you know that you will always have a certain level of experience regardless of where it is. When I stay in a hotel with a cozy bed and aesthetically pleasing surroundings I feel more comfortable, a little bit pampered, and more at home.

One last thing I do—I always have a small bag of my favorite teas with me. It’s a little thing, but enjoying the same tea I do when I’m not traveling makes me feel like I am home away from home.  And that is a nice feeling for a perpetual traveler!