Montana is a beautiful state with majestic scenery and great sites all over. From the elk, bison and bear in Yellowstone, the nation’s first national park, to the site of “Custer’s Last Stand” at Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, Montana has a rich variety of things to see. Head west and explore America’s distinct mountain and valley country.

But before heading off on your Montana adventure, make sure you add these must-see sites to your itinerary:

• Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument – Take in the sites of one of the most significant battles in American history. At Custer’s Last Stand, in 1876, 263 soldiers were killed in combat with several thousand Lakota and Cheyenne warriors. Admission is $10 per vehicle, and $5 for pedestrians and motorcycle riders.
• Billings – Bordered on the north by distinctive rock formations known as rimrocks, Billings was established in 1882 and is where Montana Territory began. Don’t miss the Western Heritage Center, Zoo Montana and MetraPark. After a long day of exploring the city, rest up at Country Inns & Suites By Carlson Billings, where you can curl up by the fire with a book from the Read It & Return Lending Library^SM, relax in the whirlpool or enjoy some fresh cookies before bed.
• Yellowstone National Park – Teddy Roosevelt declared Yellowstone the first national park in 1872. Home to hundreds of varieties of wildlife (elk, bison, grizzly bears and wolves), the park also includes geysers and hot springs, geological wonders that are more spectacular than words can describe. Drive through the park yourself or enjoy a guided bus tour. Prices range from $29 to $68 per person.
• Glacier National Park – Picture wide, open and rugged landscapes. Craggy peaks jut into the sky that the resident mountain goats climb. A gravity-defying two-lane road named, appropriately enough, the Going-to-the-Sun Road, stretches 50 miles while clinging to the edge of the world as cars—and bikes—cross over the Continental Divide. With wildflowers, alpine vistas and waterfalls along the way, prepare for an experience you’ll never forget.

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!

• Get started with Hit the Road Country, an easy to navigate portal of road-tested, family-approved itineraries divided into popular destinations, such as Colonial Williamsburg and Phoenix, as well as by activities category, like Founding Fathers Country and Sun and Surf.

• Figure out what your travel M.O. is on Best Trip Choices by taking the quick Plog Travel Personality Quiz, agreeing or disagreeing by degree to statements like “I prefer to travel independently rather than with a group of people,” or “I will hurry to places even when I have plenty of time.” Depending on your answers, you’ll group with Venturers, Authentics or Centrics, and be guided to travel experiences that match your expectations.

• It’s all about the local’s point of view on NileGuide, chock full of free travel guides and advice from a team of local editors from around the globe. Content is also divided into themes like family travel and honeymoon destinations.

• Sharing tips with fellow savvy travelers is what Dopplr is all about, a (free) membership-based network of collective intelligence for frequent travelers ripe with insider info.

• Event-driven PlanCast organizes by geographic location and interest. Sign in using your Facebook or Twitter account and have at it. Members share events of all kinds, from 5K runs to strawberry festivals, allowing you to search your destination for fun things to do.

• TimeOut, which got its start as a series of print entertainment guides, offers a lively interactive site organized by destination, with special emphasis on arts, culture and nightlife. Select a city and then explore categories like Sports & Fitness, Sights & Tours and Music & Nightlife to create an itinerary you can download to your smartphone.

Have you ever had free time in a city but just didn’t know where to go, or settled for a mediocre restaurant because you didn’t have a recommendation? Travel guides aren’t just for exotic trips. They come in handy anytime you’re in an unfamiliar place. Especially if you’re travelling with family or want to do a lot of sightseeing, travel guides are great for insider tips and money-saving advice.

In Print

A lot of people prefer a physical travel guide that they can flip through, bookmark and take to their destination. Travel books offer maps, high-quality photos and listings in portable package. They also can be a fun way to get your family or group excited about an upcoming trip!

There is plenty of variety in the world of travel books to accommodate different travel styles and budgets. If you’re a visual type who values maps, photos and illustrations, check out DK Eyewitness guides. These books are especially good for family trips because they include floor plans of attractions, walking routes and tidbits from each region’s history.

Many travelers swear by Lonely Planet guides to help them discover authentic, local experiences. Lonely Planet caters to midrange and budget travelers who want to get off the beaten path.

Fodor’s travel guides may be mainstream, but they are reliable and packed with details. Each is written by a destination expert (usually a local writer) who recommends their favorite local spots.

On the Web

If you have a favorite travel book series, chances are the publisher has a robust website and even offers chapter downloads for your mobile device. Many of the traditional players in the travel guide market, such as Fodor’s, Frommer’s and Lonely Planet, have destination information and reader forums online.

For online recommendations and travel tips, no site beats TripAdvisor. Millions of users have rated and reviewed everything from Broadway shows in New York to Wacky Wahoo’s restaurant in Aruba. The candid comments help you decide what to skip and what you can’t miss at practically any destination in the world.

On Your Phone

If you have a smartphone, you’re in luck! There are plenty of great mobile apps that give you the information you need right on the spot. Using travel apps isn’t ideal if you want to browse, but they can’t be beat for finding restaurants and attractions based on your current location. Feeling hungry? Use Urbanspoon or Yelp to track down a restaurant near your location. You can filter by distance, cuisine and price.

There are many specialty apps for specific cities and attractions. Visitors to Boston, for example, can download an app for the Freedom Trail that maps the route and gives a description and photo at each stop or download MBTA apps with subway schedules and routes. Before visiting a new city, do a quick search of your favorite app website to see what’s available.

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.

It takes planning to figure out where you want to spend spring break, let alone what you’re going to do once you get there. To help with a few ideas to get you going, check out the Country Inns & Suites by Carlson amusement park hotel packages that you can tap into for an easier vacation experience and great savings. Here are a few to consider, and keep in mind, each offers a complimentary hot breakfast every morning:

• Busch Gardens (Williamsburg, VA) – Stay at the Country Inn & Suites in Williamsburg, Virginia and book the “Busch Gardens Splash Package”! Thrilling rides and fabulous shows combined with waterpark fun are included in this getaway. Book a three-day stay to enjoy two seven-day tickets valid at Busch Gardens and Water Country USA, as well as $40 in area restaurant meal vouchers. Click for details.
• Nickelodeon Universe at Mall of America (Minneapolis, MN) – Visit all of your favorite Nickelodeon friends like Dora, Diego and Spongebob Squarepants at this unique, indoor theme park. This popular “Family Fun Package” at our Country Inn & Suites – Bloomington Mall of America includes two unlimited one-day ride passes, and coupons for exciting extras at the Build-A-Bear Workshop® and MagiQuest. Click for details.
• Phoenix Zoo (Phoenix, AZ) – Now’s your chance to get up close with exotic animals like giraffes, monkeys and stingraysby booking the “Phoenix Zoo Package” the next time you stay at the Country Inn & Suites – Phoenix Airport at Tempe.  Two offers are available, and each comes with free zoo passes, free shuttle service to and from the zoo, and other valuable offers. Click for details.

View the entire list of up-to-date amusement park hotel packages by clicking here.

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!