Depending on your ailment, it can be embarrassing to have to frantically run down to the hotel convenience store for OTC meds on the road. But it can be downright impossible to find what you are looking for in some foreign destinations. I never travel anywhere without the mental comfort of knowing that I have packed pills to combat every cold, stomach bug or headache that comes my way. Be ready for your next business travel medical woe with this handy first aid kit packing list.

Today only (July 8th, 2009), Southwest Airlines, Delta, American Airlines, United, JetBlue and US Airways are all offering round trip fares as low as $60 for selected flights September 9th to November 18th. Southwest was the first to offer the summer savings, but the other airlines quickly followed suit. Book by 11:59 PM this evening!

Learn more ways to save on airfare.

I'm not footing the bill (yet) for my work travels, but I know it's in my best interest to save money on business travel wherever I can. That's why I always do some of my own research before calling the company travel agency to book my flight and hotel. Whether you've been told to keep to a certain price limit on hotels or not, learn how to shave precious dollars off of your bill with these tips for getting a discount on hotels.

Six months after making a resolution to eat healthier I'm still struggling to follow through. I could blame my hectic work schedule and business travels, but it's really my laziness - and love of Whoppers - that's to blame. To help me get back on track, I've put together a handy list of simple strategies for eating better on the road - from smarter choices at the drive-thru to healthy snacks, they'll help you resist temptation (some of the time, anyway) on your travels.

Since my poor diet isn't the only reason my clothes are getting a little snug, I'm also determined to exercise more while away. My new Garmin watch and its cool workout features will help, but it's just one of a number of portable fitness gadgets that can help us shape up and slim down on the road. Be well!

After a year of plunging ticket sales, airlines are beginning to raise prices as a way to make up for some of their (enormous) losses. June 30th saw a raise of $10-$20 a ticket on American and United airlines, with prices likely to continue to rise across all airlines. Make sure you are shopping around for the cheapest ticket (even if you aren't paying for it!) by checking out these tips for finding a cheap ticket before you book. If only this news meant my company would send me out on the road less!

In a move to cut costs in a floundering airline market, British Airways recently asked employees to volunteer for pay cuts. Most of the 7,000+ employees who have thus far signed on have opted for unpaid leave, with a smaller group choosing part-time work and an even smaller group volunteering to work without pay. My company hasn't asked me to take a pay cut to help the bottom line just yet, but this British Airways news has me wondering how I'd respond if they did. How about you?

I fly more than I drive for work, but I'd say they are a toss-up in terms of inconvenience and stress (long lines of any sort irk me). And while the U.S. has a long way to go to make long-distance train travel a feasible option, there are lots of shorter routes (Boston-NY, for example) that are worth checking out as a business traveler. Check out "Tracks: A Train Travel Blog Carnival" by your About.com Guides, and learn how to take advantage of train service around the world. Some highlights:

All About the Las Vegas Monorail
How to Buy a Train Ticket in China
Atlantic City to NYC in a Hurry

Traveler's Note: Clear, the pass designed to let frequent travelers speed through security, has shut down operations, effective June 22, 2009. For more information about what will happen to personal data, visit the Clear website.

Is there anything worse than being stuck in the slowest security line in the world, watching the time creep towards your flight's final boarding call? Sure, but my patience is wearing thin when I get stuck behind travelers who don't seem to have a clue about security procedures that have been in place for years. (Oops, that was me who forgot to take my toiletry kit out of my carry-on, holding up the line...). To help you, me, and the clueless guy in front of you, I've put together a handy list of simple tips for getting through security faster. I just can't promise that "clueless guy" is reading this. Safe travels!

Sure, you could buy your dad a new tie or more golf balls for Father's Day, but the business traveler could use a whole host of more practical items. This year, consider buying Dad a cool travel gadget like the Kindle (hint, hint), or a day pass at an airport lounge. From netbooks to fitness gear for the road, check out these top business travel gift ideas - there's one for every dad (and budget). Happy Father's Day!