Betty W. Stark
Business travel consultant and columnist, Stark Consulting
Madison, WI, USA
I am a travel management consultant to corporations, specializing in travel program review, travel manager training, corporate travel policy review and development. I am also a business and leisure travel journalist with monthly columns in business publications, newspapers, consumer and trade magazines, and websites. When I am not consulting or writing, I travel throughout the US and internationally.
Industry:
Other Services
Size of Business:
1 - 10 employees
Years in Business:
11-25 years
Affiliations:
Society of Incentive and Travel Executives, Association of Corporate Travel Executives, Midwest Travel Writers Association
Business Interests:
Business travel management, travel manager training, business travel communications, business travel journalist
Guides Written by Betty W. Stark
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Enrolling in the right rewards programs can boost travel dollars
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Travel can cost your biz a bundle. Here's how to rack up big travel savings.
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Putting it in writing helps rein in costs and maximize vendor benefits
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How to avoid hotel room blahs on long business trips
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Minimize hassle and maximize savings with top internet sites
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The key is to find an agency that saves you both time and money.
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Knowing the rules of the road can save money, keep you safe
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Maximize deductions with strategic planning and careful record-keeping
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How to get the most for your rental car dollars
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As car costs soar, business travelers scramble to get the most per mile
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You racked 'em up, now put 'em to good use for your business
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The key is to seek out the deals and read the fine print
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Handy and fun gadgets help eliminate on-the-road troubles
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With tightened security, what you carry on is more important than ever
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Rev up your staff with an out-of-the-office session
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Don’t delete exercise just because you’re on a business trip
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If you’re tired of delays and cancellations, join the club
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Business travel and healthy eating do mix if you plan it right
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How to travel smart when doing business internationally
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Fly out of nearby airports to save time, money, hassles
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Staying safe on the road means staying alert and aware
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You can stay productive even when you’re stranded
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Preparation is key when welcoming international visitors
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Fee add-ons can cost as much as the daily rental
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Don’t let sneaky add-ons run up your room tab
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Send sales soaring with the promise of an exciting trip
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Checking weighty business gear can cost big bucks
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Making the most of airline benefits for business travelers
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More business travelers stay on after the work is done
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Don’t let your checked bag become a no-show
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Be prepared for on-the-road crises
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Tap into savings when several of you travel together
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Maximize your hotel budget with these tips and tricks
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There are ways to minimize the affects of long-haul flights
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Your cache of surplus miles and points can be a powerful gift
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Use the power of knowledge to smooth bumps in the road
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No need to limit yourself to four walls and a door
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The key is getting to the right people---right away
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Minimize techno-glitches when you’re on the road
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There are ways to avoid crunched knees and middle seats
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There are ways to protect yourself in a home-away-from-home
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You’ve got all those miles and points, so now what?
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The key is doing your homework before you travel
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This multi-trillion-dollar industry offers plenty of opportunities
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What are your options when your airline grounds you?
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This lodging niche offers the best of both worlds
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Do for others what they don’t have time to do for themselves
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How to stay in touch with the office and clients while traveling abroad
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Find high quality, low cost service targeted to your business needs
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Showcase your company message with logo shirts that act as “walking billboards”
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Quality custom polo shirts pump up company awareness
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Business train travel picks up speed as air hassles escalate
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Move goods rapidly and economically with transportation technologies
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Freight train service can be an economical way to move products
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Airport shuttles and limo services boost efficiency and reduce hassles
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Ease on-the-road worries with travel health insurance
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Partner with the right airlines to maximize air travel savings
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Streamline the delivery process with the right transportation technology
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Hi Shara,
San Francisco International has meeting rooms operated by various airlines----for example, American Airlines' Admirals Club makes space available to members and their clients that might work for your layover get-together. It's located post-security but you can request non-traveler security clearance for your friends so they can join you. Check your airline's website for other meeting room options. Also, check out Regus (www.regus.com), a provider of meeting spaces in many, many locations including SFO.
You might also want to hop a shuttle to one of the nearby hotels, like the Hyatt or Marriott. Quiet lobby corners, lounges, etc. can make for good meeting spots too. There are museums, even spas, right at SFO, so you should not have a problem finding a place to connect with your friends.
Betty Stark
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BankingMyWay (www.bankingmyway.com), powered by TheStreet, has over 1 million rates and excellent comparison tools.
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Hi Paul---
Thanks for adding this very helpful suggestion! There's always so much to deal with when you first arrive at a foreign destination; having money in a handy (and safe) place makes things SO much easier. A neck pouch is an excellent idea.
Betty Stark
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This is a good question, Paul. Earlier this month, Delta was named "Best Airline for Airport Lounges" and I have to agree that they are a notch above most for the Big Six carriers. I think one even has a putting green. Because of my MIdwest home base, I fly Northwest, United and American most frequently and (in my opinion) they are all comparable. That's why I like the Priority Pass concept---one membership gets you into a long list of both domestic and international clubs. It's a prefect way to sample several and then choose your own favorites.
Betty Stark
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That's a great question, Shara. Many of the major airports (domestic and international) do have post offices. Your best bet is to check out the specific airport Web site to see where the facility is located and for hours of operation.
Betty Stark
Comments Posted by Betty W. Stark
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