Recently, I’ve read several articles about how important vacations are for our well being. No matter where we fall on the totem pole we need them. Simultaneously, I’m reading CNN’s Why is America the "No-Vacation" Nation? Which begins "Let's be blunt: If you like to take lots of vacation, the United States is not the place to work."

With the Thanksgiving holiday week around the corner, I am reminded that this is the most heavily traveled weekend of the year. Highways and airports will be filled with families trying to get to visit relatives, and business travelers trying to get home.

Are you planning a summer vacation? If you answered no to this question you might be surprised to learn that leisure travel is expected to increase 2.5% this Summer, according to the Travel Industry Association of America's (TIA) Summer forecast.

So, you're off to the United Kingdom on business? Great! You've always wanted to extend your managerial wings across The Pond (also known as the Atlantic) and now is your chance. They speak the same language, have similar values and business approaches and they're eager to learn from you.

In the wake of 2001's attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, the Federal government closed down the airports for several days and promised to make things safer. Among the immediate changes when the airports reopened: more security personnel; no curbside baggage check-in; and no metal knives at airport restaurants or on the planes themselves.

When was the last time you took a weeklong vacation? For many of us, it's been awhile. According to a recent Travel Poll by the Travel Industry Association of America (TIA), day trips and weekend getaways have increased in the last five years. Responses to the poll indicate that shorter trips have become more popular than longer vacations.

Best practices for packing a suitcase, whether you're on a business trip or taking a well deservred vacation.

For many, the most difficult part of business traveler is being away from loved ones. Even the most supportive partner may balk when trips become frequent. And kids are less understanding than a spouse. While time zones can make phone calls home all but impossible, there are other ways to stay connected.

Despite what people may think, business travel isn't fun. You often spend as much time getting to and from the airport as you spend on the plane. There are lines, the inevitable wait, followed by more lines and more waiting. Airlines loose luggage, hotels loose reservations and you think you're going to loose your sanity. Here are some of our tips to help you cope when you're on the road.

To check or to carryon that's the question. And each option has its advantages. Those who carryon may get out of the airport sooner. But those who check don't have to lug their luggage around before the flight.

You've avoided the line at check-in, traveled across country in comfort, and been the first one to get off the plane and collect your luggage. You congratulate yourself on avoiding the typical airport delays as you walk over to the rental car desk, and find that there's a line of people waiting to rent a car. How do you avoid this? Join the rental car company's preferred customer program.