February 1, 2010
As anyone who travels frequently, especially internationally, knows, the worst part is most often just getting through the airports. Not only are there long, uncomfortable flights, but there are long security lines, and even longer lines to get through customs.
However, for anyone who travels frequently, especially internationally, there are special programs in place to reduce these inconveniences. We can’t increase your legroom, but by navigating on your POcket PC Device to two websites in particular, you can greatly enhance your traveling experience, and get to the most enjoyable parts as soon as possible.
The two programs in question are TSA’s registered traveler program and the US Custom’s trusted traveler program. The idea behind both is that low-risk travelers — who aren’t on any terrorist suspect lists — can apply for elevated status, and therefore be treated to faster check-ins at the airport and at the border.
You can apply for the US Customs trusted traveler program here, and can learn more about the TSA registered traveler program here.
For frequent Pocket PC travelers (all you guys!), who want to fly through the checkpoints, and get to doing what you’re traveling for, I highly recommend these two services.
January 27, 2010
Knowledge is power. When you’re traveling by plane, you need you gate and time information. Traveling by train, you need to know which station, when, and perhaps what line. When traveling by vehicle — if you have a schedule to keep — you have to know road conditions, and how long it’ll take to get from point A to Point B.
Your Pocket PC can provide you with some crucial driving information. It can get you weather forecasts, driving maps, and even search for attractions in the area you’re headed through. Now, with the help of Traffic Vizzion, you can now have access to on-road traffic cameras, that give you an exact view of what lies ahead.
Traffic Vizzion, available for the Pocket PC, gets you access to thousands of cameras in the US and UK, to be viewed on your handheld device. There’s a subscription fee, $30.00 per year, but just one business meeting you can make instead of miss, can pay for that in one swoop.
Traffic Vizzion can tell you which route is the least congested; can help you decide which route is the best to take; can help you see what’s ahead, causing a traffic jam; and can help you research weather conditions. Traffic Vizzion even uses your phone’s GPS to give you results for your current location.
January 25, 2010
One of my favorite parts of Europe, that I’ll be sure to take advantage of when I visit Frankfurt, is the train system. Nearly all of Europe is literally linked by a fast, dependable, and convenient EuroRail train system… that whisks you from one great leisure travel destination to the other.
Like most things in life — in my life at least — there are some useful Pocket PC apps that can add to your experience using the EuroRail system. ADB Transit Manager allows you add and edit train schedules right on your own device, according to the routes you want to make and run. It may be a bit too manual for the taste of most users… but certainly helpful in a pinch.
Second, for those in Frankfurt at least, there’s Departure, a Pocket PC app that allows you to view and filter the trains running around Germany. It tracks an unlimited amount of routes, gives you information about when and where you have to be at a certain station to catch them, and even notifies you if they’re late.
For backpack travelers and business people alike, the Eurpoean train systems are a great option to get around, and discover great new places you wouldn’t have otherwise. Bring your Pocket PC device along, and you’ll have not only your departure and arrival schedules, but you’ll have your work and your entertainment to keep you busy during the long hours.
January 19, 2010
I just learned that I’ll be traveling to Frankfurt on business later this month. While researching how my Pocket PC would be most useful (apart from serving as my mobile office), I thought it was an ideal situation to write another feature destination post.
Frankfurt, which sits on the Main River, is often regarded as the financial center of Germany, as well as the largest financial center in all of Europe. Frankfurt Airport is Europe’s busiest airport (the world’s 7th busiest), Frankfurt’s Central Station is one of the largest terminal stations in Europe.
It’s not all business in Frankfurt, though. The city boasts one of Europe’s finest opera traditions, a wide-open square, and very cool architecture rebuilt after WWII. Of course, the local beer (or bier), is also fantastic.
If you’re traveling in and out of Frankfurt’s well-used airport, travelplan’s mobile app can give you all the information you need to make it a smooth (and on-time) trip. That one can be invaluable. For getting around the city, staying and eating included, there’s the MyCityMate app for Pocket PC.
If you are traveling to Frankfurt, it goes without saying that I recommend taking your PocketPC along. I’m confident it will enhance your experience, if not save it all together. Have a great time, get some work done, and do it all on your Pocket PC. Who could complain?
