Keeping you connected and informed

May 2015

FEATURED DESTINATION

Houston Highlights for the Business Traveler

The city of Houston exemplifies the phrase "Everything's bigger in Texas." The metropolitan area itself is bigger than the state of New Jersey, sprawling more than 90 miles wide in any direction! It's a diverse melting pot of industry and culture, so if you travel for work, there's a reasonable chance you'll find yourself in Houston sometime.

Read more about what a business traveler can do and see in Houston on our Travel Maestro blog.

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"Better than online!"

We've been pleased to see multiple articles over the last few months about the value of travel agents and the favorable way our services stack up against online booking sites. It's even more gratifying to hear it directly from one of our valued travelers:

"I appreciate your assistance greatly. This is why travel agents (especially you) are better than online!!"

- Sara Marchello, the College of William and Mary

If you would like to be featured in a future Covington Connection, please be sure to share your stories with us.

What is a Known Traveler Number and Why Do You Need One?

Even if you have plenty of time until your flight departs, no one enjoys standing in lengthy security lines at the airport TSA check points. I always size up the available lanes and avoid falling in behind families with small children - and their requisite stroller, diaper bag, kid's backpack of travel toys and the general inefficiency of doing anything with children in tow. Instead I'd rather follow the practiced business traveler who knows the drill and has their laptop out and jacket off before they get to the plastic bins. An even faster, smoother way to clear security at 133 U.S. airports is to obtain a Known Traveler Number and be eligible for selection to use the expedited screening TSA Pre✓^� lanes where you don't have to remove shoes or laptops.

Find out more about Known Traveler Numbers.

News and Tips For Business, Meeting & Event Travelers

How to Have Fun on a Business Trip (Yes, Really!) T+L

Ultimate frequent-flyer guide Consumer Reports

Hotels Embrace Sustainability to Lure Guests and Cut Costs NY Times

Top Meeting Trends for 2015 Benchmark Hospitality

What's Your Opinion?

Select-service hotels that don't offer amenities such as bell service and valet but do offer free Wi-Fi are growing in popularity. How do you feel about these hotels?

I love it -- hotels should be changing with traveler needs.
This is the only kind of hotel I know. What's bell service, anyway?
It's great for business travel, but I prefer nicer amenities for leisure travel.
I don't like it -- I have certain standards, and these hotels don't meet them.

Vote here and see an instant comparison to your peers' opinions.

Upgrade your travel experience. Upgrade to Covington.

Covington Travel

804-495-4850

Three Virginia locations: Charlottesville Glen Allen Richmond

www.covingtontravel.com [email protected]