The latest news from the travel sector is that business travel is expected to be up in 2010:

More than a quarter of business travel budgets will be increased this year according to a new survey ahead of this year’s Business Travel & Meetings Show. – Breaking Travel News

It seems that even with all the great new technology like video conferencing and high speed internet, there is simply no substitute for face-to-face contact when you’re in the thick of business negotiations. Since globalization and the emerging markets overseas are such strong factors in the global marketplace, international travel is one of the biggest areas of business travel.

When traveling internationally, you may need the assistance of a passport expediting service to help you get your official documents in order before an urgent trip.  Remember Swift Passport Services, an independently owned company that helps thousands of satisfied clients each year get to their international destinations smoothly and without standing in long lines.

Call us today to find out what we can do for you: 1-877-917-9438.   Or visit our website:  www.SwiftPassport.com.

It was only a matter of time!

Apparently, Pet Airways has officially launched and you may now buy first class tickets starting at $149 for your pets to travel from coast to coast.  The airline boasts the following features:

• Pets Fly in the main cabin Not in the cargo hold
• A Trained Pet Attendant is always monitoring your pet.
• We make sure there is plenty of fresh, cool air at all times.
• Pets are never left unattended in a warehouse or on a ramp.
• No need to buy a pet carrier, we provide it FREE of charge.
• Peace of mind that your pet is in the hands of pet professionals.
• If you’re delayed don’t worry; your pet is in good hands.
• No hot or cold weather restrictions that prevent pets from flying.
• Potty breaks.

Pets are picked up and dropped off at special pet lounges inside the airport.  I’m assuming they also get complementary cocktails.

So what do you think?  Would you fly your pet on Pet Airways?

Ok, maybe it isn’t isn’t for everyone…and maybe it will be expensive when it does get here…but it does appear that all systems are a go on the space tourism industry.  This week New Mexico’s governor Bill Richardson unveiled a $200 million spaceport:

The almost $200 million project is funded by the state. Once completed, British business magnate Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic will begin taking tourists to space from the facility. Flights are expected to start in 2010.

Branson has said that he has a list of 45,000 people from 120 countries who have registered to take the space trips. It will cost $200,000 a ride, according to the Spaceport America Web site.

The spaceship will be connected to a specially designed carrier aircraft that will take it to about 50,000 feet, according to Virgin Galactic. The aircraft will release the spaceship, which will then use rockets to propel itself into space.

Virgin Galactic has envisioned one flight a week, with six tourists aboard.

So, what do you think?  If you had the chance, would you go into space for a week?

If you’ve ever found yourself standing at the luggage carousel after a long flight, desperately trying to  identify your black nylon suitcase from among the hundreds of others belonging to your fellow travelers, you can see why a unique suitcase might be worth having.  It seems like everyone on the planet has the exact same case with perhaps an occasional granny-style floral brocade bag thrown in for good measure.  That’s why I thought it would be a good idea to show off some of the cool, innovative, and easy to recognize bags on the market today.  One thing is for sure–whether you like these designs or not–they definitely stand out in a crowd:

Vulcan Fibre Suitcase with Wheels by Vivre ($2145)

This hot pink case is part of the limited-edition Candy Collection.  It features luxurious burgundy leather belts and an exclusive floral lining by Liberty of London.

International Traveller Curved Hardside 27″ ($295)

This case will not get lost in a crowd.  Brilliant canary yellow with traditional hard sides, you can pack your precious belongings and rest assured they are safe.

Titan X2 Large 4-wheel case ($399)

Titan suitcases are virtually indestructible.  And if something does happen to them (like a nuclear explosion) they are covered by a “No Matter What” lifetime warranty.  This grass green color is tech-y but hip.

Hideo Wakamatsu Canvas Trolley 20″ ($229)

Hideo Wakamatsu is a Japanese designer responsible for art-inspired bags such as this one featuring the famous Hokusai painting of The Wave.

Heys XCase Exotic Zebra Print 20″ ($135)

You may or may not be headed for an African safari, but you can still enjoy a wild trip with a zebra print hardside suitcase from Heys.

WSJ: Global Premium Air Travel Keeps Declining

With a 27.3% drop, the Pacific region experienced the worst decline in premium passenger numbers, while of the larger markets, Asia was the weakest, said IATA. Only Africa saw more passengers buying first and business-class tickets, but the 2.8% increase in that market is less significant due to its small size. Across the North Atlantic, premium travel fell 22.5%, following a 14.5% drop in January.

The number of passengers traveling on economy-class tickets fell 8.3% in February, following a 4.7% fall in January. Overall passenger numbers were down 9.6%, or 6% if adjusted for the extra day in February 2008.

Now is the time to do some international travel if you’ve been socking away some funds for a “trip of a lifetime”.  The article goes on to say that the market is about to bottom out, and that means we may not see prices again this low for decades.  Add to this the struggling  global economy and you’re sure to find amazing deals on lodging and other services.  Travel Agent Central is reporting a huge decrease in hotel rates both here and abroad.

Just make sure you check the State Department’s interactive guide for travel advisories before you make your plans.

We’d like to take a few minutes to thank all of our loyal clients, and those of you who have referred business to us over the past year. Our business depends on your satisfaction, and we hope you’ll take the time to communicate your experience with our company. We hope that your future travels will be safe, exciting, and full of wonderful new experiences. If you need any assistance with getting your passport or visa expedited, we are here to help. Drop by our main website and let us know what we can do for you!

All the best in 2009!