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Mobile Working Options for Frequent Travelers

For frequent travelers, some things are non-negotiable. Certain products and services simply make working while on the road simpler and more organized.

According to a report released last year by Norm Rose of Travel Tech Consulting Inc., 16 percent of travelers surveyed currently use smartphones to book trips. That figure rises to 18 percent among the 18 to 35 year olds and to 33 percent among frequent travelers.

It should come as no surprise that today’s travelers rely on Internet connectivity to get things done and meet deadlines when on the road. Staying connected is critical to keeping up with business happenings, and the trick is in finding the best and easiest way to do so when on the go. From mobile broadband, to video chatting, to organizing travel itineraries, here’s the information that will keep you running, no matter where in the world you find yourself.

Mobile Broadband

One of the best ways to stay connected is with mobile broadband, which is all but a necessity. For example, travelers with T-Mobile broadband can use a 4G Mobile HotSpot to connect multiple Wi-Fi–enabled devices (laptops, tablets, eReaders, and more) to high-speed Internet from anywhere, as well as laptop sticks for instant connectivity when plugged into the USB port of the computer.

And, of course, travelers always have the option of traditional Wi-Fi. When in an unfamiliar city, the Wi-Fi Finder app (available for iPhone and Android) is a great addition to your smartphone or tablet and features over 550,000 free and paid Wi-Fi locations in 144 countries worldwide. The app works both online and offline, so it can be a lifesaver when you need to set up shop unexpectedly to shoot off some emails or connect with coworkers.

In addition to Wi-Fi availability, travelers are wise to be equipped with some other technology necessities that come in the form of apps.

Skype

You may be familiar with Skype, but unless it’s downloaded as an app on your phone or tablet, you aren’t using it to its full capability. For the unfamiliar, Skype allows free video and voice calls to other Skype users. As a result, Skype has become one of those non-negotiable tools for travelers. Connecting with coworkers, clients, and family members with the touch of screen makes no one out of reach and no important meeting “unattendable.” Skype also works great across platforms, so whether the person you need to connect with is on an Android, iPhone, Mac or PC, you’re covered.

TripIt

The TripIt app keeps all your plans in one place, so you can worry about the reason for your trip, rather than the details of it. This app organizes and shares travel information and trip details to create one truly helpful itinerary that’s on your smartphone or tablet, synced with your computer, and online at TripIt.com whenever and wherever you need it. When you receive a confirmation email from wherever you book, forward it to plans@tripit.com. TripIt instantly recognizes reservations from 3,000+ booking sites including cruises, restaurants, concerts, and more.

And, my favorite feature of TripIt is that it allows me to see any friends or colleagues who are also traveling and will be in the same city at the same time as me. It’s great bonus feature that comes in handy for networking and catching up.

Bump

The last travel app that deserves a mention here is Bump (available on iPhone and Android platforms), although it’s a great app for home base, too. This app makes sharing contact info, photos, and apps with other people as simple as bumping two phones together. You simply pick what you want to send and then gently bump hands with another Bump user – that’s it! And after you bump, you keep sending messages any time, anywhere, complete with instant notifications. It’s almost like free texting. Bump even works cross-platform between Android, iPhone, and iPad.

Why is this a great app for travel? Because when you’re on the go, nothing is too easy. Receiving information with a bump is a simple, convenient way to get what you need and get on with your trip.

photo credit: Shutterstock/Annette Shaff

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This post originally came from Kathika Travel Blog. Stop by and read our most popular travel blog posts.Mobile Working Options for Frequent Travelers

One Surefire Way to Save Money When Traveling

If there’s an easy, effortless way to save money on travel expenses, why doesn’t everyone take advantage of it? It has to be because they don’t know coupon codes are readily available. Sure, everyone sees the field where you can enter a promotion code. They’re on every e-commerce website. Yet many, if not most, people think those are reserved for people who were issued coupons and codes. This is not so. Anyone can find coupon codes for almost anything, and they will almost always cut a bit off the bill. Anyone booking travel should do this without fail.

How does someone find coupon codes? It’s actually rather easy. When you’re booking on a company’s website — let’s say Continental Airlines — open up a new tab and run a Google search for “continental airlines coupon codes.” Seriously. It’s that easy. The results won’t all contain codes to help you save money. Some will be repeats, some will be spammy. There will surely be some forums included, which probably contain outdated coupon codes. This takes a little sorting, which we’ll get to in a minute.
Another way to find coupon codes is to go directly to sites that provide them. The most famous of them is probably RetailMeNot. It contains around 150,000 codes at any given time, so you’ll have plenty of chances to find a good deal. Other well-known and reliable coupon sites include:

• CouponSmarter
• Ebates
• Coupon Cabin
• Savings.com
• Buxr

Go to these sites and simply search for the airline you’re flying or the hotel where you’re staying. That should give you at least a few more promotional and coupon codes. But don’t do anything just yet. We still need to figure out which ones to use.

The most reliable way to find coupon codes for travel actually comes from the all-in-one travel booking sites. You’re far more likely to find an Orbitz promotion code than you are to find one for either the airline you’re flying or the hotel where you’re staying. While there are certainly downsides to booking with sites such as Orbitz, Expedia, and Travelocity, the potential for coupon codes definitely makes them more attractive.
Once you’ve collected a number of coupon codes that you’d like to use, it’s time to sort them. Normally you can only use one per transaction, so sort them in order of the greatest money saved. Once you have your list, go through and start entering them. Chances are that the one that saves you the most money is invalid. That might sound like an enormous generalization, but it’s true. A lot of the printed 30% off codes don’t work. But don’t fret. You can just continue down your list, trying the next biggest savings. You’ll eventually hit on one, and that will help you cut down on your expenses.
It’s such a simple method, but it seems that not even close to everyone takes advantage. If something can save you money, why not go for it? Thankfully, finding coupon and promotional codes for flights and hotels is easy peasy. All it takes is a little googling and some organization. After that, it’s a smooth road to savings.

photo credit: Shutterstock/chrisbrignell

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Tips for Finding Cheap Flights and Hotels

We all want to travel, but many of us don’t have the budget to do so frequently. That is, we didn’t have the budget to do so, until the internet. Online services have changed the face of travel. What was once a tedious and multistep process has become — simpler, at least. No one would really call it simple. And complex might be better, too. The more services you try, the more chances you can find to save. There are quite a few services that can help you find hotel and airline rates that enable you to travel even with a small budget.

Best flight prices

The greatest frustrating of flying is the price fluctuation. Supply and demand, plus ever-changing fuel prices, mean that airlines are always changing their rates. It’s only luck if you happen to buy when they’re offering their best rate. How frustrating is it to buy a ticket only to see it sold for cheaper a few weeks later? Or worse, find a ticket for a good price but come back a few days later and find it more expensive? Wouldn’t it be great if there was a service to monitor this for you?

Yapta does just that. When you know you’re going to buy a ticket — and hopefully you know many months in advance — you can search for the flight on Yapta’s website. It keep tabs on the price fluctuations, and based on historical trends it lets you know when it’s the right time to buy. Even better, it offers a service that lets you find out if the price of a ticket you’ve already purchased is reduced. If you bought it directly from the airline, you might be able to get a refund for the difference.

Just visit yapta.com to get started with this free service.

Cheaper hotels

While the flight is the roughest part of booking travel, a hotel isn’t much easier. There are so many variables that go into hotels that picking one can be a real gamble. The sweet spot, a cheap hotel with decent amenities, is tough to nail. But with a few online tools we can find the best deals possible on the best hotels possible.

One popular hotel service is hotwire.com. It’s actually something of a game. You let them know your travel parameters — when you’re arriving, how long you’re staying, how many adults and children you’ll need, etc. — and then give you a list of available hotels in the area. But they don’t let you know the actual hotel. They show you the rating and the price. You then pick blindly, finding out only after you’ve paid up. It might be rough going blind, but if it saves you money it can be worth it.

There are tons of other sites where you can find cheap hotels, such as CheapTickets, Orbitz, and Priceline. It’s actually a bit easier to find a cheap hotel than a cheap flight, especially if you check up on all of these services. You’re bound to find one that has a reasonable listing.

Rental car strategy

Renting a car can end up costing you almost as much as your hotel if you do it wrong. Do it right, though, and you can save a ton. We mentioned renting a car on a budget back in June, but it bears repeating. Make sure you scout out rental car companies that are off the airport site. You might have to jump through a few more hoops to get there, but oftentimes the rates at these off-site locations can be half, or less, the price of on-site rental cars. The hassle is often worth the saved money.

photo credit: Shutterstock/lfong

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What is JetBlue’s Carry on Luggage Policy?

JetBlue has a carry on luggage policy that must be followed. Each passenger is allowed to carry on one personal item, as well as one bag that fits in the overhead bin. A personal item can include a laptop computer bag, briefcase, purse, etc.

To ensure that you do not run into any problems at the gate, you will want to be aware of the size restrictions on carry on items. Generally speaking, carry on baggage should fit in the overhead bin. Your personal item should be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you.

Your personal item may not be larger than 18 inches length x 15 width x 8 height. Once again, this size restraint is in place to ensure that the item will under the seat.

To fit in the overhead bin your carry on must not be larger than 26 inches length x 18 width x 12 height when flying on a Jet Blue Airbus A320. When flying on their EMBRAER 190, the size restrictions are 24 inches length x 16 inches width x 10 niches height.

Of course, you should also be aware of the FAA laws which govern the items that you are allowed to carry through security within your carry on luggage.

Knowing the carry on luggage policy will allow you to best plan for your flight on a Jet Blue airliner.

photo credit: mrkathika

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Handy Travel Products You Can’t Live Without

Whether you’re jetting across the country for a business meeting or backpacking through Europe, at least one of the nifty travel products below is bound to become the one item you couldn’t do without.

Neck Pillow – A buckwheat neck pillow can make any long trip, or even a short cramped flight more comfortable.

SteriPEN – This portable water purifier uses ultraviolet light to decontaminate your drinking water.

TuneSafe – Keep your iPod secure and safe from damage with this lockable protective case.

Laundry Soap Sheets – Clean your own messes quickly with portable detergent.

Stain Eraser – Similar to laundry sheets, but take care of smaller messes even faster.

Folding Cup – Just like you had as a boyscout, lets you have a drink anywhere and even stores your pills inside when its not being used as a cup.

Solar Battery Charger – Get the power you need no matter where you go.

Hand Sanitizer – Stay germ free even when you’re on the got and there isn’t time to find a bathroom and properly wash.

No matter where you go, whether it’s a long trip or a fairly short jaunt, its good to take the old boy scout motto to heart and always be prepared. You’ll be glad you did.

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Book Review: The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World

Susan Veness, author of The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World, has something in common with the author of another recent review, Mousejunkies. She also first visited Walt Disney World as a child, and also wasn’t properly captured by the magic until she returned as an adult.

Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World by Susan Veness

Nowadays Veness is firmly hooked and this combined guide book and history of the four theme parks – The Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom – is actually the kind of book you could read for entertainment, not just information. Veness has obviously spent plenty of time exploring these parks (apparently she lives just down the road, which certainly makes it easier) and doesn’t stop at basic hints or tips for visitors. There are interesting snippets of history, “fascinating fact” boxes and maps with useful visiting tips.

An unknown fact that caught my eye, for example, was the fact that the plans for the Japanese pavilion at Epcot originally included a Mount Fuji roller coaster. However, the idea was scrapped, and one of the reasons for this was that the major sponsor, Kodak, didn’t want visitors being reminded of their competitor, Fuji Film! These kinds of tidbits are littered throughout Hidden Magic and make it a more than worthwhile read.

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Travel Photo of the Day Borgund Stave in Norway

The Travel Photo of the Day is of Borgund Stave in Norway and was taken by zoetnet

Photo credit: zoetnet

The Borgund stave church is located in Borgund, Norway, and it is known as the best-preserved example of Norway’s 28 extant stave churches. Built near the end of the 12th century, the church has undergone no major reconstructions or modifications since then. However, the church does show signs that a previous building, most likely another church or a pagan temple, stood on the same spot.

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Alaska Airlines Baggage Restrictions, Luggage Charges and Carry on Luggage

As a passenger on an Alaska Airlines flight it is important to be aware of baggage restrictions, luggage charges, and carry on luggage policies. These details will determine how you pack for your trip, and what you do when you arrive at the airport.  Alaska Airlines charges $20 for the first, second an third bag. Each bag over this will be assessed a fee of $50 each. Alaska Airlines also charges for oversize and overweight baggage. A bag is considered oversize if bigger than 62 linear inches and overweight if heavier than 50 pounds. Alaska Airlines allows each passenger to carry on one bag as well as one personal item. A carry on bag can measure up to 10″ H x 17″ W x 24″ L. A personal item can be classified as a purse, laptop computer, or briefcase. At least one item, either your carry on bag or personal item, should be placed in front of the seat in front of you. It is important to keep these basic restrictions, policies, and fees in mind if you are going to be flying on an Alaska Airlines flight in the near future. photo credit: Cubbie_n_Vegas

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Nightclubs in Atlantic City

The ebb and flow of popularity in Atlantic city can be hard on the local economy as they seem to last a long time and there’s several years before a new wave washes ashore in this Jersey ocean side city, but the good news is Atlantic City is riding a current wave of popularity that is making it a happening hot spot once again.

If you’re looking for a great place to vacation that offers the fun and excitement of a Las Vegas style vacation and the relaxing ocean front frolicking of Florida then it’s Atlantic City all the way, baby. Nightclubs are king in this city and no vacation to Atlantic City is complete without spending at least one night carousing in one of these nightclubs.

Casbah

Voted the number one nightclub in Atlantic City (or maybe just dubbed that by the owner himself), Trump’s Casbah is a truly stunning club scene. Located in the world-famous Taj Mahal, Casbah is often one of the most happening hot spots in the city and can cram in more than 2000 people at once. Casbah is the one place in town where you’re almost guaranteed to rub elbows with a celebrity, the problem is, with a crowd this huge you’re most likely not to even notice. Casbah knows how to create the right mix of celebrity, thumping music and sex to come up with a winning combination.

Ego

Trump’s big Ego is on full display in the Taj Mahal’s gaming floor. Ego is one of the latest entrants into Atlantic City’s night life and it’s just a little different than the traditional club. A contemporary club with 11,000 square feet, 360 seats, 27 flat screened televisions, private cabanas and martinis to suit all tastes. There are two house bands, Elan and Dave Anthony & the Edge to provide guests with some entertainment. The most unique aspect of Ego and one that might soon be copied by other casinos, is that it is visible from the gaming floor and draws attention to itself rather than being hidden on a top floor or tucked into an alcove.

Mixx

The Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa brings a couple options to the table and they’re all pretty happening and popular, depending on what sort of crowd you’re looking for. The first Borgata entry is MIXX, which pushes the envelope of energy. Top DJs spin tunes for a crowd that just doesn’t seem to stop moving. Sign up for bottle service and you’ll get the VIP treatment all night long, a rare treat for some that may be worth the added expense.

Mur Mur

Borgata’s low key entrant in the nightclub game is Mur Mur, another retreat for the famous but that’s mainly because they can retreat to the darkened corners and fade from view. Mur Mur also offers bottle service for those wanting to play VIP for the night, but Mur Mur is one of the more expensive clubs in town so perhaps it’s not the place to try bottle service for the first time. But keep this in mind, it’s the prices that keep the atmosphere so relaxed.

Blue Martini

Blue Martini at Bally

Bally’s Blue Martini is a chic low key martini bar with more than 100 selections to keep you interested. The built-in frosted ice rail is ideal for chilling your drink while you check out the atmosphere. The live music prerequisite is fulfilled but three 60-inch plasma screens give you something to look at.

Bikini Beach Bar

Another Bally nightclub is the Bikini Beach Bar which takes advantage of their sandy location on the sea. This outdoor establishment is open only during the tourist season but since the dress code is basically swimwear this seems like more than perfect timing. The Bikini Beach Bar offers a lot of promotions and events so keep your eyes and ears pealed for free tickets or drink deals.

Providence

The Tropicana has found its own way into the nightclub scene with Providence, a New York City styled club and ultra lounge. Touting the New York City atmosphere is a little weird as the hotel prides itself on being Havana inspired, but whatever they are the vibe seems to be happening. Two DJ booths stationed across the dance floor create a back and forth high energy atmosphere that oozes excitement.

Tango’s Lounge

Tango’s Lounge in the Tropicana follows the Havana vibe more closely as its relaxed and laid back with a distinct island feel. This lounge is a nightclub in the old sense, not in the thumping new sense of the word. Sit back at Tango’s Lounge and enjoy live jazz, reggae, or salsa and sip tropical cocktails. This is a great off-season locale as it warms your soul on a cold winter day.

Club Worship

Club Worship at the Showboat

Club Worship is brought to you by Showboat & The House of Blues. This three story nightclub features dance floors, private booths, two bars, and intimate seating. A word to the wise though, the sub woofers on the first floor are ridiculous and they vibrate the entire floor and can cause some hearing damage, so stick to the upper two floors for a more enjoyable evening.

The Pool After Dark

Every teen has learned that there’s nothing quite like a pool after dark so Harrah’s decided to take it a step further with The Pool After Dark, a hip nightclub located around their pool. DJs keep the crowd moving and the energy flowing while drinks are liberally poured for guests. There’s just something about this outdoor party that makes it more friendly and fun than your traditional nightclub.

Dusk

Not opening until the summer of 2009, Dusk is highly anticipated but there isn’t much information on the amenities. All we know is it’s set to be a high energy club featuring hip hop, industrial, pop and top 40 music.

Atlantic City is on the move and gaining in popularity and as the casinos begin to realize their successes you can expect that the club scene will continue to keep changing as old clubs just don’t draw the crowds like new and trendy ones do. Keep your eyes peeled because what is new and happening this year is bound to be old news next year.

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Got the Snow Bug? Find an Affordable Winter Holiday

If the 2010 Toronto Winter Olympic Games TM gave you the itch to get out and have your own winter adventure, then you are not alone. In what is left of the winter you can expect that many large resorts are going to be teeming with snow lovers both new and seasoned. Here are some tips to ensure that you get the best deal possible at the best resort for you.

• Do your research. The internet is an invaluable resource. But checking out company sites probably isn’t enough to cut it. Go to forums and get first-hand advice from people who’ve negotiated the labyrinth of deals, perks and special offers in the ski holidays industry. Also, contact the travel bureaus and resorts directly, mention the deals you’ve been offered, and make them compete for your business.
• Check all resorts. Doing research on resorts can be invaluable. Remember, the popular resorts are also likely to be the most populated and expensive. If you’re just a beginner, then thousands of acres of off-piste terrain probably isn’t going to improve your trip, one way or the other. So check the smaller resorts as well, and enjoy the space and safety of less-crowded runs.
• Seek accommodation off the mountain. At some mountains, you will be able to stay just outside of the resort itself, and take a shuttle bus up each day. They leave very early in the morning, so you don’t have to lose any skiing/snowboarding time. Also, you’ll save money on parking, resort entry fees and over-priced cafés and restaurants if you pack your lunch before embarking.
• Borrow gear from friends. Equipment is expensive to buy or to rent. If you are only going up for a short time, then ask friends if there is any gear (waterproofs, gloves, boots, skis or snowboards) that you could borrow. If you are going up for longer and have nobody to borrow equipment from, check rental rates and see if it will be cheaper or more expensive to buy or to rent.

Stay safe, bring your own food, and enjoy the snow – it shouldn’t be an exclusive pastime of the well-to-do.
photo credit: geoftheref

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Travel Photo of the Day Los Arcos, Cabo San Lucas

The Travel Photo of the Day is of Los Arcos, Cabo San Lucas and was taken by Lisa Andres

Photo credit: Lisa Andres

These rock arches are called Los Arcos and are located in the San Lucas Bay close to the city of Cabo San Lucas. If you are in the area, take a break from snorkeling and kayaking to see this wonderful rock formation.

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The Travel Photo of the Day is of Walpack Valley

The Travel Photo of the Day is of Walpack Valley and was taken by Nicholas_T

Photo credit: Nicholas_T

Walpack Valley has become a popular spot for people visiting the area, especially for those interested in camping and other outdoors activities. Hiking, swimming, fishing, whitewater rafting, and kayaking are all popular activities for tourists in the area. With so many activities, Walpack Valley has become one of the premier destinations for outdoorsmen.

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An idea whose time has come: Drive-through check in

Starting in November, Virgin Atlantic is offering business class travelers to do a drive-through check-in at Heathrow Airport.
It works like this: The car that’s bringing you to the airport drives up a special ramp to the first floor area near Departures in Terminal 3. A host meets you, tags your luggage and checks you in then and there, with no queuing or dealing with what they call “the Heathrow hassle.” Then you walk through a dedicated fast-track security check.

According to Virgin Atlantic staff, the processing time for passengers arriving at the drive-through check-in will be a maximum of 10 minutes. That’s going to sound pretty attractive to anybody waiting for an hour or two or more at another airline; until, that is, all the airlines get a drive-through service!
Photo credit: Deanster1983

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What are Jet Blue Luggage Policies?

Just like most airlines, Jet Blue has recently updated their luggage policy. If you are going to be flying as a Jet Blue passenger in the near future, you will want to be aware of the current luggage policy as well as any changes that are scheduled for the future.

Jet Blue allows each passenger to check one bag for free. While this may change, for the time being it is one of the better policies in the airline industry. That being said, if you need to check an additional bag you should be ready to pay a $20 fee. For three or more bags, each one is accompanied by a fee of $75.

Overweight and oversized baggage will be assessed an additional fee. Overweight bags weighing between 51 and 70 pounds are assessed a $50 fee. Those that are 71 to 99 pounds are charged $100. Anything over 99 pounds is not permitted to be checked.

Any bag between 63 and 80 inches will be charged a fee of $75. At this time, Jet Blue does not accept bags larger than 80 inches.

Jet Blue does allow each passenger to check one bag for free, but after that they begin to tack on a $20 fee or more. As noted above, you may also incur fees for overweight or oversized baggage. For the time being, expect Jet Blue to keep these policies in place.

photo credit: Cubbie_n_Vegas

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Taxi rates in major cities

It happened again last week: In Washington, DC for a wedding, I took a cab from the Mall to my hotel and the driver took what I thought was a suspiciously long route that led to a suspiciously high fare. I didn’t say anything, but you don’t have to put yourself in this position. Most major cities regulate taxi rates, many of which are posted on the web. You can also take advantage of fare calculator sites to give you an idea of how much it costs to go from Point A to Point B.

Of course, most of the cities listed here also have public transportation systems that are much cheaper than cabs. But if you’ve got a lot of luggage, or are wearing high heels for a night on the town, you might want to splurge on a taxi. These sites will help you budget for your trip.

Fare calculators
These sites tell you how much it will cost from either a set address or from major points of departure such as airports or tourist attractions. These are only estimates, but they’ll give you a rough idea of how much to budget for your trip from the airport to the hotel.

• TaxiWiz.com calculates rates for 11 US and Canadian cities using Google Maps: New York City, Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Toronto, San Diego, Vancouver, Washington, D.C. and Montreal. The tool tells you the mileage and calculates the total, including tip. There’s a mobile version, too.
• International Taxi Fare Finder give fares for Barcelona, Boston, London, Los Angeles, Madrid, New York, Paris, Prague, Rome and San Francisco. The site claims 85 percent accuracy “and growing.” Also has a mobile version.

Rates for individual cities
These links give you the most up-to-date information.

Boston taxis charge $1.75 for the first eighth of a mile and 30 cents for each additional eighth of a mile. Surcharges for trips to and from Logan Airport are $2.25 and $6 respectively.

Chicago cab rides start at $2.25, and increase 20 cents for each additional ninth9 of a mile. There is an extra $1 charge for for the first additional passenger over the age of 12 and under the age of 65, and 50 cents for each passenger after that.

Las Vegas taximeters start at $3.30 with an additional 20 cents per each eleventh of a mile. This site provides fare estimates for trips from the airport to a number of destinations, including the major casinos.

London has three rate schedules, called tariffs that are based on day or time. Minimum rate is £2.20. Taking a cab during business hours Monday through Friday is much cheaper than traveling by cab on weekends and in the evening, which is in turn much cheaper than traveling by cab at night or on public holidays.

Los Angeles taxis charge $2.65 for the first seventh of a mile and 35 cents for each seventh of a mile thereafter. Surcharges from LAX apply.

Montreal fares start at C$3.15 with an additional charge of C$1.45 per kilometer.

New York City taximeters start at $2.50 plus 40 cents for each additional one-fifth of a mile. There may also be additional charges, which are listed here. The taxi and limousine commission site also gives estimated fares for a variety of destinations from Manhattan.

Paris cabs a charge according to day, time and distance with three tariffs: Tariff A is the cost within the city limits from 10am to 5pm; Tariff B is the cost within city limits from 5pm to 10am and on Sundays and public holidays from 7am to midnight; and Tariff C applies to trips within the city limits from midnight to 7am on Sundays.

Rome also has a three tier system, with rates starting at €2,33 and increasing to €3,36 and €4,91.

San Francisco’s taxi commission lists the names and numbers of the city-licensed cab companies in addition to providing fare information. The meter starts at $3.10 and goes up 45 cents for each additional fifth of a mile.

Washington, DC uses zones, not mileage to calculate fares. This tool will help you figure out the cost.

For cities not listed here, check your destination’s airport website to see how much it costs to get from the airport to the center of town. In sprawling cities like Miami it’s generally best to rent a car rather than relying on cabs and/or public transportation.

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