The OneMinute Geek: Internet makes travel easier

The Problem:

Incessant security checks, poor airline service and tiny coach seating, have made business travel tedious. Even vacation travel frequently isn’t fun at all.

The Solution:

The Internet offers a way to ease the increasing burdens of travel. Here are some tips on how to wield the power of the web to help make travel less troublesome.

1. Shop online. The Internet is a great price equalizer. Use www.Hotels.com when looking for accommodations. Cross-reference the deals you find there with what the hotels are offering at their own web sites. Be sure to confirm the room type when ordering through Hotels.com. For example, some hotels won't offer two beds in the same room for some of their deals.

The Internet is useful for securing rental cars, too, though I find that the individual 1-800 number for the agency often produces better prices. And, just to be sure, always ask for "the walkup rate" when you pick up your car. It might well be cheaper.

2. Bandwidth. Most hotels now realize that high-speed Internet access is just as important as a free continental breakfast. Call beforehand and reconfirm not only that access is free but also that it is actually operational. If the wireless connection is weak when you check in, ask the hotel to move a transceiver closer to your room. Also, some hotels offer free wireless bridges -- adaptors that connect to your laptop and boost the signal.

Sometimes you'll need to ferret out a wireless hot spot in an airport, coffee shop, or library. The frequent flier clubs often have free Internet access in their airport lounges. Also, there are a number of websites that list wireless locations near you. Check out www.wififreespot.com, www.hotspot-locations.com or www.jiwire.com. And, just in case you can’t find a wireless spot, it’s always good to bring along a network cable.

3. Boarding Passes. Many airlines offer you the option of printing your boarding pass from their web site. All you need is a standard black and white printer. Then you can bypass the airline counter at the airport. To pick the best seat for the aircraft you’ll be flying, go to www.SeatGuru.com.

4. Reward Travel. Ask your credit card companies about their frequent-traveler programs. Be sure to link that card's mileage program with other airline programs. Then, with a click of a mouse, you can transfer miles from one account to another to redeem free or upgraded travel.

5. Entertainment. Enroll in www.NetFlix.com and bring some DVDs for the long

layovers. Don't forget the headphones, the charger and the extra batteries

6. Online Banking. Enroll in your bank's online services so you can manage your money from anywhere in the world. Your bank will even issue checks and transfer money on your remote instructions. Be sure to set up your credit cards for online access, too.

7. Safe Computing. Regardless of where you are and what you're doing, always safeguard your data and your identity. Public computers are public. That means you shouldn’t use such computers for anything that you wouldn't want others to know. Also, if you're bringing your own computer to a public site, be sure your firewall is activated when you access the Internet. Also, be sure your anti-virus software and anti-spyware software are updated and that you have a good backup at home of what's on that laptop just in case it's stolen, crushed or just plain dead.

James Kerr is President/CEO of SuperGeeks, a Hawaii-based computer service and repair company (www.supergeeks.net). Please feel free to send your questions, comments and suggestions to Mr. Kerr. He can be reached at kerr@supergeeks.net and 942-0773.