Whether you're a regular business traveler or you only rent a vacation vehicle once a year, the right level of rental car insurance is important. With insufficient coverage, you could risk paying dearly if an accident or theft occurs. Take out too much insurance and you risk overpaying for coverage you really don't need.

If you have automobile insurance for a vehicle you own, this is the first place to start deciding on how much more you need to buy. It's possible your policy already provides a decent level of coverage against theft, an accident or other mishap with your rented vehicle. The liability insurance you have on your own vehicle may also cover any damage you cause to other vehicles or people while driving your rental car.

If you discover your regular car insurance does in fact cover any rental vehicles you drive, check any limitations on that coverage. If the car you own is older or of significantly less value than the car you're renting, your own insurance may not provide sufficient coverage. You could opt to buy additional insurance or rent a slightly older or less valuable vehicle if this is the case.

Credit cards you carry may be a second potential source of rental car insurance you already have in place. Many credit car companies offer rental car insurance if you pay for the rental with their card. This may be the case whether or not you own a car and have your own car insurance. Oftentimes, the combination of credit card rental insurance with your own auto policy's coverage is all you need to feel confident about rental vehicle coverage.

Rental car companies offer one of the most convenient options for purchasing rental car coverage. If you already know what (if any) insurance you have in place, you can quickly decide on the types of coverage you want on the car you drive. This may vary depending on your destination, how much you'll be driving and where you'll be driving.

As an example, if you're driving in a foreign country on the opposite side of the road in an urban setting, you may feel you need a greater level of coverage against accidents. If you'll be traveling a lot with most of your personal belongings in the vehicle, you might want to invest in extra insurance against damage or theft of your personal property.

Some homeowner's policies will provide adequate coverage for your personal belongings, so check this possibility before you invest in extra rental insurance. It's also a good idea to consider whether or not you have health insurance before you invest in coverage of personal injuries you may incur in a rental vehicle. If you have no health insurance, rental car insurance could be a wise investment.

A Collision Damage Waiver or CDW is another coverage option to consider when renting a car. This guarantees the rental agency will not charge you anything if the car you rent is damaged or even totaled. This includes the cost of repairing the vehicle, plus the time it takes for the car to be repaired. By contrast, your regular car insurance may only cover damages, but not the fees typically charged by a rental company for the days a vehicle is out of service for repairs.

Planning a vacation or business trip involves making lots of choices, and today decisions are often based on price. You want the best possible deal on your hotel and auto rental. You want real value for what you pay for tours or the maximum amenities for your money. Travelers often approach airport parking from a similar frame of mind.

 

Budget conscious travelers are certainly going to look for alternatives to the most expensive airport parking options. They may decide to park at a distant lot and opt to take a shuttle to the airport to cut costs. Today, some travelers even opt for private off-site parking options offered by homeowners or businesses located in close proximity to the airport.

Yet regardless of how much you want to save money, cost shouldn't be all you consider when deciding where to park your car while you travel. Security, service and convenience are three important factors to evaluate before you opt for any car park facility.

Instead of assuming a parking option is secure, make an evaluation based on what you see and can find out either in person or online. Will your car really be secure? Are the facilities gated, and is live surveillance in place 24 hours a day?

Does any area of the facility look unsafe, or easily susceptible to break-ins? Does the parking option you're considering have a history of break-ins, thefts or complaints about stolen vehicles or belongings?

Security problems can occur in any type of parking facility. Don't assume that just because you're right outside the airport, your vehicle is safe. Check with the airport if you're using on-site parking, or check online for complaints about any off-site parking service you consider using.

Service is another important factor to consider when deciding on airport parking. How long will you need to wait to be driven to the airport if you're parking off-site, or for a shuttle to return you to your car? Is shuttle service reliable and adequate enough for the size of the parking lot you're considering? Do you need to call for shuttle service and then wait, or will it be available right away?

You might also consider how friendly, polite or helpful shuttle drivers are, plus how comfortable the shuttle is to ride in. Is it air conditioned, or adequately heated? Is it large enough that riders are comfortable, or is almost everyone standing, cramped and uncomfortable? 

Convenience is the final factor to consider when you're choosing airport parking. If you're traveling with a large amount of luggage or your entire family including small kids, it might be worth it to pay more to be closer to the airport. If it's the middle of winter, you might want to choose a covered parking option rather than have to deal with cleaning a foot of snow off your car when you return.

In many cases, you can compromise slightly on cost for a great deal more convenience. You'll still enjoy some savings, but you won't put up with inconveniences that can cause stress or delays you know you won't be in the mood to handle.

Traveling in 2010 has gotten easier with the increase in applications now available through smartphones. With over 200 travel related applications available for download in BlackBerry’s App World, BlackBerry’s official application store, there are many applications to choose from. Weather traveling for business or pleasure, this list captures both the most versatile and user friendly applications available to fit your traveling needs.

Lodging

HRS Hotel Organizer
Hotel bookings are made simple with HRS Hotel Organizer. HRS’s network includes 250,000 hotels globally. Search for hotels by location, availability and current rates, and then review the facilities through photos and critiques made by past guests. Free of charge online bookings can be made directly through this application and a confirmation will be sent to you by text or email. Once confirmed, these hotel plans can be added to your phone’s calendar. For your convenience, HRS tracks your past hotel stays for easy repeat booking. It should be noted that some reservations will require credit card information, however many hotels do not require it and have no cancellation fee, even on the schedule day of arrival.

Price: Free
Restrictions: Not available on all BB devices and requires an internet connection.

WorldMate Live
With so much to keep track of while traveling, wouldn’t it be nice if all of those things could come together in one nifty application? WorldMate Live takes care of most traveling related needs. WorldMate takes the fuss out of travel plans by creating travel itineraries as well as allowing users to sync their calendars with email, hotel bookings, and flight and rental car information. WorldMate Live also includes world clocks and maps, its own social networking platform, currency convertors, mobile hotel bookings, weather forecasts and real-time flight updates. Aside from all of these useful tools, WorldMate Live is also compatible with navigation applications such as TeleNav Navigator for easy to follow directions and street maps.

Price: Free version and Gold version: $11.95 per month; $99.95 a year

Translator

Translation Software by Transclick
There are several translators available, with the key difference being whether they are language specific or offer multiple languages. Language specific translators are generally superior as they have more comprehensive databases. That being said, this translator by Transclick is the ultimate companion for the international business traveler because it features 16 languages and specialized dictionaries to translate industry terms.
Price: $10

Restaurants:

Urbanspoon

Being in a new city can make going out to eat difficult, after all, what’s good? Urbanspoon uses GPS and user ratings to narrow the restaurant search. Either see all that is available locally or select a location, cuisine and price point to filter the results. Search results will include ratings and reviews from other Urbanspoon users, blogs and newspaper critics.
Feeling lucky? Try the Urbanspoon slot machine and the app will pick a restaurant for you. If you’re unhappy with the spin, keep spinning until satisfied.

Price: Free
Restrictions: Not available on older BB models but can be found via the web on Urbanspoon.com. Currently displays restaurants only in the USA, Canada, Australia and the UK.

OpenTable
Making reservations is a snap with OpenTable. OpenTable’s network is comprised of 10,000 restaurants throughout the USA, Canada and the U.K. Aside from making a reservation, this application allows users to make special requests for the Maitre D’. This free reservation service has search capabilities by size of party, price, cuisine, date and locale. Once reservations have been made, users can send email reminders or invitations to their guests. OpenTable repeat users accumulate Dining Rewards Points which are redeemable for Dining Cheques usable at any OpenTable supported restaurant.

Price: Free

Transportation

Taxi Magic
Exploring a new city and in need of a cab? Instead of wasting time trying to hail a cab, TaxiMagic connects users directly with local taxi company’s dispatch systems. This application has easy credit card payment options and receipt features. If the system is unable to connect to a taxi company’s dispatch center, it will provide phone numbers of companies in the area.
Taxi Magic will also give real-time updates with taxi location and estimated arrival time.

Price: Free
Restrictions: This helpful app is currently available only within the continental US.

TeleNav Navigator

Forget about bringing your GPS with you, TeleNav Navigator is all you need. This application uses the GPS navigation in your phone to provide oral directions while providing maps which update both travel progress and traffic reports. TeleNav will reroute your course in the event of missing an exit or traffic delays.

Can’t look down at the BB to edit your trip? Not a problem, TeleNav has speech recognition software that allows users to say streets or the names of businesses to create a route.
*This application is compatible with WorldMate Live

Price: $9.99 per month after 14 day free trial.
Restrictions: There are several versions of this application dependent on BlackBerry Model

Tracking Expenses

Exgis Time and Expense Lite
Regardless if you’re a business traveler or a student backpacker, keeping track of time or expenses is not an enjoyable part of any trip, but it can be easier. The Exgis Time and Expense Lite application functions like a spreadsheet which permits documenting expenses while on the go. The expense form has a pull down category list which includes date, location, client, notes and project. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Adding your own category is easy and can be reused in the future. The list can then be saved, exported as a .csv file and emailed. Please note there are several versions of this program that may better suit your needs.
Price: $10

Personal Assistant
Who doesn’t want a personal assistant? The Personal Assistant app keeps track of various online accounts such as credit cards, bank accounts, flights, bills, and even your Netflix queue. From investments to phone bills to how much you’ve charged on your Nordstrom’s card, Personal Assistant conveniently shows this information while you’re away from your desk.

Price: Free, upgrade to Personal Assistant Premium (Currently on sale: $2.99) and have unlimited accounts and real-time flight updates.

Citations:
http://www.pcworld.com/article/179132/best_exgis_time_and_expense_lite.htmlhttp://www.wirelessandmobilenews.com/2009/04/best_free_travel_blackberry_storm_apps_from_blackberry_app_world.html
http://www.blackberrycool.com/2009/02/25/how-to-travel-effectively-with-your-blackberry/http://www.cio.com/article/497717/20_Best_BlackBerry_iPhone_Apps_for_Summer_Travel?page=3#slideshow

Exploring all San Francisco has to offer is a thrill in itself. From outstanding restaurants to a developed arts and music scene, there is quite a bit to experience.; Whether you are a lifelong resident of the city or a newcomer, there is always a new restaurant, club or gallery ready for your discovery. With a city that is in constant flux, sometimes a list of places that are tried and true local favorites that will not let you down is appreciated. Below is a thematically organized list of places that locals hold dear to their hearts and will quickly steal yours as well. ;;

Drinks:

The Church Key
1402 Grant Ave (between Green St & Union St) Neighborhood: North Beach
(415) 963-1713

If you’re looking to have a nice glass of wine, you’ve come to the wrong place as this is easily a Beer Mecca. Church Key is slang for beer can opener, and with that name it comes as no surprise that when it comes to beer this place means business. The staff is friendly, so if you’re overwhelmed by your beer options or want some guidance on tasting new brews, the bartenders are knowledgeable and will help you find one to suit your tastes.

Known For: Beer Menu, but be warned, the “mystery beer” is PBR and parking is scarce, public transit is advised.

Top of the Mark
1 Nob Hill (between Mason St & Pine St) Neighborhood: Nob Hill
For Reservations: (888) 424-6835 (Recommended)

This bar is at the top of the Intercontinental Mark Hopkins Hotel, and offers some of the best views of the city. With 100 martinis to choose from, a house piano player that will make you want to dance and gorgeous views of the financial district, you can expect a lovely evening at Top of the Mark. Although Top of the Mark attracts tourists, a fantastic view and great martini is appreciated by locals as well.

Known For: Excellent views of the city and martini men.

Restaurants:

El Metate
2406 Bryant St (between 22nd St & 23rd St) Neighborhood: Mission
(415) 641-7209

This place is slightly off the beaten path, and always has a line out the door, but sometimes the best things in life are worth waiting for and in this case, that saying is right on. The food and ambiance will make you think you’re in a taquería in Mexico rather than in San Francisco.

Known For: Chile Verde Pork Tamales and Horchata, a rice and cinnamon drink that tastes more like a dessert than a drink.

Caffeine Fix:

Blue Bottle Coffee
315 Linden St (between Gough St & Octavia St) Neighborhood: Several Locations
(415) 252-7535

Skip corporate coffee and explore the wonders of artisan coffee at Blue Bottle Coffee. There are several locations including at the top of SFMOMA which is perfect for a break from the museum, but the best place to experience Blue Bottle coffee is at their original location in Hayes Valley. Hipster as it may feel to have coffee in a roll-up garage door shop which requires you wait in an alley if the line is long, your taste buds will thank you. The Mondrian cake will make you want to stay, and skip taking your coffee to go.

Known For: Artisan Coffee

Culture + Food + Drink:

111 Minna Gallery
111 Minna Street (A few blocks from SF Museum of Modern Art) Neighborhood: SOMA
(415) 974-1719

To be clear, this is an art gallery, however Monday nights from 5:00 to 10:30pm you can enjoy EAT with Tommy Halverson, the executive chef at the Phoenix Supper Club. EAT features a rotating menu, art and music scene that is worth frequently checking on. There is even a blog devoted entirely to EAT.

It should be noted that EAT is cash only.

Known For: Art and music mélange.

California Academy of Sciences
55 Music Concourse Dr.
Golden Gate Park
(415) 379-8000

Every Thursday from 6:00 – 10:00pm, the Academy comes to life for the 21+ crowd with musical and theater performances. Cocktails and food plus the ability to dance and explore the innards of the Academy makes this a must see for locals and tourists.

Tip: The Rain Forest room closes on the earlier side (7:30pm) so be sure to head there first.

Price: Tickets are $12 for non-members with last entry at 9:00pm. NightLife VIP tickets are available for $59/person and provide express entry into NightLife and a behind-the-scenes tour of the museum’s collection with an open bar beforehand.

Known For: A cool place to explore both the sciences and their drink menu.

General Art Tip: Many San Francisco galleries are open late (5:30-7:30pm) and for free on the first Thursday of the month. 49 Geary Street building is where most galleries are located and is considered the hub of it all, but other downtown galleries are also involved. For a map of all of the participating in First Thursday visit: http://www.firstthursdayart.com/

Music:

222 Hyde;
222 Hyde St (between Turk St & Eddy St) Neighborhood: Tenderloin
(415) 345-8222

If delicious pizzas, a killer sound system, and tasty drinks are on your criterion for a good night out, 222 Hyde is a must. Described as a place where DJs experiment with great electronic music, this is a favorite spot in the Tenderloin.

Known For: 2nd and 4th Fridays feature “Lights Down Low” and the first Tuesday of each month features Auralism Records’ monthly event famous for its house beats.
*Closed Mondays