Tips, Tricks and Resources for Business Travel
When Your Computer Freezes
75. Take a deep breath. If there's vital unsaved information on the screen, write it down longhand.
76. On Macintosh/OS computers, pressing the Control, Apple, and Esc keys simultaneously will
often quit an application without crashing the computer.
77. Windows users should try pressing Alt-Tab to switch to another window. If all else fails, you
can shut down a program by pressing Ctrl-Alt-Del.
78. If you're still stuck, turn the power off and then on again. It's amazing how often this will solve
minor problems.
79. Try restarting from a bootable floppy disk. If you've forgotten a boot disk, contact a local
computer store. The PC Crisis Line (415- 859-1100) offers telephone support and a referral
service. If you're really stuck, their fees won't seem steep ($3 a minute for two to 10 minutes, $1 a
minute after that), and they won't charge if they can't help.
80. We don't know why, but sometimes this works: Shut the machine off, unplug the AC adapter,
remove the battery, and let it sit for a few minutes. Then put it all back together and cross your
fingers.
81. Call for help. Microsoft has different technical support numbers for nearly every product.
Calling customer service at 800-426-9400 will get you into a voice-mail maze that will point you to
the hotline for the product of your choice. To reach Apple Computer, call 800- 950-2442, or call
800-538-9696 for the nearest authorized reseller.
You've Spilled Coffee On the Keyboard
82. Save any work, and do it quickly. Quit all applications and Windows, and shut the machine
down immediately. Unplug the AC adapter and remove the battery.
83. Turn the computer upside down and let the liquid drip out. Let it dry before you turn the
computer back on.
84. Take the machine into a computer shop for cleaning ASAP.
Other Resources On the Road
85. Getting sick while you're away can be lonely and scary. HotelDocs, a nine-year-old service,
has physicians, dentists, and chiropractors on call in about 60 cities across the United States. They
charge $150 for a hotel visit, usually within 35 minutes of the initial phone call. Minor surgical
procedures (stitches), supplies, and medications are extra. Call 800-HOTELDR (468-3537).
Alternatives: Call your local health-care provider for a referral. Ask at the hotel's front desk.
Except for emergencies, you may need to check with your insurance company about
reimbursement before you see a doctor.
86. Perhaps you've forgotten to send your spouse a birthday present, buy a client tickets to a local
basketball game, or organize a meeting while you're a thousand miles from home. LesConsierges's
(800-829- 1165) motto is "If it's legal, ethical, and kind, we can do it." Small requests run $27.50
plus any additional expenses. "We've had people call and say, 'My girlfriend is sick,'" says manager
Linda Ryndak. "We'll deliver her chicken soup."
87. The American Automobile Association (800-AAA-HELP) is still one of the best resources for
emergency assistance. In addition to roadside help, you can receive discounts on car rental, meals,
and hotels. Maps, travel guides, and travelers' checks are free at local offices, which will also cash
personal checks of up to $100. Given enough time, AAA will make up a Trip-Tik map showing the
best route from point A to point B. AAA also offers money toward bail bonds as well as attorney
fees if you get into an accident that doesn't involve alcohol.
Sending It Home
88. At a convention, you can collect an entire box of literature, samples, and business cards. Don't
lug it to the airport during the inevitable mad dash. If you use premium overnight services, bring
along airbills and bill yourself.
89. The United States Postal Service (800-222-1811) offers Priority Mail Pickup. Call at least two
hours before the area's post office closes.
90. Ask your hotel to provide a box for mailing. They'll probably have the supplies you need,
including masking tape and a marker for the address. They may even sell you stamps.
91. Leave packages at the hotel's front desk for pickup. (Make sure the clerks know you're doing
this.)
92. Some ATMs now sell stamps for a nominal fee. Look for the USPS logo.
93. Mail film ahead to be developed. Bring along a mailer from the Sunday paper, already
addressed and stamped. Mail the film (with a check), and your pictures will arrive soon after you
get back. Clark Color Laboratories provides this service (301-595-5300; you can call collect).
The Last Resort
94. If you didn't bring it, can't get it to work, don't know what's wrong, and there's nothing else to
do, try this handy line: "I'll get back to you as soon as I return to my office." Then do it. Happy
travels!
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