Track Your Flights, Learn About Delays, and Discover Gate Numbers Quickly Using Your Apple iPhone

As a frequent flier, I often encounter flight delays and gate changes on the days I fly (or when I need to pick up someone at the airport). I also need to know baggage claim information when I land.

Well, to keep track of last-minute travel problems, you can call the airline directly and deal with an automated system. Or, you can visit the airline's website if you have access to the Internet. You can also check the Arrival and Departure monitors located within airports.

Another much more convenient option for Apple iPhone users is to utilize the Flight Tracker application from SplashData. This $2.99 program is available from the App Store on iTunes, and makes tracking flights in real-time quick and easy - from just about anywhere. In fact, the flight data this program utilizes is often more current than the Arrival and Departure monitors at airports.

If you know your airline and flight number(s), you can access flight information in seconds from your iPhone. If you don't know your flight number(s), you can look them up with a few extra screen touches. After you enter your flight info the first time, Flight Tracker remembers the data, so you can obtain updates in seconds. The program can access data about virtually all of the major airlines. While an airplane is still in the air, detailed maps are available to show flight progress graphically.

As a frequent flyer, the $2.99 Flight Tracker program is a "must have" application on your iPhone when you're on-the-go.

Give The Gift of A Vacation or Experience

Looking for a gift for someone who has everything? Need a memorable wedding or anniversary gift? Well, I recently came across a company, called Smart&Co (888) 846-7269, which allows people to purchase pre-packaged vacations and experiences. Available at retailers, like Borders bookstores, these gifts are glorified gift certificates for weekend getaways, spa treatments, hotel stays and adventures.

For a flat-fee, the gift giver can choose what type of vacation getaway or experience they'd like to offer as a gift. There are more than 125 options to choose from, ranging from a choice of 105 adventure activities (like ice tunnel bobsledding, ATV driving adventures or paragliding), to spa treatments and one-night stays at a bed-and-breakfast. Prices range from $69.00 to $369.00, depending on the experience. The Smartbox "gift certificates" can be redeemed across the Northeast and California and come packaged in a nice presentation gift box.

This is a unique and fun twist on a gift certificate that allows the gift receiver to choose from a wide range of vacation experiences or activities, based on the type of Smartbox gift you (the gift giver) present. Categories include Adventure, Serenity and Adrenaline. Additional information is available from the company's website - www.smartbox.com/us.

As a reminder, almost of all the major airlines, as well as resort and hotel chains, also offer their own gift certificates and/or gift cards which can make a wonderful gift for a traveler.

Be Identified When You're Unable To Do So Yourself: Check Out "RoadID"

For anyone who engages in potentially dangerous activities or who travels overseas, RoadID (800-345-6336 / www.RoadID.com) has created an inexpensive identification bracelet that will allow emergency medical people (hospitals, doctors, etc.) to obtain your identity and any information about your medical history, even if you're unconscious and unable to share this data yourself.

The RoadID bracelet ($19.95) can be engraved with your full name, address and contact information for one or two of your emergency contacts, or quickly direct emergency medical personnel to the RoadID company's website so they can access vital details about your medical history (which you provide) - information that could potentially save your life. This Emergency Response Profile (ERP) is created by you and is available online or by telephone. Your ERP can communicate to first responders your name, address, emergency contacts, health insurance, medical information, and more.

The RoadID bracelet is available in multiple colors and can comfortably be worn by travelers to help make it easier for someone to identify you and make contact with your loved ones (or your own doctors) should an emergency arise. According to the company, "In the event of an accident, if you can't speak for yourself, your Road ID will. It's available in five different styles. It's not just a piece of gear - it's peace of mind."

RoadID bracelets can be ordered online from www.RoadID.com. This new twist on traditional ID bracelets makes for a potentially useful accessory for overseas travelers, and for under $20.00, it's something I'd strongly recommend (in addition to purchasing travel insurance when traveling overseas for business or pleasure.)