The Eclectic Rebel Travel Blog: The Eclectic Rebel Blog

Hey Big Spenders - Travel News

BTN’s Corporate 100 2008 edition is out, revealing the biggest spenders on corporate travel in 2007. At the top of the list is IBM, which spent a whopping $800 million on corporate travel, a $100 million increase over the previous year. Their business travelers may not pay much attention to airport parking, as they use Hertz for car rentals or are chauffeured about.Next on the list are London’s BP ($365 million), General Electric ($350 million), Boeing ($325 million) and Exxon Mobil ($277 million). These figures are for booked air volume. See the full edition here.

World Travel Award Winners

In other news, the winners of the 15th World Travel Awards are out. Travel agents around the world have selected these companies. Winners for North America include American Airlines, which won North America’s Leading Airline; Hyatt Hotels & Resorts (Leading Hotel Brand)’; and the St Regis in New York (Leading Hotel).The awards have been running for 15 years. Founder and president Graham E Cooke commented that ‘we are finding that consumers are checking who have won World Travel Awards to ensure that they get top advice and assistance in making the right choices as well as, of course, total peace of mind when booking their trip.’

Deal Double

You’ll have to book immediately if you want to take advantage of the United Airlines West Coast Fare Sale, because after September 12, all deals are off. Fly from San Diego to San Francisco for as little as $65 each way or do the Las Vegas - Santa Barbara run for only $77. There are a lot of destinations to choose from, and you’ll have to complete your trip by November 14, 2008. Make additional savings by booking offsite airport parking.If you prefer to soak up some Caribbean sunshine, then check out Sherman Travel’s top pick this week - a $59 per night stay in St James’s Club and Villas in Antigua. Of course, you still have to get there, but luckily American Airlines now flies direct from Miami at $315. Book this deal by September 20 for travel by October 26.