Guest Author - Julia Reed Zaic
TripIt.com is free beta site available on the internet which allows you to automate your itineraries by simply forwarding your confirmation emails for any travel plans you make. This includes flight confirmations, hotel reservations, car rental plans, tours, meetings, train reservations, etc. The Basics of TripIt.com
The site works by collecting the information contained in your confirmation emails and building an itinerary for you based on the dates, times, and services you are planning or reserving on your next trip. After creating a free account with TripIt, you can simply forward the confirmation emails relating to your plans to plans@tripit.com and an itinerary is created automatically. It even includes directions from each destination (e.g., airport to hotel) for you and will automatically give you the weather forecast for each location you visit each time you access your itinerary.
The service is incentivized by offering Tripit access via mobile devices. TripIt Mobile is a stream-lined version/interface designed especially for handheld devices including Apple iPhone, Palm Treo, RIM Blackberry, and others. Access from your handheld allows for instant access to all the important information for all aspects of your trip without having to open multiple emails on your handheld, or, use antiquated methods such as a keeping a hard copy of each confirmation email in your briefcase.
TripIt Mobile allows you to access this information without being connected to the internet. However, when you have a wireless connection, you can take advantage of the “TripIt To Me” feature that allows you to simply email a request to plans@tripit.com from your handheld, and TripIt will respond. For example, if you type “get trip” in your email, it will respond with your itinerary.
Or, utilize the TripIt Mobile feature m.tripit.com which is a service that includes Closeness Matches and Activity Alerts so you can better manage your trip while on the road, and make sure your are not forgetting any commitments or appointments listed on your itinerary.
Visit TripIt.com for more information on how to better manage your future trips, including downloading the Wallet Card Command List so you can best utilize the quick email commands and maximize the potential uses of this free service. It is especially helpful while on the road and on the run under last minute pressure-filled moments. It’s like having a personal travel assistant at your beck and call telling you where to go and how to get there.
