Have Laptop, Will Travel

Compiled ByDeborah Austin Business travelers arrive armed with ever more technology, says the latest Crowne Plaza Travel Index, a survey of "road warriors." Forty-eight percent of business travelers in the 2000 survey said they travel with a laptop computer, up from 33% in a 1998 survey. Sixty-four percent bring a cell phone, up from 37%; 52% check their e-mail, up from 39%. While younger road warriors -- aged 25 to 35 -- are more likely than the 56-plus set to travel with a cell phone and check e-mail, they're less likely to eat turndown mints or use in-room coffeemakers. Overall, 48% of business travelers pack their vitamins and 52% stick to exercise routines. And while 70% bring travel-size grooming products, 23% leave with the hotel-room toiletries. The survey was conducted by the William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration at the University of Nevada for Crowne Plaza Hotels and Resorts, owned by Bass Hotels and Resorts, London.