Andrew Sheivachman

There may be a big slowdown looming in spending on business travel, with severe ramifications for travel management companies and the travel industry.

Traveling abroad for business isn't quite the escape many Americans portray it as.

Somehow just three U.S. airports out of 300 have greatly increased oversight of airport workers in the last two years. This should worry travelers.

As business travel grows slowly in the U.S., travel management companies with more robust digital tools will be able to capture more bookings.

There are still numerous challenges and restrictions for Americans who want to visit Iran. But recent progress for Europeans has created hope for a wider opening of the country to U.S. travelers.

Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines continue to lead the pack when it comes to on-time arrivals. But Virgin America, which will likely be acquired by Alaska Airlines, stood above its competitors overall.

Brand USA expects to spend about $140 million marketing the U.S. abroad this fiscal year, but it's still hard to deduce the tangible impact its programs have on stimulating demand for American vacations.

Better monitoring of hotel rates will help both consumers and travel managers alike.

A more honest accounting of how hotels manipulate their room rates to create more revenue helps both consumers and corporate travel managers make smarter travel decisions.

Amtrak is looking to redefine itself into a solid leisure travel option for American travelers looking to experience the country in a different way.