Stay connected during summer vacations

Most people know that you can check airline web sites to ensure that your flight is on time or visit state transportation sites for traffic conditions before you head out on a trip. A savvy subgroup might also know that you can both check in and print your boarding passes up to 24 hours in advance of your flight.

But did you know that some airlines allow you to use your Windows Mobile phone to check in ahead of time and then print your boarding pass at the airport kiosk?

Many globe-trotters have also pointed out that your Windows Mobile phone can be a source of entertainment on your trip—especially if you’re traveling with kids who like to play with games, themes, wallpapers, and ringtones. Looking for more of these extras? Visit Insider, and download games and other software to your phone either beforehand or when travel fatigue sets in.

You can also research your destination using the offerings from MSN, all with content optimized to fit the smaller screen of a phone.

Even if you’re on familiar turf, your phone can enhance your time off.

Just last week, I was enjoying the variety of things going on in and around my home town, and I made an impromptu decision to check out a local restaurant that I read (using my phone, of course) was offering Basque cuisine. I was open to company, but I didn’t want the hassle of coordinating a group of people, so I simply posted my plans to Facebook from my phone as I walked down the street.

Now I was reachable in case of emergency. But they’d have to leave a voice message, because I wasn’t picking up on the first ring.

Whether your summer downtime takes you to the other side of the world or the other side of town, you can use your phone to enhance your adventures or to keep your business clients at bay. Whatever you do, you can relax this summer and let your Windows Mobile phone contribute to your good times!