<B> Apache's Benson Pens Pocket Guide</B>
By Sarah Welt
<I>Houston</I> - Many travel managers have taken on new roles this year, but few have yet tried the path taken by Michael Benson, Apache Corp.'s director of corporate travel. In June, Benson took a step above and beyond the call of duty and published his own pocket guide full of tips for travelers.
Writing Travelers Pocket Guide: Security and Travel Tips was a natural for Benson, who was a member of England's police force for 13 years before moving to the U.S. and opening his own security consultancy.
"I traveled an average of 20,000 miles a year and saw a lot of silly things happen," Benson said. But when he researched the topic for Apache, he found little in the way of cogent advice available to the general public.
Benson's book gives tips on personal safety as well as advice on preparing for a trip, such as bringing the proper documents, information on currency exchange and credit card usage, driving overseas, and medical practices and precautions.
The book retails at $9.95. Benson said that he sold 1,000 copies in the first four weeks. He also has been contacted by corporations that want to give it to their travelers, he said.
"One company in Houston wants to give it away to clients," Benson said. In addition, four major airlines have been talking distribution deals.
The book can be ordered on the Internet at Amazon.com, or travel managers can contact Benson at
[email protected].