Mission Accomplished

his has been a year of great changes in the federal travel world: The Defense Travel System gave federal employees their first glimpse of 21st century travel, five vendors launched the government's new flexible travel card, the General Services Administration rewrote the travel regulations in plain English, and the Transportation Department negotiated the government's first fee-based travel contract.

Through all these changes, federal travelers-ever adaptable-have logged their miles and accomplished their missions. This year's changes promise to make their trips and their lives easier.

In these pages, we take an exclusive look at results of the General Services Administration's governmentwide travel survey.

We also shine the spotlight on some stellar examples of government business travel at its most effective and efficient.

You'll also find some news you can use as you head out of the office-our selection of the best government travel Web sites (and the best business travel books).

We always strive to give you useful and relevant information. To do that, we need to hear from you about your triumphs and tribulations on the road. You can reach us at ltaylor@govexec.com or Travel Editor, Government Executive, 1501 M St., NW, Suite 300, Washington, D.C. 20005.

Happy trails!
Lauren R. Taylor
Travel Editor