(FORTUNE Small Business) – You know the ones: The guys who don't chime in while the conference's breakfast-table discussion devolves into how slow the hotel room's dial-up connection was when you were checking e-mail that morning. The folks who can't help laughing when they hear how much you paid for the seat next to them. The ones getting work done while you're reading a story about things to do in Iowa City in the in-flight magazine.

Maybe you're one of them. And if not, you will be soon.

This is the year when technological innovations will touch every part of the travel experience. Factoring in high-tech amenities when traveling will come as naturally as looking for an exit-row seat or a smoke-free room. What's at stake is your productivity while on the road. What was once wasted time--sitting in the airport, suffering through slow dial-up connections, even flying itself--now can be time that you spend working, and with high-speed Net access, no less. Expect airlines, hotels, airports, tech gear manufacturers, and even travel websites to woo you this year with those extras.

Consider the next few pages your map for navigating the intersection of tech and travel. We'll tell you the best website for booking business travel and which airlines and hotel chains offer the most high-tech goodies. We'll also help you take advantage of a slew of extra resources and trends that will make you a smarter traveler. Prepare for takeoff.