With so many businesses having clients, contacts and exciting market opportunities spread right across the globe, it is becoming increasingly common for workers to be required to travel vast distances on a regular basis. In fact, air travel for business purposes rose by a significant 4% last year, highlighting the growing trend. It is not all glamorous hotels and jet-setting adventure however, as traveling equals money and many entrepreneurs rightly don’t want to have to hand over vast sums of their own cash simply to fund their work life. Here are some tips on how to reduce your travel expenses.
Plan ahead
Especially when on business, you will likely require the use of your credit card and smartphone while away. Always ensure you contact your providers before you depart so they can alter your plans accordingly and avoid landing you with nasty charges for foreign usage of your goods.
Always look for discounts
If you want to save money you are going to have to get frugal and be willing to take the time to hunt out the best deals. Start by asking your business itself for some kind of allowance or help towards covering the costs; if you don’t ask, you often won’t get. Once you have established the budget you have to work with, take to the internet to scour the latest offers and remember to consider each aspect of your trip; be it discount hotel rooms, reduced flights or cheap car hire, as covering as much of your expenses as possible is the best way to see a real reduction in overall cost.
The main thing to remember is that when you book anything through your work, tell them it is for business purposes; you never know what offers they may be able to give you.
Loyalty
It is worth remembering that businesses like loyal customers. If you regularly use the same hotel chain for example, you may be able to take advantage of a loyalty scheme and save up points towards a free or cheaper stay. You can also often save money if you book all aspects of your trip – travel, accommodation, food, airport transportation service, etc. – through the same booking agent or company.
Free extras
If you are travelling for business, chances are you will be spending a lot of your down time in the hotel working. If this is the case, ensure that Wi-Fi comes free of charge in your room; not just in public areas and certainly not for an extra fee. If you like to keep fit and know you will want to hit the gym, or if you will want to make the most of the hotel’s spa treatments to unwind after a stressful day of business meetings, be sure to check beforehand what is included in the cost of your stay.
Go off the beaten track
Popularity often means paying a higher price. Try looking for regional airports to fly into, rather than a main, capital city serving one, as this will often allow you to find cheaper tickets. The same goes for hotels and restaurants during your visit as those at the heart of the city will likely cost more, meaning if you take the time to venture a little out with the usual tourist region, you could save yourself some serious cash.
