Low Cost Travel Tips

A few simple strategies and a little creativity can help you save big on business travel.

You are in business to make money, not to spend it unnecessarily. But when work takes you out of town, the expenses tend to add up quickly. Here are some hints to help you keep a rein on your small company’s travel tab.

Most people know that airfare is cheaper when you book your flight early and stay over a Saturday night. But you can also save by being flexible about which airport you fly in to. For example, if your destination is New York City, you can sometimes get better fares for flights landing at Newark than you can for those landing at JFK. (Both of these airports are roughly the same distance away from the city).

Booking a flight that involves a connection is another good strategy (if time allows that is). These flights tend to be less expensive than nonstop flights. Also consider traveling on discount airlines like Southwest or Kiwi, which may offer a better deal than a major carrier like American.

If you have already bought your ticket, but stumble across an ad for a considerably lower fare, don’t just chalk it up to experience. For a nominal fee ($10-$15), most travel agents will match that price and exchange the tickets for you. Airlines will do the same thing, although they charge a little more.

Frequent flier miles can get you a whole lot more than discounts on airfare. Some airlines also offer reduced prices on selected hotels. Another great way to scrimp on accommodations is to directly negotiate special rates with hotels in cities that you visit frequently. Or take advantage of special discount hotel booking services that arrange for lower “bulk” rates and pass them along to smaller businesses.

Renting a car can be a significant travel expense. Since many hotels offer free shuttle service to and from major airports, you might be able to avoid it altogether — especially if you are staying in an urban center with access to public transportation. But if you really need a car, see if your airline offers rental discounts through its frequent flier program. Another way to save: instead of reserving a full-sized sedan in advance, book a small or mid-size car and ask about free upgrades at the check-in counter.

Remember the old slogan: “We’re number two, so we try harder?” It’s true. Smaller car rental firms tend to offer lower rates then large national firms. Those that aren’t located at the airport usually offer a free shuttle service to take customers back and forth. The savings may make the extra effort worthwhile.

Traveling — whether to a conference or a client meeting — is a necessary part of expanding your small business. And with a little ingenuity, you can go a long way without stepping outside the limits of your budget.

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