How To Cut The Cost Of Your Next Business Trip
Everyone’s looking to cut the cost of travel - and that’s true even in business. As companies look to save money, business travel budgets are being slashed. However, you don’t have to give up all the perks, if you’re prepared to do a little negotiating. Here are some tips on saving money on business travel.
Downsize The Perks
With airlines seeking business there are deals aplenty, so perhaps it’s time to check out the companies who offer first class travel at coach prices. You could save a small fortune and still travel in style. Many airlines offer a ‘premium economy’ service, which gives you many of the perks of business class travel, but at a lower cost.
Extend Your Stay
Stay a bit longer at your chosen destination. Instead of leaving your meeting and heading straight to the airport, spend the weekend as a Saturday night stay will cut the cost of accommodation. And do you really need to stay in a five star hotel? If you choose carefully, a three or four star hotel will be more than adequate and will cost half the price.
Negotiate Your Rate
Haggle on rates with hotel chains you use often. If you travel to several destinations and your business is important to the chain, you may get a much better rate for frequent use. And don’t forget to claim any frequent traveler rewards - these may help you save on your next trip.
Book Early … Or Late
Book last minute travel. You can save a lot of money by taking a walk up fare, which are available on many airlines. If you’re traveling the day before your meeting, then you’ve probably got time to do this. Alternatively, book far in advance and make savings that way. Another way to save money on travel is to use a regular travel agent who will find you the best deals.
Do Business Differently
Save at the hotel by taking clients to lunch instead of dinner, or by having breakfast meetings. Hotel dinners are notoriously expensive. And instead of using the mini-bar or watching pay per view movies, pick up your peanuts from the corner store and watch something on the free channels instead.
What tips would you add?
Tags: business travel, business travel tips, travel, Travel Tips
July 10th, 2009 at 10:49 am
I would recommend using conference calling for some meeting, that way you can save your business a massive amount of money. I have used a company called Powwownow, they are low cost and have excellent customer service.