Cutting down on your business travel expenses sounds like a good idea, but it is easier said than done. Fortunately, there are ways to save money on business trips without compromising on comfort, security, and services. Here are five simple tips to help you keep your costs down while making the best out of your business trips.
- Take Food with You
Eating out at a restaurant during a business trip may not sound like a big deal. But once you add up all the expenses, you will realize that it does take a big chunk of your travel allowance. The best way to save is to pack your own food and snacks. In addition to helping you save on food expenses, it also allows you to keep track of what you eat so you can stay healthy during your trip. If taking your own food is impossible, try shopping at a local grocery store or market for cheaper, fresher, and healthier options.
- Try Alternative Accommodation
A good portion of your trip budget usually goes to hotel accommodation. The extra luxurious the lodging, the higher the cost. Thankfully, there are various alternative to luxury accommodations. You can stay at bed and breakfasts, short-term rentals, hostels, vacation houses, and homestays.
For those who want to save on hefty rentals while still enjoying the luxury of a home, glamping (glamorous camping) is the most suitable option for you and you might be surprised about how comfortable this alternative accommodation is. Most boutique glamping sites offer exceptional services and stress-free lodgings in spacious private quarters that provide all the amenities you need.
- Try Ridesharing Apps
Car rentals and taxi fares are ridiculously expensive in many countries, particularly in leading metropolitans. You would want to avoid these expenses as much as possible. However, some circumstances may require you to use such a service. When a situation like this happens, be sure to take advantage of a ridesharing app instead of a taxi.
Lyft, Uber, Via, Grab, and a bunch of other ridesharing apps are readily available almost everywhere in the world. It is easy and convenient, with most cars nicer than a regular taxi, and the service a tad more professional. Whenever possible, use the carpooling option to share your ride with other passengers and get the best value for your money.
- Become a Citizen
One of the expenditures often overlooked when planning your travel budget is the cost of getting a visa. Not only is the process tedious, it is also time-consuming and almost always costly. To get around this setback, consider applying for citizenship, especially if you are regularly traveling to that country for business.
This option is best for travelers who have links to their country of destination whether by heritage or through their partners’ nationality. Take for instance, American-Italian dual citizenship. The Italian citizenship law is based on the principle that anyone with Italian ancestry can claim US / Italian citizenship through decent. Therefore, Americans of Italian ancestry can obtain dual citizenship. This will make business trips to Italy definitely easier, particularly if you have to stay in the country for more than 90 days, and minus the visa cost, surely cheaper.
- Use Reward Points on Flights and Restaurants
Are you a frequent flyer? If your answer is yes, you are in a position to save on flights, restaurants, and other services by using your frequent flyer miles. And even if you seldom travel, think long term as even one or a couple of trips a year can add up to your reward points. Be on guard for reward programs and stack on points whenever you can.
Keep in mind, though, that spending more than you ordinarily would merely to accumulate points is ill-advised money management. Once you’ve earned your reward points, use them wisely. Spend your free airfare on long, costly flights, instead of short trips that are cheaper. Use your travel reward points towards dinner at a fancy restaurant, not at an ordinary, much affordable one.
