Whether you run your own business or work for a small company, traveling to meet potential clients or partners is important. Although phone conversations with customers are still very much a part of the sales funnel, it’s estimated that about $1 trillion in consumer spending is influenced by calls placed to businesses, travel is essential in order to grow your business All that travel can end up getting pricey. This is especially true if you’re using your own business funds. So let’s take a look at a few simple ways to save money on business travel expenses.
Be Mindful of Your Luggage
If you’re flying for a business meeting or event, you’re going to need to bring a variety of items. From toiletries to business clothes to your computer, your luggage can quickly get out of hand. But it’s important to avoid having to check your luggage if possible. If you bring just a carry-on, you’ll save both time and money. You won’t have to pay to check a bag and you won’t have to wait to get your luggage in baggage claim. To keep your luggage minimal, consider rotating through the clothes you bring and use the laundry facilities at the hotel to ensure you have clean clothes throughout the whole trip. And make sure to hang any suits or dresses and bring them on the plane separate from your luggage to avoid wrinkling them and making room for more items in the bag.
Book Flights Carefully
It’s important to not simply book the first flight you find. With 53% of travel being booked online, there are plenty of easy ways to compare prices. Online price tracking tools can help you easily look at differences between certain airlines and can even help you re-book for a cheaper flight. Not only can prices vary when looking at different airlines, but you may be able to save money if you’re flexible with your travel dates. Traveling during the week or late at night may be able to save you some money on flights. You can also turn on notifications for any promotions or sales for your favorite airlines to catch deals whenever possible.
Keep Ground Transportation in Mind
There are a lot of different aspects of traveling, and ground transportation often gets treated as an afterthought. But knowing how to get around once your flight lands is essential, especially if you have meetings to get to quickly. Unfortunately, rental cars can put a big dent in your budget. So consider looking into package deals or bundles that include rental cars or even car services. If this isn’t an option, most places in the U.S. now have services like Uber and Lyft that you can utilize. Of course, it’s always beneficial to look into free public transportation in the area you’re headed to. Planning ahead and knowing how you’re going to get around can help save a few bucks when traveling.
If you own one of the 28 million U.S. small businesses, traveling for work is important to get your name out there. And hopefully, these simple tips will help you save some money and travel as efficiently as possible.
