Even with the proliferation of video conferencing technology, travel is still a major aspect of modern business. Entrepreneurs are often faced with the need or opportunity to set forth and pursue new partnerships, maintain existing ones, reach new markets and ultimately move their business forward.
The only downside is that it can be a costly endeavour, especially when it comes to unexpected fees. (Ever bought a coffee at the airport?) Fortunately, there are many simple solutions for reducing your travel bill. Following are some tips that will help you save money while also making your business-related journeys a little more efficient.
- Plan Ahead
Whether you’re a frequent flyer or embarking on your first trip, the last thing you should do is head off unprepared. Booking apps and similar mobile tools can help you plan ahead. By making use of them, you can avoid the tedium of waiting for confirmations or dealing with travel agents.
Booking early also means lower ticket prices, but don’t forget to compare before settling on a certain company. Making copies of essential documents can save you from some unexpected trouble, while writing up an itinerary can help you get the most out of your trip.
- Travel Light
The less you carry, the easier it will be to move around, from getting through security to loading your luggage in the taxi and beyond. Travel light enough and you might be able to skip the baggage carousel. This can usually be achieved by sticking to carry-on bags as opposed to bringing a suitcase along.
- Skip the Hotels
As many business owners learned the hard way, hotels are expensive. This becomes especially apparent when the bill arrives for your food and refreshments. Serviced apartments are a considerable alternative.
Not only are they generally more affordable, but you can also benefit from a wider range of amenities, more space, a fully-equipped kitchen and reliable service. This post on Tom Smyth Belfast details what you can expect from a more luxurious serviced apartment.
- Collect Your Miles
If you’re flying commercial, try sticking to one airline as often as possible. This can help you rack up frequent flyer points which entitle you to a range of benefits, such as free upgrades and additional amenities that make business travel more enjoyable. You might be able to redeem cash back rewards, relax in the VIP lounge or skip waiting lines.
- Stay Relaxed
From making sure you arrive on time to meeting with important clients, business travel can be a nerve-racking experience. This is why it’s important to equip yourself with some tools to help you stay relaxed during your journeys. Consider downloading a few movies or creating a music playlist before the trip.
Perhaps a mobile game or two will help ease your mind during the flight. Deep breathing techniques and meditation can also help, as will keeping lists and staying organized.
Be sure to give the above tips some consideration. Incorporating them into your business travel journeys can help make the experience more efficient, affordable and enjoyable.
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