YOUR HOME AWAY 
Business travel costs rose 50% just recently, and it seems they’re set to rise yet again. Workers have to keep this in mind and prepare accordingly.
But is it possible to reduce business travel costs? Luckily, it seems entirely possible to reduce business trip expenses in a few ways.
Many of the strategies you can use to save money while traveling require some planning ahead. If you’re keen on lowering those costs, read the following ideas.
Peak travel times include any part of the year that’s oversaturated with people traveling for business or tourism. Off-peak travel has much lower demand which provides multiple benefits beyond saving on costs. It means you’ll find more available transportation options, run into less congestion, and experience fewer delays.
Additionally, you can expect a price drop for any mode of transport when demand is low. But there’s a catch. You have to plan your trip far in advance. Some buy their travel tickets and reserve lodging months or even years beforehand. This can get complicated, though, as you can’t always anticipate business trips so far in advance.
If you can afford to plan in advance, you’re at a huge advantage. Hotels, airlines, and vehicle rental companies often offer lower rates for tickets and rooms when purchased well in advance. These discounts are often impressive, and can save you a significant amount of money on travel expenses.
Another two clear benefits of setting up your travel plans ahead of time is landing your desired travel dates and accommodations. This can completely negate the effects of traveling during peak travel times, as you avoid the hassle of competing with tons of other people for more comfortable and convenient travel options.
Additionally, companies involved in transportation also offer bundles when there’s a wide gap between reservations and your intended dates of travel. Keep an eye out for these as much as possible.
Loyalty programs provide a range of advantages that can lower the cost of travel. Typically, these programs offer savings opportunities on travel-related expenses like airfare, rental vehicles, lodging, and more. There are even cases where you can save on things you wouldn’t expect, like free bag checks, hotel room upgrades, and loyalty programs can even put you on a priority boarding list.
Best of all, loyalty programs for long term business travel can track your money spent and provide award points or miles for every dollar spent. These are pooled and can be exchanged for future savings, additional discounts, and even free travel.
While it might seem obvious, opting for more affordable lodging can help offset other travel expenses, like flights, activities, and meals. You’d clearly want to steer away from luxury hotels, and consider staying at an extended stay hotel for longer trips. You’re also better off finding a place to stay that’s a bit farther away from tourist areas.
The trouble is finding the more affordable lodging options. It’s usually easier, and you’ll find more availability, if you search for lodging well in advance. Flexibility in travel dates is also very helpful. If all else fails, you might be better off looking for otherwise less affordable options when they’re offered at a limited-time discount.
Using alternative transportation for business travel can get tricky, especially if you’re on a tight schedule. However, opting for a train or bus can save you a ton of money, especially if you need to travel long distances. The idea here is to plan well in advance and factor in the additional travel time for alternative transport.
It’s not just about getting to and returning from your destination, though. You might also consider biking or walking while at your business destination instead of calling a cab, renting a car, or using services like Uber. You’d be surprised about the amount of money you can save by using other forms of transportation.
Even while traveling on business, it’s tempting to explore the city and enjoy the local culture, cuisine, and other activities. However, you’ll often run into what many call tourist traps. These are businesses, restaurants, and other establishments that specifically target tourists.
Typically, tourist traps offer otherwise common or affordable products and services at a markup, as they’re tourist-oriented businesses. You can avoid these by seeking authentic and reasonably priced options that are often preferred by the locals.
To curtail tourist traps, ask locals about the best places to go. You can also consult with travel guides and online reviews.
Packing light is a great way to save on travel expenses. First, it helps to avoid excess baggage fees, which can quickly add up to a significant amount. This is especially true for international flights.
It’s often a good idea to pack multiple small bags in place of one or two more oversized luggage. Keep in mind, though, that some airlines may have limits on how many bags you can take.
Saving money on business travel doesn’t have to be a hassle. There are actually quite a few techniques to stay frugal during long term business travel. Some of the best ways to save include alternative transportation, packing light, and planning your trip far in advance.
If you’re traveling for work, remember to avoid tourist traps and their marked up services and products. Additionally, use a loyalty program and walk or ride a bike instead of taking a cab or renting a car.
Contact us if you’re looking for affordable lodging for business travel. We have multiple locations and offer tons of information on rates, availabilities, and reservations. We’re more than happy to walk you through the process from start to finish!