Featured image by Joshua Woroniecki via Pixabay
For an entrepreneur, going on business trips may not be the first priority. After all, there are a whole lot of other business-related expenses to think about. However, think of these trips as great investments instead. For example, you can create new contacts during your trip; the new additions to your network can help you break into new markets and grow your business.
So how can you plan business trips that won’t break the bank? Here are six tips:
1) Ask the event organizer for hospitality packages.
If you’re attending a trade fair, there may be hospitality packages available that include accommodation, meals, and even a sightseeing tour at steep discounts. These are a great choice especially if you’re going to a certain place for the first time, as it saves you from the hassle of planning where to stay and what to do. Planning business trips in this way can save you money and minimize the stress of travel.
2) Select a hotel in a central location or near the venue where you’ll spend the most time.
This is your next step in case there are no hospitality packages available. Admittedly, getting a room in the middle of downtown may be quite expensive compared to booking one located away from the city center. However, in many cases, it’s worth it to pay the extra cost. For starters, you won’t need to worry about transportation as you’d either be near your venue or near a public transportation hub. This will save you time that’s better spent on networking or sightseeing. It will also save you money on business trips, money that you’d be better off spending on food.
3) Compare rates online before booking a room.
A quick search on the internet can help you score great deals on accommodation, even for expensive cities. Make sure to check online travel portals when you’re planning business trips. They may offer rates that are much lower than those on offer on the hotel’s own website.
4) Book business trips in advance.
This is especially important if you’re taking a business trip to attend a trade fair, as hotels in great locations can get fully booked quickly. The same can ring true for flights as you may miss out on seat sales, convenient schedules, and discounts on baggage allowances if you book late. So make sure you book well in advance—say, at least a month—for your trip to avoid any hassle.
5) Pack light for business trips.
In the age of budget flights, you may have to pay extra for the privilege of check-in luggage. Hence, for shorter trips, do your best to pack efficiently. Start by maximizing your carry-on luggage allowance by getting a bag built to fit in the overhead luggage bin. Then when you pack, use one of those vacuum compression clothes bags to maximize the space in your luggage. Make sure to bring travel-sized versions of your toiletries as well. Finally, weigh your bag after packing to ensure it’s within the allowed weight limit and avoid paying penalties.
6) Don’t be afraid to ask negotiate for perks or freebies.
Let’s say that you’re looking for vendors or suppliers for your business. If there are some restaurants or hotels on your list, you can negotiate to get a discount, free meals, or a free room upgrade during your stay. Vendors are often willing to give these perks as they want to give prospective buyers a taste of what they have on offer in the hopes of closing a deal.
These six tips are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to saving on a business trip. With these tricks up your sleeve, you can afford to travel for work and make the most out of opportunities that can come your way.