As any business traveler knows, traveling expenses can add up fast: from airfare to meals, getting around, and being in a new place is not cheap. Plus, if you have expense reports to fill out you can get stressed trying to decide if that second trip to Starbucks was on you or the company card. But there’s a lot you can do to maximize your budget and make the most out of a trip. These tips will help you decide where to spend and where to save. If you follow along, you’ll even have extra money lying around so you can spend out you please. And if you have a company card with you on your travels, spending a little less can earn you future trips to cool destinations. And that’s something we can get behind!
Here are some tips on how to make the most of your business trip budget:
Where You Can Save
Airfare
If your company doesn’t book your airplane tickets, do your research to save on airfare. Use sites like CheapOAir or Kayak to score the best prices. Don’t forget to look at Virgin or Jet Blue’s respective websites too, as those companies aren’t listed on aggregate sites. Be sure to sign up for any loyalty programs airlines might offer to rack up sky miles too. Searching ahead of time can net you a cheaper flight, and getting on a couple of email lists might alert you to a good deal.
Maximize Your Per Diem
If you have a food allowance, try to max it out every day. And this doesn’t mean that you should spend every cent – just that you should maximize the potential of the money do you have! If you’ve used your per diem to buy inexpensive groceries for a couple of nights, you’ve earned the spare room to go out for a nice meal at the end of the week!
Minimize Incidentals
Taking items out of the mini-bar or watching in-room movies can be expensive, and not all that satisfying. Be sure to limit the amount of TV and movies you order and be mindful of your alcohol consumption. You can access your Netflix account on your laptop, and keep a stock of snacks, drinks, and mixers in your kitchen.
Where You Should Splurge
Find nice housing
When you’re traveling on business, the only place you really have to get away to is your hotel room -and it might also serve as a true retreat! If you’re looking for a cozy environment, or would rather not have to deal with housekeeping questions every morning for a month, consider staying at a local PC Housing property to get the amenities of home in a comfortable setting. With a variety of communities around major cities in North America, you’re bound to find a location that suits your needs.
Exploring the Local Area
You may never visit the place you’re currently working in ever again. So if you have a few free moments, try to travel like the locals. Do your research beforehand or as soon as you arrive and make time to venture out to see some of the city’s top sites. After all, how many people can say they’ve visited the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City or picked up art from local craftsman at Savannah’s City Market?
Following these tips from the travel pros at PC Housing is sure to help you make the most of your trip.