If travel is an important part of your business model, you know that costs are way up. Airlines are raising fares, tacking on new fees, and charging extra for things that used to be free, like checked baggage and nonalcoholic drinks. Choosing to drive instead means paying gasoline prices that have almost doubled in the past year. There are also hidden costs involved in traveling -- like that $642 cell phone bill for international roaming that we got after a recent business trip.
You can still reduce travel expenses by
careful planning. Of course, the most effective solution is to travel less.
With videoconferencing technology, you get the next best thing to being there
without the cost or the hassle. You don't need expensive enterprise-level "telepresence"
equipment to conduct effective remote meetings.
If you must travel, use technology to get the best prices possible. Many
travel agents now charge booking fees. You might save by booking your own
flights and hotels. Do some research and find out the most cost-effective way
to do it. Some airlines charge a higher fee for making reservations online,
while others charge more to make phone reservations. Sign up for frequent
flyer miles -- and use them. Use a company credit card that gives you miles or
cash back. Don't pay for extras you don't need (such as rental car insurance
when your company or personal policy, or your credit card, already covers
you).
The key to getting the best travel deal is often doing the research. You
should try alternate airports (and alternate days/times if you have some
flexibility in your travel plan). Booking directly from a hotel's Web site
will often get you deals you might not get through the travel sites.
_90x45.jpg){kind=small}
