Shane T. Frank, Houston, COO, on Budget Business Travel

Business travel can be a huge expense for both corporations and small businesses. From flights to lodging to food, there are many ways to spend money when traveling for business. Just because travel costs money, it does not mean that businesses should not look for ways to cut their expenses. Here are some options:

Leverage Loyalty Programs

Most airlines and hotel chains have loyalty programs that allow frequent travelers to earn free nights and flights. Companies can utilize credit cards that offer points for ordinary spending. They can also utilize specific airlines or hotel chains to earn more points. Once enough points are earned, the company can redeem them for free or discounted accommodations.

Plan Ahead

Waiting until the last minute to take a business trip is a good way to spend more than necessary. Some last-minute trips are unavoidable if a major catastrophe happens, but most excursions can be planned in advance. By planning ahead, it's possible to save quite a bit of money on flights.

Look at Alternatives

Flying into an airport that's close to a major city is convenient if that's where business is set to take place. Sometimes, airlines will offer cheaper flights in an attempt to get people to fly into smaller airports. Taking advantage of these opportunities might be a way to save money.

Don't Get Nickeled and Dimed

The stated rate of a hotel room or flight might not be what you're likely to pay. Some hotels that look like good ideas might charge for Wi-Fi or breakfast. They might also charge resort fees. Therefore, a hotel that looks like it may cost more may actually be cheaper in the long run. Airlines have moved to basic economy offerings that do not offer checked bags or seat assignments. If a tall employee needs a business class seat or needs checked bags because of the length of the trip, basic economy might wind up costing more.

Streamline Booking

There are apps like Concur that streamline the booking process. It's possible to book airfare, hotels and rental cars in one place. These options can cut down on the time it takes to plan a trip, and time is money.

There are many ways to cut travel costs for businesses. All that's required is some effective planning. It's important to remember that every dollar saved on travel is a dollar that can go to the bottom line of the business.

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This article was originally published on shanetfrank.org

About the Author

Shane T. Frank is a highly experienced entrepreneur with interests in cryptocurrency, international export, and technology. Based in Houston, TX, Shane is a co-founder and a Chief Operations Officer. For more of Shane's insights, visit:

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