Basic Tips For The Business Traveler

Business trips or official trips are those that take you away from your place of work for a significant duration of time. In terms of IRS you travel away from your ‘tax home’ (the place where you are currently working) to a different place for a specific interval of time.

What makes a business trip different from an ordinary overnighter? Simple. A business trip is booked by your company and they get to decide where you go, where you stay, how long you stay and how much you can eat on their dime. In your ordinary overnighter you decide on your destination, your hotel choice, budget for entertainment AND you get to take loved ones along fo the ride.

If you happen to be the owner of the company your travel decision are centered around the bright business prospects i.e. the best place you think would be to enhance and promote your business.

Business trips are to be planned in a slightly different fashion than normal. Usually your company will do the booking for you but if the travel is at your decretion, then you have the opportunity to think about your travel.

If this is the case, here is where you can save a few extra dollars. Do a search and compare prices. Most online travel sites will educate you about various things. For instance you can know about the hotels and their charges, airfares, and the cost to rent a vehicle It's better to do your research as soon as possible before your business trip. Last minute travel planning for business can be troublesome as well as expensive.

While you making a business trip, try and save as much as you can but without compromising on your basic amenities. It's not wise to spend your entire food allowance eating lavishly. If you are visiting a place for the first time, one night to see the nightlife is enough. Don't over pack as some airlines charge by the weight of your luggage. Some elegant official wear shirts and trousers should be preferred than a multitude dresses.

Don't forget to pack your travel alarm clock -- you don't want to miss the meeting or conference that is planned for your business trip.

Lastly, reach the airport or station on time to avoid missing your flight or train. Go with a little planning and make your business trip a huge success!

Air Travel With Your Furry Friends

I am a HUGE fan of animals and I can't imagine taking a vacation without my Yorkies (Ozzie Davis and Billy Dee) by my side. My sister is the fur mommy to two lovable Shih Tzu fur babies drove 24 hours from Houston, TX to Philadelphia, PA because she didn't want to be separated from them on her 2 hour plane ride.

These days doggies are not just family pets, they are an important part of the family. Having to leave them behind can be the determining factor in planning a family vacation.

Here are some helpful tips in planning a family vacation with your four footed loved ones. You will find that traveling with your pet is easier than you think!

Air travel with your pet falls into two catagories: In cabin or cargo.

Pets that are small enough to fit under your seat on the plane are "in cabin". Those that are too large will have to ride "cargo". If this is the case, you will need to check with the airline regarding temperature regulations for the cargo of the plane. Most cargo areas are not temperature regulated. They have no air conditioning or heat. Make sure when booking your flight to see if they will accommodate your pet. If you make your reservation online, you will have to make a separate reservation for your pet. Don't forget to make sure your pet can travel with you.

If the airline does allow pets on the plane, they will require an approved crate. Toy dogs require an "in cabin" approved crate. Check with your airline. If you are traveling with more than one pet, check the limit requirements.

You will need a health certificate from your veterinarian. Health certificates are good for ten days. If your trip will be longer than that you will need to purchase another health certificate for the return trip. Cost of a health certificate varies by location and vets. Cost can be anywhere between $15 and $45.

There are times when your pet may be more comfortable with their toys or stuffed animals inside the crate with them. This must also be approved by the airline as they may require that you pack your pet's toys with your luggage. If the airline does allow toys, it's safe put one toy in the crate with your pet. You may also want to consider adding a blanket with your scent inside the crate for your furry friend's additional comfort.

Some pets will experience a certain amount of stress when flying. Be sure to provide your toy breed pet Nutri-Cal before the flight and as soon as you able to reunite with your pet regardless of whether or not they ride in the cabin with you or in the cargo area. The Nutri-Cal will help keep their blood sugars level. Toy breed dogs are more susceptible to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar attacks), which sometimes occur during the stress of traveling. Do not give your toy breed dog tranquilizers. The motion of the airplane has a soporific effect, which may cause your pet (and people) to drift off into a sleep. Once in the air your toy breed pet will probably sleep most of the trip. I'm sure this will put your mind at ease!

Don't forget to give your pet some water just before the flight and also minimize its consummation of food from around 6 hours prior the flight.

While going through the security check make sure that you have a good hold on your pet as the pet will be out of its carrier and may try to run away. Make sure the pet carrier goes through so that you can immediately put the pet in its carrier again.

Last but not the least, do not forget to consult the veterinarian for any concern or queries that you may have regarding the health or vaccination of your pet for travel purposes.

Keeping these tips in mind will make sure that you have a stress free journey with your pet. Take your pet along and make most of your holiday or vacation without any worries.

Airline Booking Tips

When my clients talk to me about making travel plans, each one seems to ask the same question.

"When is the best time to actually book travel?"

I'm going to use this forum to provide the answer.

The first step towards getting inexpensive airline tickets is to plan your trip EARLY! If you wait until the last minute to book your trip, then the ticket price could be outrageous! Plan at least a month in advance. Contrary to popular belief, you won't get a better deal by waiting. Airlines give discounts for early bookings at least 1-2 months in advance and 4-6 months in advance in peak season months. As soon as you know you will be traveling, make your reservation!

The absolute WORST time to book an airline ticket is during the business day (9am - 5pm). Since this is when most business takes place, the airlines increase the price of tickets during this time.

If your travel is business related, try to include a Saturday stay. Most business travelers rarely stay over a weekend, but staying an extra day can produce significant savings.

Can you fly out of your destination on Tuesday or Wednesday instead of Monday or Friday? This too can produce a savings. Also if you can, try to avoid flying on the holidays -- this is a no brainer. Locate some airline deals right after the holidays as many airlines try to keep sales high and will offer great specials.

Travel tip: Clergymen and members of the military receive discounts on airline tickets -- check with your airlines first before you purchase.

Also try to book with a travel agent, as they will sometimes have special airfare discounts that are not released to the public.