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!

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.