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Business travel can be a super important part of running a business, but if you don’t do it right, it can easily drain your wallet. Instead of wasting money on overpriced flights, hotels and taxis, check out these cheaper alternative solutions that will completely change the way you go about travel. With these simple tips, you could end up saving hundreds of dollars on your next trip!
1. Know How To Find Cheap Flights
Use apps like Sky Scanner to help make your way around the world! This app checks all airlines to your destination and finds the cheapest flight for the day you pick! They will even send updates on new deals track prices to be sure you are getting the best ticket for your money.
If you are flying around the USA, always check to see if Frontier Or Allegiant is flying to your destination. These airlines are the most affordable airline services. The only set back is that they fly to limited destinations on limited days and the chairs on the plane aren’t the comfiest. But, if you are headed to a big city, it is likely they fly to it, so check it out and save.
2. Airbnb’s, Hostels, and Couch Surfing
I haven’t paid for a hotel in years. Ever since I discovered these alternative options, I haven’t looked back. Not only are these options much cheaper, but these places will feel like a true home away from home where you can cook yourself a meal, have a cup of tea, and recover from that dreadful jet lag with these amazing squareship tips.
Airbnb’s can run as little as 10 bucks a night, depending on your destination. The only catch is that you may be sleeping on the couch or an air mattress in your host’s living room, but, for just one night and an unthinkable price, it’s worth it. If you are looking for a private room on Airbnb, you could easily rent out something from $30 to $100 just depending on your taste and the destination!
Couch surfing is kind of like Airbnb, but for free! Locals open up their home to travelers or business people who are just passing for a night or two. Like Airbnb, the only catch is that you may be stuck on a couch in their living room, but who knows, sometimes you get lucky, and your host will have a private room ready for you. Though this is a free service, people who open up their doors to you without expecting anything in return deserve something in return. So, buy your host a bottle of wine or cook them a meal. Pay it forward in any way that you can.
Hostels are different everywhere you go. In some of them you may have to do chores or share a room with 8 people, and only have one bathroom. Some of them are super fancy, some not so much. Some of them you’ll get your own private room, some you won’t. Though hostels are more popular in Europe, but check out the ones in your destination to be sure you aren’t missing out on a good deal!
3. Travel Lightly
Not only will traveling lightly save you money, but also time. Lugging around heavy suitcases is a nightmare, especially in bigger cities. Instead, wear your fancy work clothes on the plane, pack the rest of your clothes and essentials into a backpack or small suitcase, and bring that as your carry-on item. Then, you can use your laptop case or purse as your personal item. Use apps like Pack Point to be sure you have everything you need and you aren’t over packing!
4. UberPool
Along with the hotel industry, the taxi service industry is slowly making its way towards extinction. I am sure you have heard of Uber, but maybe haven’t seen UberPool pop up in your area yet. Uberpool is like Uber, but cheaper (and usually only available in bigger cities). Your driver picks you up like normal, but along the way to your destination he or she may stop to pick up another passenger or two. Now, an Uber that normally would have been $10 from point A to point B, is now only $5! Yes, sometimes it is awkward sitting in the car with two people you don’t know, but who knows, you may make a friend or two!
5. Don’t Pay For Adventure
If you are exploring a new area, do your best to avoid spending extra money. If you are getting a drink, try for happy hour instead. If you have time to kill throughout the day, check out a local park, take a hike, walk around downtown or score a free museum day. There is plenty of free stuff to do everywhere you go, you just have to do a little searching.
6. Avoid Eating At Restaurants
On a business trip, avoiding restaurants can be tricky, but not impossible. If you must meet for dinner, try somewhere on the cheaper side, or suggest eating separately and meeting for coffee instead. It can be tempting to result to fast food and chain restaurants, but do your best to hit the grocery store instead and cook from your cozy Airbnb!
Conclusion
With these simple tips, you will reduce your travel budget by hundreds of dollars, and the savings will start to show in a few months. There is no need to drain your wallet for a business meeting or two. Be conscious of the money you are spending, make a budget and stick to it.
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