Wallet friendly tips for business travellers

Traveling is an activity that both incorporates fun and business as one package. As a comprehensive package, a traveler gets to see amazing sites while on the other hand completing deals with international clients and partners. Traveling can be expensive especially if done frequently and the distance to be travelled is long. Many businesses have felt the pinch for paying expensive flights and hotel accommodations. Cutting travel costs has proven to be a headache for several business people but with these 7 tips to making travelling pocket friendly, it will no longer be a headache.

Video conferencing
a. The innovation and invention of new technology products such as smartphones with High Definition cameras, laptops with cameras and increase and availability of video conferencing tools such as Skype, business travel has never been cheaper. A computer or smartphone with a HD camera and high speed internet connectivity allows you to talk with clients from around the world at the comfort of your office, therefore cutting the cost of travelling.
Purchasing air-travel tickets that are refundable
A. Traveling by air is very expensive depending on the class in the plane, the distance and the time of the year. To make travelling by air pocket friendly, it is advisable to purchase tickets which the airline allows for cancelling and reimburse you the cost. This eliminates the headache of being stuck with an all-round ticket and losing money in the process.
b. Refundable air tickets give you the chance to cancel a ticket with the current airline and purchase one from a cheaper airline travelling on the same route. This will save you a lot of money in the end.
Have a travel manager on your speed dial
a. If you work at a large organization, having a travel manager is very convenient since it eliminates the headache of going through many airlines looking for affordable tickets and accommodation in hotels. A travel manager can help you get tickets at discounted prices, discounted hotel accommodation and car rental service. Travel managers will also help you apply for an esta visa if you seek to travel to the US.
A company jet
a. A company can choose to buy and maintain its own business plane. This option allows a company to have total control and therefore provide a cheaper option of travel compared to commercial flights especially when productivity is factored in.
b. It is highly advantageous in places where getting a direct flight to a destination is difficult. This helps save money and time.
 Affordable accommodations
a. For small organizations that see having a travel manager quite expensive, it is advisable to always seek affordable accommodations in mid-scale or three star hotels at destinations that they have travel to as opposed to luxurious hotels. This helps cut the cost during travel.
b. Looking for accommodation in the suburbs in the town that you have travelled to as opposed to hotels located within the city will give you a chance of getting affordable accommodations with reasonable restaurant prices.
Use public transport
a. A cheaper way to travel to and from an airport and between meetings is to use available public transport as opposed to car rental or the use of taxis.
Reward programs
a. Several airlines offer reward points for miles covered for loyal customers. Cashing in the points when they have accumulated can help you save money on travel.