Business Travel for Start-ups: Cost-Saving Strategies

Written by Earl Kennaugh

February 13, 2024

Saving costs on business travel

Making use of business travel services could provide some strategies that can help reduce travel costs without sacrificing the trip’s quality or comfort.

Let us discuss some of these cost-saving strategies when travelling on business:

For start-up businesses, business travel can be a significant expense, especially if they need to meet with clients, investors, or partners in different locations.

Try to Get Access to Lower & Better Flight Inventories

Utilizing a corporate travel platform that provides customers with a diverse set of options from a variety of airlines, including cost-effective options and adaptable fares, is one of the most effective ways to cut costs when booking airline travel.

You will be able to find the best deals for your travel requirements as well as compare prices using this method. For instance, Travel Group is a company that can help you to access hundreds of the most reputable travel networks and provides corporate travellers with special rates that have been negotiated.

 

Encourage Trip Flexibility

Being flexible with the dates and times of your flight is another way to cut costs when purchasing airline tickets.

If it is at all possible, you should try to book your flights either a significant amount of time in advance or at the very last minute because these are typically the times when prices are the lowest.

You can save additional money by flying at off-peak times or on non-holidays, as well as by selecting a different airport or route.

In addition, you have the option of utilising a solution such as provided by Travel Group, which enables you to get the best possible deals and may assist you to get refunds if you have to cancel or change your flights before they are scheduled to depart.

 

Select Accommodations That Offer Free Amenities

When searching for a place to stay, it is important to look for hotels that offer amenities such as free Wi-Fi, free breakfast, free parking, and free access to meeting rooms.

These conveniences will not only make your stay more comfortable and convenient, but they will also help you save money on the day-to-day costs of business travel.

You can save money on your hotel stay if you book it in advance, select a location that is close to your destination, or opt for public transportation that is in the immediate area.

 

Use Rental Cars Wisely

There are a few ways that you can save money on car rental if you are going to need one for your business travels.

  • To begin, it is recommended that you steer clear of renting a car at the airport, as they typically charge a high airport tax.
  • Check to see if your company credit card offers rental car insurance; if it does, you will not have to worry about paying any additional fees for it.
  • Third, make sure you book your rental car well in advance so that you can take advantage of lower rates and improved availability.
  • Fourth, pick a vehicle that gets good gas mileage and fill up the tank before you bring it back.

 

Plan Your Meals Smartly

When travelling for business, one of the most significant costs is that of food.

You can cut costs on food by doing any combination of the following:

  • booking a hotel that provides breakfast as part of the room rate;
  • bringing your own snacks and drinks;
  • making use of coupons or discounts offered by local restaurants;
  • scheduling client meetings for lunch rather than dinner;
  • avoiding room service or minibar charges.

You can also use apps like TripAdvisor to find restaurants close to your location that are both affordable and of a high quality.

 

Use Technology to Communicate Whenever Possible

When it comes to conducting business, using technology to communicate with your customers, investors, or business partners can help you avoid, or at least reduce the need for excessive business travel.

You could, for instance, use video conferencing, webinars, or online presentations to demonstrate your goods or services, hold meetings, or engage in negotiations. This could save you both time and money, in addition to lowering the amount of damage you do to the environment.

However, you should also take into account the advantages of face-to-face interactions, such as the development of trust and rapport, and select the alternative that is most suitable to your circumstances.

Managing Travel Visas and Work Permits

Set and Keep to a Clear & Reasonable Travel Policy

If you want to save money on business travel, one of the most important steps you can take is to have a travel policy that is crystal clear and reasonable, and that lays out the rules and guidelines for your employees.

For instance, the requirements for your business travel should be specified in your travel policy. This includes the budget, the approval process, the reimbursement procedure, the preferred vendors, the expense categories, and the reporting requirements.

You will be better able to manage your travel costs, monitor your travel performance, ensure compliance, and be accountable for your actions thanks to this.

 

Track & Properly Analyse All Your Important Travel Data

By tracking and analysing your travel data, you can effectively reduce the total amount of money you spend on business travel.

This can assist you in determining the areas in which you can improve your cost-efficiency, such as the seasons, the travellers, the destinations, or the suppliers. Your travel data can also be used to negotiate better deals with your vendors or to reward your employees for their cost-saving behaviours.

Both of these options are available to you. For assistance with this undertaking, you can make use of a corporate travel company, such as Travel Group’s offering, which includes features for reporting and analytics.

Sure, here is another strategy that you can use to save money on business travel:

 

Use Loyalty Programmes & Rewards

Many airlines, hotels, car rental companies, and credit cards offer loyalty programmes and rewards for frequent travellers.

By signing up for these programmes, you can earn points, miles, cash back, discounts, upgrades, and other benefits that can help you reduce your travel costs. For example, you can use your points or miles to book free flights or hotel stays or use your cash back or discounts to pay for other travel expenses.

posts

Recommended for you