5 Ways Small Businesses can Cut Down on their Travel Expense
If you’re looking to reduce expenses for your small business, finding the most cost-effective ways to travel is a great way to save money. With a little help, proper planning and knowing where to cut back, your small business could save thousands of dollars and significantly cut travel costs.
1. Look for Corporate Discounts
Most major airlines, hotels, and car rental agencies offer corporate discount programs that can help save a significant amount on travel costs. Whether you are planning a trip in advance, need flexibility with travel dates, or want to book a flight or hotel on short notice, ask your travel agent if they can get you an even bigger corporate discount and help to avoid costly change fees.
2. Sign Up for Rewards Programs
Using frequent flyer miles programs and rewards offered by airlines, hotels and credit cards is also an effective way to cut costs. If you travel frequently, these points can add up quickly and save your company thousands of dollars each year. Consult with your corporate travel agent on the various rewards programs available to book flights and hotels. They would ensure that you get the best rates and use the least amount of rewards possible to maximize savings.
3. Plan for the Unexpected
In today’s fast-paced world, small businesses often incur the biggest travel expenses from unexpected events such as weather delays, emergencies and last-minute bookings. When you choose a corporate travel agency that offers live assistance from travel agents 24/7, they can help you deal with any situation that may arise.
4. Save Time and Money by Using a Corporate Travel Agency
The hours that employees spend researching and planning travel could be spent working. Complicated itineraries or group travel can take days of planning, and corporate travel agents have access to resources that can cut business travel planning time to minutes instead of days or hours.
Business-oriented travel agencies have access to state-of-the-art technology and global travel networks that can significantly expand your cost-saving options and save your company up to 40 percent off regular corporate rates. Agents can assist you with:
- Airfare and rail tickets
- Hotels
- Car rental
- Airport parking and ground transportation
- Group travel arrangements
- Team-building activities
- Meeting and event management and registration
- Changes in flight arrangements or baggage problems
- Help with passports, visas and travel warnings
- Advise you on the most affordable days and times to travel
5. Enforce your Travel Policy
Having a system in place that tracks employee compliance can deter business travelers from violating your company’s travel policies. A travel management plan will guide you in setting appropriate travel policies. Periodic review and adjustment of these policies can make all the difference when it comes to cost-effective, efficient business travel.
Skilled agents who know the ins and outs of corporate travel services are an invaluable tool that can save money and alleviate stress. Less anxiety can lead to happier employees, better productivity, and significant cost savings. Enlisting the help of experienced corporate travel agents can help your small business maximize its travel budget and keep things running smoothly no matter what your business travel needs may be.