Take Savings on the Road
 By B.J. Addington

The American Express Global Business Travel Forecast reports that the cost of the average domestic business trip will climb 4.5 percent – or $46 – in 2007. And an International business trip will cost you 4.6 percent – or $180 – more this year. The report analyzed flights, cars and hotels – the three big travel spending categories.

As a small-business owner, your travel budget is probably slim to none as it is. Increases like the ones forecasted are definitely not a welcome surprise.

So, what’s a road warrior to do?

Chances are you don’t have your own travel manager on staff working full time to oversee your travel spending and ensure you get the most for your travel dollars. Nor do you have the negotiating clout like the big corporations to help you land the best deals.

But, in the era of increasing travel costs, there are ways you can save a few bucks here and there. Try these simple strategies.

Become Your Own Travel Agent
Shopping for travel needs has never been easier. The Internet is chock full of resources to help you find the best prices on flights, hotels and rental cars. Many sites even offer discounts for booking online or for booking air fare and hotel accommodations together.

Practice your Web search tactics and hone your skills when you’re not pressed to make a reservation. You’ll soon find your inner travel agent.

Stay Off The Beaten Path
Downtown may be where it’s at but that’s also where the high dollar hotel rooms are. Several budget hotel chains catering to business travelers have set up shop outside the hustle and bustle of the city center.

Driving just a few miles out of the tourist areas can save you big bucks on your accommodations. Besides, you may find that the quiet of the ‘burbs helps with your Z time.

Ask For A Lower Rate
It can’t hurt to try. When you check in, ask the hotel clerk if there’s a lower available rate than the one you booked. Often, if hotel occupancy is low you may be obliged.

Rent An Economy Car
Before you say “ugh,” remember it’s not going to be your permanent ride. In the interest of saving a few bucks, you can make do for a few days.

Besides, chances that you’ll end up in a matchbox are few and far between. Rental companies frequently overbook these lower class cars. And when they do, they’re obligated to upgrade you to the next class of car at no additional charge.

Ditch The Optional Insurance
While we’re on the subject of rental cars, let’s talk optional insurance. Just say “No.” Find out what’s covered under your personal auto insurance policy or credit card. Most of the time, you’re good to go.

Join Rewards Programs
If you travel a lot, airline frequent flyer miles and hotel loyalty points add up fast. This can mean savings, upgrades and even free flights and hotel stays for you. If you’re going to be traveling anyway, you might as well rack up some points for a future bonus.

Go For The Freebies
Don’t pay for anything you can get for free. Many hotels offer perks that don’t cost a dime.

Look for accommodations that include free local calls, high-speed Internet access, in-room movies, shuttle bus services and newspapers. And don’t forget to fill up at the complimentary breakfast buffets or cocktail hours where on-the-house hors d’oeuvres can double as dinner.

Check Your Bills
Always give your hotel, restaurant and transportation bills a thorough review. Dispute any items you feel are in error. Don’t think that just because you’ve already paid you’re stuck with an erroneous charge. You can challenge a charge either before or after you pay.

5 Ways AFS Helps You Save On Travel
Keep even more of your travel dollars in your pocket when you take advantage of these great offers available through your AFS Membership.

1. Hotel Savings Program—Save 10 percent off the best available rate at thousands of participating hotels worldwide

2. Hotel Access Card—Get up to 50 percent off the rack rate at major hotels nationwide

3. AFS PremierPoints—Redeem your free Rewards Cash for savings of up to 45 percent off Web site rates at 6,500 hotels throughout the world

4. Car Rental Discounts—Enjoy discounts on car rentals from Budget, Enterprise and Hertz

5. Golf Discount Directory—Save on green fees and golf accessories at more than 1,500 courses nationwide

Benefit availability dependent upon membership level and state of residence and may be subject to change.

(Posted May 2007)

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