Have you ever read a luxury travel magazine article about flying first class on the world’s most luxurious airlines? Let me paint a picture in case you aren’t subscribed to Travel + Leisure magazine.
Your limousine ride has taken you to your terminal where security checks are only a minor inconvenience as you make your way to your very own VIP lounge, complete with complimentary buffet. On the plane your seat folds out to a full-size bed which the stewards will be happy to make for you as you. Oh, and there’s also a complimentary champagne, Moët. Oh, and you don’t sit next to anyone else, if you don’t want to.
If you’re a small startup, chances are pretty good your travel budget won’t carry those kind of costs, no matter how cool a boss you want to be. Ryan Air, Easy Jet, cargo class; all far more likely choices. For young businesses, balancing the books can be very tricky. The best thing you can probably do involves trial and error, and an expense tracking app like ExpenseIn.
Still, that meeting with corporate HQ in Hamburg just cannot be avoided, so what are some of the ways to get the most value out of every trip without tipping the scale to empty? Here are a two very good ideas.
Boring food costs too much
Business centres tend to have a pretty meagre selection of places to eat, and most of the places you’ll find are corporate chains serving salads and over-priced steaks. These places are designed to serve business lunches, but you can avoid these Brave New World eateries by bringing snacks. Yes, that’s right – sounds like something you could have thought up on your own? You’d be surprised how many people forget to bring a cereal bar, an apple and some crisps. The best places to eat will likely be in another part of town. And for those of us adventurous travellers, local high street (or equivalent) favourites rarely come in much over a fiver.
Fly high at a low cost
In January you set up all of your year’s flights like the smart and sophisticated world traveller you are. Only, it’s June and Deborah has asked you to set up a last minute emergency meeting with the people in Spain because of project delays and internal disagreements. None of the flights you found fit into your budget, but here are some rules that should help ease the burden, at least a little. Never, and I repeat Never buy your flight at the airport, you’ll be missing out on online offers and last minute deals – so even if it’s an emergency, get online and purchase in the airport rather than buy at the desk. Another general rule is that flights are cheaper Tuesday to Thursday. Finally, 11th September is one of the cheapest days of the year to fly – take advantage of it, especially in the US.
You can also employ incentives like rewards for employees who keep travel costs down, or under a set figure. Be creative, hold meetings and brainstorm with your employees to see what ideas everyone can come up with to keep spending to a minimum.
