Tips for Booking Travel and Accommodations
As an entrepreneur, you’re likely to travel for business conferences, client meetings, new projects, and more. While it may seem like a cumbersome task, booking travel and accommodations in advance is essential if you want a smooth and hassle-free experience.
If you can’t help but ask yourself whether it’s possible to make travel a less stressful activity, the answer is a resounding yes! All you need to do is to come up with a few tips and tricks to make things easier. Keep reading for the complete lowdown.
Ask For Help
If you feel like you have far too many tasks on your plate and can’t find the time to plan your business trips in advance, don’t hesitate to ask someone else to figure out the logistics. For example, your virtual assistant could help you find the best deals and finalize all the bookings on your behalf.
You could also work with a travel agent or a corporate travel company if that’s a better fit for your needs. Experienced professionals will be able to help you make the most of discounts and ensure that everything is taken care of. You’ll never have to stress over booking travel and accommodations again!
Take Your Budget Into Account
As a business owner, it’s crucial for you to keep a tab of business expenses to prevent overspending. When it comes to travel, it’s best to start with a realistic budget in mind so you know how to plan the next steps.
Sticking to a fixed budget will also make it easier to choose the right accommodation options and plan your stay. Wondering how to do justice to your budget without fretting over the expenses? Check out popular online resources like Booking.com, Kayak, and Expedia to look for the best flights and hotel deals.
Loyalty Programs Are Your FriendS
Signing up for a loyalty program or two can be definitely helpful in the long run. These programs can help you cut down on expenses, especially if you’re a frequent traveler.
Whether you wish to sign up for loyalty programs with airline companies or hotels, being proactive and taking advantage of good deals is an excellent way to save on business trips. You may even get access to cool perks like priority boarding or room upgrades while booking travel and accommodations.
Don’t Be Afraid To Reach Out
If you’re planning to travel with your team members, you should consider reaching out to a hotel of your choice for group bookings. Don’t hesitate to negotiate with them and ask for a discount – you’re likely to score a good deal for group bookings.
If you get lucky, the hotel may even arrange free transportation for you and the rest of the team or offer other benefits. Note that it’s important to contact prospective hotels once the trip is confirmed so that you have enough time to sift through different options if necessary.
TRY BEING FLEXIBLE
It’s worth being flexible with dates whenever possible. This will give you the opportunity to check out different options and finalize the best deals.
Here’s an example to illustrate this point further: If you’re planning a business trip six months down the line, consider checking the prices on different dates to identify the best option while booking travel and accommodations.
You can also choose to fly at odd times and catch red-eye flights to avoid dealing with long queues. The trick is to do enough research beforehand and ensure you’ve got everything covered instead of scrambling at the last minute.
WRITTEN BY: BOSHIKA GUPTA
