NFIB

Simplify Time on the Road
09/ 10/ 2002

by Vicki Gerson

What can you do to make your next business trip easier as well as cost effective? Consider these eight travel tips next time you pack your bags.

Shop around.

Before you make a hotel reservation, rent a car or purchase an airline ticket, shop around. If you're using a travel agent, make sure the person knows price is important to you. If you really feel the travel provider is giving you a price that is too high, say, "Is that the best we can do? Is there anything less expensive?"

Empty rooms don't make money.

Hotels want their rooms filled at night. If you don't have a reservation, stop at the nearest hotel and ask what the rate is for the night. Most likely, you can negotiate a much lower rate because few hotels are booked at 100 percent capacity each and every night.

Use multiple airports to your advantage.

If you're booking a last-minute trip, shop airports. You will be amazed at the difference in price by comparison shopping. Some airlines run discounts or promotions for certain airports. Always ask if there is a cheaper fare at a nearby airport. For instance, leaving a Chicago airport could cost a business traveler more money than flying out of the airport in Milwaukee.

Check out the hotel room.

As soon as you arrive, determine if the lights, air conditioning and heating work. Also check for an alarm clock, towels and the TV remote control. If something isn't right, report it immediately. If it's serious enough, you may be moved to another room before you even unpack.

Have a suitcase ready to go.

If you travel on a regular basis, have a suitcase packed and ready to go. It pays to have an extra set of toiletries and personal items in the suitcase.

Keep all your travel papers in one location.

Purchase two small plastic or cloth zipper bags similar to what children use to hold school supplies. In it, you can keep all the important information you need such as airline tickets, car service numbers, your passport and tip money. In another zipper bag, keep your receipts from hotels, restaurants, limousines, etc. When the trip is over, you won't be digging through your pockets, briefcase or suitcase to gather up all the information.

Ship whenever you can.

Dealing with airport security today can be a hassle. Traveling with heavy or bulky items can be inconvenient and slow you down. Whenever possible, have these items shipped to your hotel or meeting destination ahead of time.

Have phone numbers handy.

Always travel with a list of toll-free airline numbers. If your flight is canceled, you don't have to stand in line with other irate passengers trying to get on another flight. Simply go to the nearest phone and call an airline to get rerouted.

Small Business Sound Off
Does this story hit home?  Share your story with us