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Business travel may seem glamorous to
someone that doesn’t do a lot of
traveling. However, business travel can
be darn right stressful if you are new to
it. Below are business travel pitfalls and
some tips for success.
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation is probably the biggest
headache of business travel! Do you
drive or fly? Take a direct flight or a
cheaper multiple connection flight?
Drive your own car or get a rental?
The key to easing this headache is
to plan ahead. Not only does planning
ahead typically mean more reasonable
rates on flights, rentals, etc., it gives you
the opportunity to weigh your options
and seek input and approval from your
supervisor if necessary.
To drive or rent often comes down
to personal preference. If your company
does not have a preference and you are
willing to put the extra miles on your
car, run the numbers quick. Figure the
mileage reimbursement versus the cost
of the rental – don’t forget to add in a
fuel charge. The same can be used for
the drive or fly debate, but don’t forget
to factor in your time!
The direct versus connecting flight
debate gets a little trickier. There can
be hefty differences in price between a
direct flight and those with a connection
or two. As you evaluate your options,
remember that a couple hundred dollars
difference isn’t much in the grand
scheme of things. Taking a direct flight
or one with a single connection could
get you back to work quicker or give you
the opportunity to squeeze in a breakfast
meeting before leaving, for example. Not
to mention, a lower risk of travel delays
and issues.
CASH, CREDIT OR DEBIT
If business travel is part of your job,
many organizations provide a company
credit card. However, if they do not, you
should seriously consider getting a credit
card with an adequate credit limit, even
if you only use it for travel arrangements
or travel emergencies.
While some rely on debit cards, they
aren’t always reliable for business travel
due to the hold that many places, such as
hotels and gas stations, put on your card
that can tie up your available dollars.
Also, consider carrying a small
amount of cash for situations where a
credit card is not accepted or for tips.
Speaking of tips, be prepared to tip
a few key people. Examples of those
you should tip while traveling: the valet
service, bell staff, wait staff and the
concierge if they go above and beyond
to assist. Not sure how much to tip?
Pay attention to what others tip or ask
your supervisor for guidelines. Then
base your tip off of this and the service
received.
BUSINESS MEALS
Some companies offer a set rate for meal
expenses for the day. Others reimburse
at the actual expense. To avoid a hassle,
understand the policy up front as well
as the expense documentation process.
Also, gain a clear understanding about
what is acceptable meal expense. For
example, if you are of age, will your
employer cover alcoholic drink expenses
and to what extent?
Keep your meal selection within
reason! Don’t select the most
expensive meal on the menu. A good
rule of thumb is to order like you would
if you were spending your own money.
If you were out to dinner on your own
dime would you splurge on dessert?
This should go without saying, but
if there is a communal appetizer, chips
and salsa, or something of this nature,
don’t double dip! In a family setting you
may all share the same germs, but that is
not the case at a business dinner and is
unprofessional.
BONUS TIP:
If you are traveling a lot,
see if your company has a policy on
collecting hotel/airline points. Many
organizations will allow the employee to
reap the benefits of reward programs as
long as travel decisions continue to be
based on what is in the best interest for
the company. Most of these programs
are free and offer some really great perks.
Mastering the art of business travel
comes with experience and even the
most experienced business traveler
runs into new situations now and then.
Hopefully, these few tips will help ease
the learning curve!
THE ART OF
by Erika Osmundson, AgCareers.com Director of Marketing
and Ashley Collins, AgCareers.com Education & Marketing Manager
BUSINESS TRAVEL
