Business Travel

Air travel is one of the most efficient means of transportation, and this image shows an executive jet flying by a cityscape at night.  Many people travel for business purposes every day, and air travel, via private jets and commercial airlines, accounts for a high percentage of business travel.

1. Plan ahead.  Planning ahead is almost always the #1 way to get a better deal.  From airline tickets to rental cars to hotel rooms, you'll likely pay less if you book in advance.
2. Use the Internet.  Websites like Egencia offer discounted deals on hotels, car rentals, and plane tickets.  Sometimes, though, the individual vendors may offer even lower rates.  Before you book online, call the vendor directly to see if there's a lower rate.
3. Use your company's corporate travel manager or agency, if available.  It can reduce the amount of time you spend planning your trip, and may reduce the cost if your company has negotiated deals with certain vendors.
4. Take advantage of travel group or association memberships.  Being a member of an association such as AAA or AARP could save you 10% on hotel rooms, for example.
5. Consider booking a room on the executive level.  While executive level rooms are often more expensive, the amenities they offer — from breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres to complimentary use of the business center and meeting rooms — may outweigh the additional expense.
6. If you're going to be in one place for at least a week, consider efficiency apartments or suite hotels that charge weekly rates.  Many efficiency-type hotels and apartments have small kitchens, allowing you to save money over restaurant meals.
7. Magellan's is a popular online source of travel supplies.  The company features a travel products catalog as well as travel tips and articles.
8. The United States Internal Revenue Service offers a series of business travel expense guidelines for taxpayers.  Be sure to review this information, especially if your travel plans include both business and leisure activities.
9. When traveling overseas, remember that certain countries, particularly European countries in the Schengen area, require that your passport be valid for some months beyond your intended date of departure.  For more information, visit the State Department's Schengen Area Travel Fact Sheet.

Air travel is frequently utilized by business travelers who need to travel long distances in a short amount of time.  This illustration depicts a commercial jet coming in for a landing on a runway at sunset with a cityscape in the background.

• Travel.State.Gov
  
  Find international travel and passport information for United States citizens, including tips for travel abroad, document requirements, and overseas services.  Learn how to get a passport, download passport forms and applications, and get help with lost or stolen passports.
  Travel.State.Gov
• Global Business Travel Association
  
  Trade association dedicated to promoting the value of business travel management.  GBTA creates a direct connection between corporate travel buyers and suppliers, and serves as a leading source of information, education, and networking in the business travel industry.
  www.GBTA.org
• World Airport Guides
  
  Guide to over 200 major airports around the world features maps and driving directions as well as information on car hire, public transport, airport facilities, conference and business facilities, and hotels.
  www.WorldTravelGuide.net/airport-guides
• Airline Flights
  
  Searchable database of worldwide airline flights and flight connections.
  www.FlightLookup.com

This photo shows a business traveler checking his flight status on the airport display.  Airlines offer a convenient, efficient way to travel long distances for business or pleasure, and many companies are able to accrue frequent flyer miles which lower the cost of travel.

• BCD Travel
  
  This full-service corporate travel agency helps companies easily manage travel and reduce costs, while providing more choices to travelers.
  www.BCDTravel.com

Hotel Reservations

• Hotel Reviews
  
  The leading hotel chains offer fairly predictable levels of quality and service at each of their properties.  This website groups the popular lodging chains into five categories, ranging from 5-star luxury hotels to 1-star budget motels.
  www.HotelReviews.us

Business Travel Guide - Corporate Travel Resources