Minimizing Expenses on the Road

Many business travel expenses are tax-deductible, but that doesn’t mean they’re free. Saving money is always important, and though travel can be very expensive, there’s a lot you can do to cut down on costs.

Travel Costs

Driving long distances is rarely more economical than flying or taking a bus or train. Calculate your automobile’s gas mileage and make an estimate of how much money you’ll be spending on gas. Unless it’s significantly less than the cost of getting there by other means, driving isn’t worth it. Beyond gas costs, it adds wear and tear to your vehicle and increases your risk of being delayed (flat tires, blown radiator, etc.).

If you do decide to drive, the rules of fuel economy are the same away as they are at home: walk, carpool, or take advantage of public transit.

Food Costs

Sure, you’re allowed to deduct meals that can be priced up to $31 to $51 dollars on average, but you’re still going to be paying that money. To save a good deal of money, purchase foods from a local grocery or supermarket and prepare your own meals when you can. The cost is still tax deductible, but a lot lower.

If you have to eat out (or just want to), drink water with your meal. It’s free at most restaurants, and it certainly won’t hurt you. In fact, it could be the start of a healthy habit.

Apparel Costs

Clothes seem to get dirty more often when traveling, but you don’t have to do laundry every day. If you get a spot on your trousers or blouse, there’s no need to visit the dry cleaners—you can dab the spot off with a damp cloth and let it air dry.

Take along a bit of needle and thread in case a button pops off. Even if you’ve never sewn a stitch before, you can reattach a button without having to pay a tailor to do it for you.

Cost Avoidance

The easiest way to save money is not to spend it at all! Minimizing expensive leisure activities is a good place to start. That’s not to say you shouldn’t do fun things while on a business trip, but it’d be best to do free activities like sightseeing and taking photos. There are travel guides widely available that highlight free and inexpensive recreation to be found in the places you’re likely to be traveling to. Being frugal doesn’t have to mean being bored.