Traveling isn’t always cheap. And when you’re frequently having to jet off somewhere for a meeting or other work related event, it can start to add up pretty quickly.

Our Boston Corporate Coach travel experts are here to give you 5 money saving tips for business trips:

1. Knowledge is Power

Luggage fees can be a necessary evil if you are traveling long enough to require a checked bag. However, they can get even worse if you go over weight requirements or need to check multiple pieces of luggage. Usually airlines require your bag to be under 50lbs to avoid any added on fees. Check the rules for luggage that apply with your specific airline so you can pack smarter for your trip. It is also important to weigh your bag before you get to the airport so you don’t have to be the person un-packing and re-packing their luggage in the middle of the check-in line or be forced to pay additional fees.

2. Plan Ahead

It used to be that the later you booked your flight, the better a deal you would get because the airline wanted to fill the plane up as much as possible. This is not the case anymore.
Now, the earlier you book your flight, the better. If you know you’re going to have to fly out to a meeting somewhere in 3 months, do not hesitate to book your flight early. Waiting until the last minute could mean spending over $200 dollars for the same flight you could have booked months ago.=

3. Two (Or Three) in One

With some planning, sometimes it is feasible to get multiple trips out of the way in one fell swoop. If possible, plan multiple meetings in the same area around the same time. You may have a longer trip than originally planned, but you can save a lot by only having to make the flight once.

4. Is Bigger Better?

Depending on the length of your stay, upgrading yourself to a suite with a kitchen can often save you money in the long run. Being able to store and cook your own meals means avoiding the pricey cost of frequently eating out. Not to mention, it’s also a great convenience after a long day of meetings and work.=

5. The Power of Plastic

When traveling overseas, avoid the costly foreign transaction fees that banks will tax on to your statement when using an ATM. To get the best exchange rate, use your credit card when possible. When picking the right one for you, pay attention because some credit cards will have foreign transaction fees of their own. However, not all of them do, so do a little homework to track down the right card for you and your bank account will thank you for it.