Today, businesses are very rarely local and focused on a particular region. In fact, it’s not uncommon for companies to offer their products and services to an entire country or even beyond. This is especially true in the case of Malaysia. Even small business owners here tend to have some international business connections.
We live in a global economy, after all. While a few years ago, a business owner would be tied to his establishment, now he has to travel to different regions and countries. Unfortunately, a business trip abroad can be expensive and take much needed revenue away from your business. Here are some ways to avoid it.
Take Advantage of Loyalty Programs
As a frequent business traveller, it’s very likely that you’ve used a particular airline, hotel, and service regularly. It’s a good idea to take advantage of this. Most carriers offer frequent flier benefits that you can take advantage of regularly. Similarly, hotels and other such establishments would offer discounts and offers to people who visit their establishment regularly. You can easily save a considerable amount of money taking advantage of every loyalty program possible.
Pack Light
Some airlines offer checked-in baggage for free while others don’t. That’s why it’s good practice not to check in baggage at all. In fact, this would also help avoid a chance of your baggage getting lost. Most business owners know the value of the reliable carry-on. They simply pack what they need for the trip, wear the formal clothes and jacket that can’t really be fit into a carry-on and avoid extra-baggage fees.
Seasoned business travellers will tell you just how vital this step is. It would also serve you well to keep travel sized portions of your daily necessities. This includes toiletries and medications. Keeping a travel kit ready at all times will save you considerable time as well.
International Calling
Switching mobile roaming services for voice and data would only increase your expenses. You might not be aware of it, but the expense on voice call and data service is second only to the flight and stay costs. There are several ways to address this expense. Some of them are listed here:
- Use the hotel Wi-Fi and free service wherever possible. You can also use tools like Skype to call people you need to call.
- Most small business owners don’t want to use Skype and free services like it to make business calls and that’s perfectly understandable, but you can use these services to make informal calls.
- You can use international SIM cards that have reduced rates for international calls and data. Instead of using international roaming in your ordinary phone service, you can use this facility.
Mind What You Eat
Your biggest expense while travelling can be food, especially if you pick the wrong food and fall sick. It’s a good idea to simply eat healthy, nutrition rich food in small portions during your business trip. You can pick up salads and breads from a local grocery store instead of visiting a restaurant for every meal. You can also book at a hotel that provides free breakfast.
