Though it is true that technology has made the world a much smaller place and methods of communication have never been more numerous or easier to use, traveling remains an important part of doing business. In fact, according to a recent survey of companies, most senior level executives take an average of at least ten business trips a years. Sure, things like video conferencing are growing in popularity, but nothing lets a client know how important their business is to you like a visit from a senior executive.

However, due to the global recession, many companies have been forced to cut their business travel budgets. While this doesn't necessarily mean that all executives are taking fewer trips, it does mean that companies are paying closer attention to the costs of these sojourns.

As we mentioned, business travel expenses are a necessary part of doing business for most companies. It allows them to establish strong relationships with partners and clients. But as the economy sours, companies are tightening their collective belts and business travel is one area where cuts can be made.

Travel on the Cheap

The easiest way for companies to save money on travel expenses is to search for special deals and promotions from the airlines. All of the top airlines have been hit hard by the recession and as a result they are cutting their ticket prices across the board, especially on international business travel. This may mean a less luxurious trip, but discount tickets are an easy way to save on travel expenses. Sure, you might have to do without a few creature comforts, but tough times demand adjustments.

Another reliable way to save money on airline tickets is to purchase tickets online and ahead of time. Sites like Orbitz, Expedia and Priceline regularly offer airline tickets at rock bottom prices. As you might expect, these tickets are less expensive the sooner you buy them. That is why many companies are scheduling meetings and trips many weeks or even months in advance.

Airlines, of course, are not the only part of the travel industry that has felt the pinch of hard economic times. Many hotels and car rental agencies are also struggling to survive. And they have taken a lesson from the airlines and are now offering deals, especially to business travelers. Many companies offer package deals with airfare, rental cars and hotel rooms included to cut costs.

But unfortunately hotels are also taking a lesson from the airlines and are beginning to charge guests for formerly free amenities like Internet access or newspapers. It is difficult to know which hotels are charging or skimping on these services, but again this is one of the small costs of surviving hard economic times.

However, in spite of all the deals and special promotions and packages that are out there to be found, many companies have still been forced to trim their travel budgets. This means slightly fewer meeting, especially with regard to international travel. It is also becoming increasingly popular for companies to downgrade their executives from business to economy class on longer flights. It may also mean that employees should not expect to stay in four star hotels or anything even remotely close. But as we mentioned there are still many deals to be found and the savvy traveler can find many ways to stretch his travel dollars with a minimum of discomfort.

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