Money-saving secrets for small business travelers

Whether your small business is home based or you lease a well-placed storefront on the busiest street in town, travel is often an inevitable part of doing business.

The need to travel on business may remind you of that old adage that you have to spend money to make money. But premium travel arrangements don't have to cost a premium price.

Saving money on the big expenses of business travel - transportation and lodging - can be as simple as planning ahead, staying flexible and using reward and incentive programs to your advantage.

Transportation costs

Between airfare and rental cars, transportation can account for a big chunk of your business travel expenses. Fortunately, you can find plenty of ways to minimize both costs.

First, join frequent flyer programs for the airlines you use most often, and sign up for rental car membership programs. These are especially valuable if you travel a lot. Plus if you use a business credit card with a frequent flyer program, you can rack up points a lot faster and get to free or discounted tickets in no time.

Flexibility and advanced planning are key when booking air travel and rental cars. While last-minute travel is sometimes unavoidable - and sometimes last-minute deals can be found - your best bet for savings is to research and purchase airfare well in advance. Ticket prices rise as travel dates approach. Buying in advance also can allow you to adjust travel dates for when rates are lowest.

When renting a car, keep your basic needs in mind. If you won't be transporting a lot of people and don't need to impress a client with a snazzy car, going for the economy model will not only save you on rental fees but also on gas.

Accommodation costs

Thanks to the Internet, it's easier than ever to save money on hotel rooms. You can find hotel rates online, but you can also use the Information Superhighway to juggle costs and make compromises that can save you money in the long run.

For example, you may compare a hotel across town with one within walking distance of your meeting. The room across town may be significantly cheaper than the one nearby, but will the expense of a cab or rental car eat up those savings? On the other hand, if you'll need a rental car anyway, the cheaper room that's farther away may be more cost-effective for you.

Paying smart

How you pay for your business travel can also save you money - and make the trip more productive, as well. Traveling on cash is virtually impossible these days, and with the level of benefits and protections offered by American Express business credit cards why would you want to use cash?

Paying with a credit card offers many protections for your purchase. You'll get a better exchange rate when traveling abroad, and most business cards now offer rewards programs. American Express Business Platinum, for example, offers more than 30 premium benefits, including automatic hotel upgrades and amenities (when available), automatic upgrades with complimentary access to certain premium car rental programs, airport club access, baggage insurance and more.

Traveling on business may be unavoidable, but it doesn't have to be unavoidably expensive.