Introduction
You are a smart traveler – aren’t you? You made an educated decision in purchasing your name brand luggage. Why stop there? Aside from plane tickets and hotels, the smaller things can drain your wallet without immediate notice. The following article seeks to educate the business traveler on the areas where their hard-earned money can be saved.

Colliding with rental insurance
The expense of insurance can be as expensive as renting a car. Many agents will take a look at your trendy leather luggage and coerce you into purchasing the rental insurance. Stand your ground. Before you go on your next trip, contact your insurance agency. You may be covered for collision coverage. In addition, many credit card agencies extend insurance coverage if you use their card for the rental.

Between a rock and a car space
Hotels can be very expensive, and to add additional injury, some will charge you for a parking spot too. Save the money to buy something useful such as a travel pillow. Call the hotel ahead of time and ask if they offer free parking.

Ticket to ride
Business deals arrive unexpectedly sometimes. Airlines throw around hefty numbers for next-day tickets. Before you place your laptop in your computer backpack, use it to get on the Web and find some cheaper flights. The difference in price is often well worth the effort.

It’s deductible
Have you noticed how many hidden fees there are? Airport construction, security, airport access, customs, gate taxes, country taxes, value-added taxes, and 9/11 charges may be added to your ticket expense. These fees are inextricable, but they are tax-deductible. If you do a lot of traveling, you can put the savings towards your next luggage purchase.

Something for nothing
Has an agent ever asked you if you would like a roomier seat? It will sound enticing, but first ask them if the flight is booked solid. You may be able to get the roomier seat anyway if they have nothing else to offer you.

The same concept works for car rentals. Has an agent ever asked you if you want a nicer ride? Their reason for asking may have to do with their lack of compact cars. Before you agree, see if they have compact cars available. If they do not, they will have to give you the nicer car for the same price anyway.

Hotspots
Airlines and hotels charge high prices for Internet connectivity. Before you get into your room and use your adaptor, see if they have free access in the lobby. Go to Wi-FiFreeSpot.com to locate the closest free hotspot anywhere in the U.S.

Labels: travel