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Travel is one of your biggest business expenses. Between flights and accommodation, food and a strong internet connection, it all really starts to add up. But airports are an often overlooked place where prices start to skyrocket. It's easy to quickly exhaust your daily budget with just one stopover.
To prevent this from happening and put some money back in your pocket, here are some quick money-saving tips to keep in mind at the airport and when you head off to your next destination.
1. Use a refillable water bottle
Bottled water at the airport can cost $4 or more depending on the size and brand you choose. Get a refillable water bottle to save money as well as plastic waste.
Most major airports now have water purifiers to help you stay hydrated. Although saving a few dollars may not sound like a big deal, it's an unnecessary expense you can avoid just by packing a water bottle. Plus, you can care about the environment at the same time.
Related: 5 Ways to Save Time and Money When Traveling
2. Pack your own snacks
Just like bringing a water bottle, bring your own snacks. A small bag of chips or dried fruit can cost a few dollars more at the airport than if you buy it at the grocery store before you leave.
Additionally, since snacks are often bought on impulse, eat a meal before you leave home or pack a sandwich or salad for the flight. You'll save yourself the expense and confusion of trying to find healthy, cost-effective food while navigating the terminal.
3. Book an early flight
Early flights are usually cheaper than those with later departures. In fact, some airlines have recently been promoting cheap, early flights to popular destinations.
It's nice to get a few extra hours of sleep, but if you're on the first flight out, you'll also be able to avoid larger crowds and have more seating options. If you have flexibility in choosing when to fly, compare flight prices and see if an earlier flight might save you money.
Related: 10 Ways to Save Time and Money While Traveling
4. Sign up for travel rewards
Signing up for a travel credit card isn't the only way to save money. Become a loyalty member for your favorite airlines and hotels. We'll reward you with exclusive discounts and points, and even add perks like late checkouts and food and beverage coupons.
Additionally, booking engines like Hotels.com allow you to accumulate points to redeem for free nights and last-minute discounts on premium hotels through their site or app. If you already prefer one airline or hotel group, check out what types of bonus offers you can get.
Related: 9 travel hacks that will save you time and money
5. Monitor flight prices
Monitor flight prices through Google Flights or other tracking sites. This will help you get the best bang for your buck for the type of flight you want. It may be cheaper to book a one-way flight on another airline. Direct travel is best, but sometimes you can save a lot of money by taking an alternative route.
Airlines have more cancellation and flight change options, so check to see what flexibility is available to you. If you have free cancellation or airline credit, you can always change if you find a better deal. Trying out different options can help you save money and get the flights that best fit your travel itinerary.
6. Become a professional packer
Avoid baggage fees and possible lost luggage by learning how to pack efficiently. Plan a few key pieces that can help you create one or more outfits. Packing cubes help you organize everything you need and leave behind any extra items you don't need.
Limiting the number of trips reduces the inconvenience of tagging bags or waiting at the carousel to claim them. When you connect, every moment counts. Leaving unnecessary baggage behind will help you save time, money, and headaches.
Thinking carefully about how you travel and how you spend your money can really help. Try these tips and calculate how much you save on each trip. Then multiply that by the number of trips you take per month and you'll be amazed at how much money you can save.