Life on the road (or in the air) can be tough. From scoring upgrades to understanding the local lingo, anything that can put your mind at ease is a real lifesaver.
This article is designed to make travelling for work easier, and to help you focus on what matters most – your work.
Travelling by car
Thinking about buying a car for business? The first thing you’ll want to know is how to claim expenses. Put simply, if you buy a car in your own name, you can claim a tax deduction on the expenses that have been used for business purposes.
According to the ATO, if the company buys the car, they can generally claim 100% of the annual running costs, depreciation and interest costs. However, the fringe benefits tax will come into play if any employees use the car for private purposes.
How much do you intend to drive this year? According to Real Insurance, on average their customers plan to drive over 10,500km per year, which is more than distance from Brisbane to Perth via Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide and all the way back. If you’re planning to drive this much, it pays to wrap your head around what you can claim, and how to properly do it.
Another trick to save on car costs is to be fuel-efficient. This might mean driving a lightweight car with a small-capacity petrol engine. Or, it could mean focusing on driving smoothly, not exceeding the speed limit, looking after your tyres, and using air-conditioning only when necessary.
Travelling by air
Even if you’re not working, air travel can be notoriously stressful. Therefore, it pays to know a few tips, tricks and hacks to make your journeys as comfortable as possible. After all, there’s nothing like a horrible flight experience to ruin business trip. In order to remain productive during your flight and after your arrival, it’s best to keep the following in mind:
- Keep fit by running or walking before you travel
- Plan for the unexpected
- Pack snacks to keep you afloat
- If you qualify for an upgrade – take it!
- Earn points and enjoy the perks
- Pack lighter and smarter
- Build buffer time into your schedule
- Be kind to airline staff – they’ll appreciate it
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help
- Get your checked luggage first at baggage claim
- Avoid flying if you’re sick – you’ll only get sicker
If you tend to travel overseas a lot for work, be more security conscious. To make your trips smooth and safe, consider organising transfers between the airport and your accommodation. It’s also wise to have the exact details of your hotel, business meeting locations, and airport name written down in both English and the local language.
Before you arrive at your destination, have small amounts of local currency for public transport, bathrooms, snacks and other items. You should also be aware of local security threats, as well as
Travelling by public transport
If you’re living or travelling to a major city, it’s likely you’ll have to catch public transport – particularly trains. For those without a strict schedule, such as freelancers, people who work from home, or those visiting unfamiliar cities, it’s worth looking into the perks of off-peak travel.
Essentially, off-peak travel exists to reduce crowding on already crowded trains and buses. Depending on the city and travel company, many off-peak tickets are usually available after 9am and throughout weekends, and the discounts can be quite significant. If you look into the various rail systems in major Australian cities, you’ll find there are plenty of ways to save money.
