Some companies reimburse you for the expenses you incur during a business related trip, but not all (and not if you are self-employed). When the trip is coming out of your own pocket you want to be sure that the costs are as low as possible.
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1. Stay in a hotel with a free breakfast bar. Most of them also have mini-frigs as well. Take a few extra pieces of fruit to snack on through out the day.
2. Utilize the free drinks and snacks offered during the conference and meeting.
3. Eat a large lunch. Dinner is the most expensive meal of the day so get a large lunch and keep the leftovers to enjoy for dinner.
4. Take advantage of happy hour. Many conferences will offer a special get together for participants with free appetizers or hors d’oeuvres. Many of them will be substantial enough to make a nice dinner.
5. Skip the minibar in the room. A water from the minibar will cost two to three times what a water from the nearest store.
Remember that anything that you do spend on a business trip that is not reimbursed is tax deductible. Keep receipts for all of your expenses neatly organized by category or trip so that you will be ready for your meeting with your tax professional when the time comes.