What Is Included in Business Travel Expenses?

By Michael Ferguson

Business travel expenses can include a wide range of costs, from airfare and hotel stays to meals and entertainment. Depending on the individual’s role at the company, they may be responsible for covering some or all of their own expenses. Business travelers are typically expected to keep a detailed record of their expenditures in order to be reimbursed by the employer or have their expenses deducted from their taxable income.

The most common business travel expense is airfare. Whether you’re traveling within the country or abroad, you’ll need to purchase a plane ticket to get to your destination. Many companies provide employees with corporate credit cards that can be used to cover the cost of airfare and other travel-related expenses.

Hotel stays are also typically included in business travel expenses. You’ll need somewhere to stay while you’re away from home, and if your employer doesn’t pay for it directly, they may reimburse you for it once you submit an expense report. Be sure to keep all receipts for any hotel stays and provide accurate information about when and where you stayed.

Meals are another common business travel expense. Your employer may provide a per diem allowance or reimburse you for meals after the fact; however, they may require that you submit receipts in order to receive reimbursement. Depending on your company’s policy, entertainment expenses such as alcohol or tickets to shows may also be covered.

Conclusion: Business travel expenses can vary depending on individual needs and company policies. Generally speaking, airfare, hotel stays, meals, and entertainment are all potential costs that may be included in business travel expenses. It is important for employees to keep detailed records of their expenditures in order to receive reimbursement from their employer or have those costs deducted from their taxable income.