Not every business trip begins and ends just when you expected it to end or begin. Sometimes you are called last minute and told that you will be leaving a day or two early. Other times the goals of the trip are not met on time, so you are asked to stay longer. You never know when these extended business trips will come along, so you have to be prepared at all times. This means being prepared financially to cover all expenses on the trip. Following are some tips to help you do that.

1. Take full advantage of chain hotels that offer discounts and free rooms for frequent visitors.

Many chain hotels have loyalty programs that allow you to earn free hotel rooms after a certain number of stays or a certain number of nights. You may have to carry around a card and have it punched each time you stay, but it is worth the hassle when you earn that free hotel stay. This type of promotion can be helpful if a trip is extended and you have a free night or two to redeem.

2. Look for hotels that cater more to business travelers than travelers on vacation or just passing through.

Hotels that cater to business travelers may give lower rates for longer stays. If you have to extend your stay or call to add nights onto the reservation before arriving, you may qualify for some type of discount. Some hotels also offer special deals to frequent visitors. If you show your loyalty to a particular hotel chain, they may send you promotions that can be reserved for those trips that go long or take off earlier than expected.

3. Car pool with others as often as possible.

If you have to drive to and from your work site every day, try to car pool with others who may be headed to the same place at the same time. This may not be possible if you are the only employee from your company on this business trip, but it may help if you have others traveling with you. If you are the owner of the company paying for the trip, and there are other employees traveling with you, then car pooling to share the expense of gas may be a good idea.

4. Cook some of your meals in, rather than paying for them all out of the room.

There are some advantages to staying in a hotel room that has a kitchenette or full kitchen. You can grocery shop much as you would at home, and cook some of your meals in the room. This will always be cheaper than buying all of your meals out. If you have others on the trip with you, then you could put together meals potluck style. This simply means everyone contributes a dish or two so together you form a complete meal.

Extended business trips can be expensive, but with a little creative thought you can save money. If you can take advantage of promotions, you can even stay free some nights.