When it’s done well, corporate travel is an excellent method to improve a business’s bottom line. The return on the initial investment is almost always significantly higher than the cash spent.

To maximize your ROI, two things must occur. First, you’ll need to ensure you’re getting the best rates possible for your expenses. And second, the time on the trip has to be optimized.

These two factors rely heavily on the corporate travel manager’s knowledge and use of the best technology in the company’s travel policy. While there’s a lot of information out there, it’s not hard to come by. Experts like Hotel Engine share the tips and tricks of creating a solid travel policy for free.

Once on the road, you (or whoever the traveler may be) can continue to save time and money using these three suggestions.

Use Transportation and Map Apps

You’re heading into an unknown place, and you’re relying on others to get you where you need to go. Getting lost along the way is a waste of time and money and a massive increase in anxiety.

Download apps that will help you get around before you head out. This step is especially important if you’re unsure how well your cell reception will be in your new location or if you’ll have WiFi.

Citymapper is available in most big cities in the United States and Europe. Check to see if your next destination is on the app, and use it to save time and find the best rates to get around the area (free)!

Learn How to Pack Light

Whether you’re flying or taking another transportation method to your destination, try to fit everything in one carry-on-sized bag. If you’re at the airport, you’ll save time and money.

Beyond that, you’ll cut down on the minutes you spend at your destination unpacking and rifling through your suitcase trying to find what you need.

Packing light requires strategy, though. With practice, you’ll eventually learn how to “Goldilocks” your luggage: not too much, not too little, but just right.

The PackPoint app helps you along the way as you’re learning this technique. With a little information from you, such as destination, time away, and reason for the trip, the app searches its database for the area. It analyzes the predicted weather forecast for that time and then provides you with a customized packing list.

Use the list to put your necessities together, then add any must-haves that you can fit in one carry-on. Time and money are saved using the free app.

Stay Away From Chain Restaurants

Fine dining is, well, fine, but it’s not necessary. There are almost endless local restaurants in every big city that are actually preferred by residents and tourists.

These cuisine options tend to be much cheaper than chain restaurants, and the food is often better, too. For example, the price of a combo meal at McDonald’s in New York City averages around $11, and the same meal elsewhere is about $8. You’re paying for the brand name and the big city destination.

You can impress your business clients and stick to your per diem rates when you avoid chains. Ask your hotel clerk for suggestions about their favorite local eateries, or look for reviews on Yelp and Google. Expand your palate and try new cuisines. Chances are, these places won’t have the long lines you’d be waiting in at the other, more well-known establishments.

At best, you’ll have a new favorite place to eat, and at worst, you’ll have a story about the restaurant to share when you get back home.

Conclusion

Finding ways to save time and money is simple once you get comfortable planning ahead. Use the apps at your fingertips to pack and get around town better, and shop and eat like a local, and you’ll see the positive impact on your ROI immediately.