Travel Smart

Consider purchasing prepaid phone cards. These typically offer a flat rate of less than 20 cents per minute, significantly less than what it costs to dial direct during weekday business hours. Plus, you avoid paying the frequently higher rates charged from phone booths and hotels.

Hotel rooms don't have to cost you a fortune. You can often save 10 to 40 percent by booking your rooms through a consolidator. Or when booking your room, ask about any available discounts for business travelers or members of a group you may belong to.

Try to take advantage of frequent-flier miles. You can book your flights on one airline, or use a credit card that accumulates miles from several airlines.

Whatever your travel plans, remember, it pays to shop around, and always ask for the best deal.

Excerpted fromGet Smart: 365 Tips To Boost Your Entrepreneurial IQ