Chrome River CURRENTS

Mixing business and pleasure is tempting, but you’ll be better off approaching business travel like it’s your job, instead of a mini-vacation. In fact, by focusing on efficiency, productivity and professionalism, you’ll probably enjoy smoother travel and receive better treatment than an infrequent traveler on vacation.

Traveling on business next year? Expect to pay up to 6 percent more for your hotel rooms, according to travel expense management experts. With a stronger economy and higher occupancy rates, hotels aren’t as eager to haggle, reports a new study by the Tisch Center for Hospitality at New York University.

Perhaps you’ve been at a restaurant or a nightclub and overheard someone at the next table say, “Don’t worry about it — it’s on my expense account.” You glance over at the group and wonder, “That’s a business function?”

The habits of young business travelers differ from those of more seasoned employees, according to a new survey. That’s especially true when it comes to travel expense management and posting online reviews, The Los Angeles Times reports.

The rules that govern which travel expense claims are deductible are always changing. On October 1, new per diem rates set by the IRS took effect, requiring most US businesses to make adjustments in how they report travel expenses. Keeping up with these ever-evolving regulations is a major challenge in travel expense management. An automated expense policy is the starting point for managing these challenges more effectively.

These days, loyalty programs are everywhere, whether you’re using an online shopping membership like Amazon Prime for shipping, swiping a credit card to earn cash back, or scanning a quick-response code for a discount at your neighborhood coffee shop.

Many organizations find that travel expense claims are a prime target for internal fraud, from altered receipts to personal charges disguised as business expenses. A new survey by AirPlus shows that companies are using a variety of methods to combat fraudulent expense claims, according to Business Travel News.

With the ubiquity of mobile devices, using an app tends to increase the attention given to a specific task, and many people appreciate the simplified, user-friendly experience that apps offer. According to a recent article from Fast Company, corporate travel managers should take advantage of employees’ growing preference for engaging with mobile apps when it comes to travel.

If you run a law practice, you likely pay annual dues to the American Bar Association. Do you really need to keep the receipt? While professional fees are tax-deductible and may appear to be clearly for business use, don’t cut corners with the IRS.

The average organization spends a surprising amount on business travel and other employee reimbursable expenses — 8 percent to 12 percent of its annual budget, according to research by the Aberdeen Group. According to an article on the FOX Business website, a new report on global business travel predicts sharp increases in travel spending over the next two years. More than ever, organizations need a travel expense management solution to keep these costs under control.