When it comes to traveling for the long-term, there seems to be a certain stereotype that we’re planning to simply wander around the globe — that our efforts are somewhat aimless. The fact of the matter is, though, that most people I know have certain places that they want to be on certain dates, as well as fairly specific ideas on how they’ll fill in the rest of their calendars. Conferences and conventions can be major parts of your traveling schedule, especially when you consider that your business or career can practically require them.

Making Conferences Financially Feasible

One of the big bumps in my own business has been how to afford the conferences that I know can make a difference for my work. The more I think about it, though, the easier a location-independent approach can make it. I haven’t quite been able to arrange a frequent traveler discount on conference fees, but I have figured out how to reduce some of the expenses associated with attending such an event.

• Hotels: By spending more than a long weekend in a city, my rooming options are much broader than a high-priced hotel. Depending on just where I want to be on a given date, there’s a possibility that I could make the city a conference is being held in for a month or even more. This opens up options like becoming someone’s roommate, finding an extended stay hotel or even renting an apartment.
• Food: Not only does a longer stay in a city give you a chance to find inexpensive eats, but it makes it cheaper to eat during a conference. Instead of having to head out to eat every time you get hungry, you’ll have facilities to brown bag it or even invite a couple of your new conference friends back to your place for a home-cooked meal.
• Transportation: The main transportation option for many conference-goers is to rent a car, with walking the only alternative. But public transportation and biking can become an option with just a little more knowledge of a city.

Actually, now that I think about it, being local may be able to get you a discount on conference tickets, after all. If you’re there before the conference starts, you may be able to volunteer with getting things set up or otherwise trade your services for a discount or free tickets. What do you think?

Photo — Roadsidepictures