First Time Business Trip Advice?

[markjrubin]

Hi,

I'm being sent on my first business trip this weekend. I leave friday morning at 6 am and get into Miami. From there, I have to rent a car with a co-worker (no boss) and drive an hour to Ft. Lauderdale to help with a convention setup for pharmacists. Saturday and Sunday, I have to be working at the show by 6 am. Then on Monday, we leave town at 6 am.

My questions are:
I'm an hourly contract worker, what hours should I bill?
What's a good per diem amount to expect to get reimbursed for?
Any hints or general advice for me?

Mark

 

[kranky]

The billing question is tricky. Strictly speaking, you probably would be within your rights to bill all your travel time in addition to the hours you are working. That might irritate your boss, though, so it might be a good idea to think about what you would be comfortable with and then run it past your boss.

Why have a per diem? Wouldn't you rather have your actual expenses be reimbursed instead?

General hints:
Get a map from the rental car counter and ask for the best way to go to your destination.
Get the optional insurance from the rental car agency. You'll be driving in a town full of tourists who don't know where they are going, and they have a tendency to cross three lanes of traffic to make a turn, slam on the brakes for no apparent reason, and in general make driving more dangerous.
Keep all receipts.
Request a wake-up call at the hotel and also set the alarm. Sometimes those wake-up calls don't happen.

 

[markjrubin]

Bumpity Bump!