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What I Learned from Budgeting for Business Travel
What Worked Well
I’m all set for WordCamp US in Portland. My ticket is purchased, hotel booked, and I finalized my Amtrak ride home. Best of all, I’ll be road-tripping with Michelle and already have a full plan in place. Having these pieces lined up early helps me enjoy the trip with less stress.
Challenges: Missing Familiar Faces
The hardest part this year is that my close friend Ann Marie can’t make it. That’s a big bummer—but I’m still excited to go.
A Surprising Benefit: A Great Mix of Business and Fun
The best news? My friend Foster is planning to attend. Add to that the fact that Drag Bingo is happening at my hotel during the event—and it’s shaping up to be a fun and memorable trip. I also opted to stay at a hotel away from the main hub, and I’m glad I did. The location is better, and I booked it far enough in advance to get a great rate.
Tools & Resources That Helped
- Travel Fund – I set aside a little from every payment throughout the year
- Amtrak – Great for nearby events like Portland
- Eater Portland – My favorite source for food planning: https://pdx.eater.com
- Urban Farmer Portland – Best steak spot in town: https://www.urbanfarmersteakhouse.com/location/urban-farmer-portland/
Lessons Learned
Business travel isn’t a luxury—it’s a business decision. Every event I’ve attended has brought something valuable: new knowledge, new tools, or new friendships. This year is no different. Budgeting ahead of time makes it all possible without added financial pressure.
Moving Forward
I’ll continue putting money into my travel fund throughout the year and look for ways to attend more events. Portland is drivable, but I’d like to stretch a little further next time if the budget allows.
How You Can Implement This Habit
Start by setting up a dedicated travel fund. Put aside a small percentage from each client payment. Book early, room with a friend, and track expenses so you can deduct them. Business travel has long-term value—and it’s worth investing in if you want to grow.
about the author
Cami MacNamara is a web designer and owner of WebCami LLC, a Seattle-based agency since 2002. She created Web Designer Habits to help web designers build smarter systems, stay productive, and run a business that works for them.