How to Deduct Your Vacation From Your Taxes

Because some journeys feed your soul and others can feed your business too.

Not every trip is just for rest.
Sometimes, it’s strategy.
Sometimes, it’s business in a new city,
a conference by the coast,
or a client call right after hotel check-in.

If you plan it well,
you can turn your next getaway
into something the tax system respects.

Start with purpose
For your travel to be tax-deductible,
it must be primarily for business.
That means most days need to include
actual work: meetings, research,
networking, or site visits.

Leisure is allowed,
but it can’t lead.

Time it right
For international travel,
spend at least 75% of your trip on business.
For domestic trips,
there’s more flexibility
but the intention still matters.

Know what you can deduct
You can write off flights, hotel stays,
local transport, internet,
shipping of materials,
and 50% of business-related meals.
Even laundry.

If it helps you do the work,
it may be covered.

Your travel days count too
Days spent flying or driving to your destination
are considered work days.
You don’t need to schedule meetings
mid-air or mid-transit.
The journey itself is part of the job.

Keep your records clean
Document everything.
Where you went. Why.
Who you met.
What you spent.
A good log now
saves you stress later.

Know your base
Your tax home isn’t where you live.
It’s where you normally work.
To claim business travel,
you must be working temporarily
away from that base
not moving permanently.

Personal guests aren’t part of the deal
Bringing a partner or friend along?
That’s your joy to carry
not your business expense.
Only your portion is eligible,
unless they’re also on the job.

You can’t turn a vacation into a write-off
just by sending one work email.

But with planning,
intention,
and documentation,
you can explore the world
and let your business carry part of the cost.

Because sometimes,
being smart with travel
is part of building a smarter life.

Ever turned a trip into a business expense?
Or thinking about doing it now?
Let’s talk.
There’s more to travel
than just getting away.

Sometimes, it’s about showing up
for your goals in a new timezone.