Travel

Travel

Travel costs are classified as those expenses for transportation, lodging, subsistence and related items incurred by employees who are traveling on official university business related to a sponsored project. 

Unless otherwise stated by the sponsor, domestic travel is considered to be travel among any of the 50 United States, its possessions and territories, and Canada. 

Foreign travel is classified as travel outside the areas listed above. 

Some items to consider: 

• During budget preparation, consideration should be given to expenses for attending professional meetings and conferences related to the project, field work travel and living allowances, consultation with experts, and meetings required by the sponsor. 
• Travel expenses and requests should be clearly justified and reasonable. 
• Costs should be based on historical data (previous travel) and the UMass Travel Policy, airline quotes from a travel agency, and sponsor guidelines. 
• Travel in excess of commercial coach airfare is normally non-recoverable. 
• Keep in mind, foreign travel is a restricted category by most federal agencies and requires prior approval by the sponsor. 
• When costs are charged to a federally-sponsored agreement, the use of U.S. flag carriers is required. 
• The budget justification page should include the number of trips, the purpose and relationship to the project, and the estimated costs for each trip. For foreign travel the countries to be visited and the visit dates must also be included. 

Resources for Travel 

• Travel & Expense Program
• Per Diem Allowances
• Mileage Reimbursement Rate
• Fly America Policy