If you're going to break standard deduction without using per diem difference then definitely do it. You typically can claim about double in expenses in what you get in per diem. Meaning if you got 6k in per diem you can claim about $12k in expenses with $6 of it being tax deductible. Obviously your mileage may vary depending on where your overnights were but flica knows that. I've used EZ Per Diem in the past with good success but you will probably have to input all your overnights manually. I'm a standard deduction this year but will probably use the flica next year