Save money on your summer vacation
By Annette Richmond
 Are you planning a summer vacation? If you answered no to this question you might be surprised to learn that leisure travel is expected to increase 2.5% this Summer, according to the Travel Industry Association of America's (TIA) Summer 2003 forecast. Yes, more people will be taking vacations this year.
My question is, "who are these people?" This troubled economy has left nearly everyone I know with less time off and less vacation money. If this sounds like you one solution might be to try turning a business trip (yours or theirs) into a mini-vacation. With a little imagination you may be able to take a vacation without breaking the bank.
A few years ago, one of my friends used this philosophy to plan her wedding. She and her fiancé were both working long hours, in new jobs. They wanted to get married, but life was not cooperating. When she was sent to Las Vegas on business, they decided to make their busy schedules work for them. He flew out for the weekend and they got married in Las Vegas. No, Elvis didn't marry them. Yes, they had a memorable time. As a bonus, they saved (her) half of the airfare and stayed at a great hotel.
Despite tough times and tight corporate budgets, the majority of businesspeople are still on the road, according to a recent survey by the TIA. If a business trip is on your summer agenda here are a few ways to make it something to remember.
- Plan a layover: Traveling across country may not be an ideal weekend getaway. But, by taking a connecting flight you can plan an overnight, or two, layover. If you live in New York City, for example, and your partner is in Los Angles, why not plan a romantic weekend rendezvous in Chicago? Then fly home together. Many airlines have hubs in great destinations like Chicago, Dallas and New York.
- Attend a convention: This is one of the best ways to combine business and pleasure travel. Many organizations hold their conventions in great destinations, like Las Vegas, Dallas, New York, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. Others hold conferences at all-inclusive resorts. Many of these events include daytime activities for your other half. They also offer the perfect opportunity to tack on a couple of vacation days to recuperate.
- Become an explorer; indulge yourself: Don't hole up in your room, eating, working and watching TV. Get out and see the city. Many years ago, a trade show in Italy provided me with the opportunity to view Leonardo da Vinci's fresco The Last Supper on a wall of the Santa Maria dell Graziea, a tiny church in Milan. If there's not much to see. Or you're just plain tired treat yourself to a massage or a facial. Just don't put it on the company's tab.
- Visit friends and family: A cross-country business trip can provide the perfect opportunity to visit the folks. Have your travel agent book you on a flight that connects in or near someone you know. Make sure that you OK this with your boss and make sure she knows that you will pay the price difference. Generally, it's still cheaper than paying for a full fare ticket.
- Bring your pet: If you're traveling by car, consider bringing woman's best friend along for the ride. Pet-friendly accommodations can be found on sites like petswelcome.com and Pet Vacations). Be sure to check out the safety information on the ASPCA site under Trip Tips (www.aspca.org).
- Take the family: While bringing your partner is fairly common, bringing the kids is trickier. One of the easiest solutions is to find "family friendly" lodgings. The Fountanebleau Hilton Resort in Florida (www.hilton.com), for example, provides supervised activities for kids aged five to twelve. Programs like this let you, your partner and your child all enjoy a Saturday night out.
Don't let this economy keep you from a well deserved, and probably much needed, holiday. Pack a little vacation into this summer's business trip. Those closest to you will thank you.
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