I've been searching this thread, but couldn't find a direct answer. If there is one, just point me to it.

Once upon a time (late 90's) I traveled enough for business to maintain Gold status. After I got laid off from that job in 2001, I was able, except for one year I think, to maintain Silver. In 2009, I had about 42 nights, and I was given gold status for 2010.

It's now 2011, and I have stayed 36 nights, with 9 more coming in January. My understanding is that I can earn 2011 qualifying nights through February.

I just got a new job, and it will involve travel somewhere between 1 and 2 weeks a month on average, in addition to the about 15 nights a year I stay at Marriott. So, there's no doubt I'll make gold for 2012.

However, my schedule for Feb involves travel locally (ie, a customer visit 5 miles from home, so no hotel stays after the 9 January nights), so it looks like I'll miss gold by up to 5 nights.

Is there anything I can do, or just suck it up as silver until I get the 50 nights (and do the January nights also count towards 2012?). Any ideas?

Thank you.