This discussion is fascinating considering the trouble I've been having at work getting approval to take even one trip, since I'm in IT and not sales/marketing/etc. There is an attitude at my very large employer that those who get to travel are getting a perk that others are missing out on. As such, the managers typically are the ones who "get" to travel, and they aren't always the best person to do so - as in this case, where I have to do some software training and there isn't anyone else really qualified to do it. And I still can't get approval.

I think I'll take some advice from you all and stop feeling like I'm being robbed if they refuse to send me on this trip - let someone else do it!