brendog

Bingo. I'm not making money for my company, nor am I spending my clients' money wisely when I'm sitting on my duff or sightseeing. Business travel is for business only, it's not supposed to be fun.

cyclogenesis

Organization does not allow the purchase of flexible fares so I usually either head to the AP if I have lounge access (get some work done there) or do some sight seeing...

darthbimmer

I think it's reasonable to do a bit of sightseeing on a business trip when:

• The goals of your trip are met and the client has dismissed you
• Rebooking your travel to leave sooner would be cost-prohibitive
• The amount of time is small -- 1/2 day up to a full day, not multiple days
• You're spending personal time (e.g., traveling on weekends) to support the project

~tc~

Wow, this is a sad, sad way to live.

Ancien Maestro

Definitely, OPs outlook can be changed..

kipper

Mr. Kipper and his father were on a hunting trip (personal). They finished hunting within 3 days of arriving, and were looking to come home early, rather than spend an entire week out in Wyoming. Unfortunately, because the tickets were non-refundable, cheap fares, the airline wanted an extra $1,400 for the two of them to come home a day early. They're staying there.

Ancien Maestro

It comes down to.. how much extra in fees and difference in fares, you're willing to pay to get home early..

This is a perfect example, how cost economics is thown out the window, considering whether to come home early or not..

Dudey

I'm married with young kids, so I often try to get back asap. Luckily, as a ff, my change fares are typically limited to $150 if I need to get back a day or two early. If SDC, it's free, of course depending on availablity.

Emeraldcity

No, it is still a work day as I can easily get 60 emails a day (or more) that need to be handled whether I sit at a desk in the office or a desk in a different city.
I find after doing something around the city , then coming back and working, I actually get more done than if I were back in the office. I am undisturbed and can get things finished.
As long as the work gets done, doesn't really matter where I am......

Ancien Maestro

My business is of the same nature..

I can vacation for 3 weeks.. but do so, because I work when I'm away..

i.e. cell phone in hand, checking messages on bb, on the computer at home away from home..

Emeraldcity

Exactly........

warthog1984

Depends.

If its a long trip and we finish early one day, I'll usually take the rest of the day to sightsee. If its Friday and the original schedule had me going back Sat. to avoid a late-night flight, I'll probably stay until then. Otherwise, I'll telework or fly back.

It all depends on the workload, but since I can manage my own output, if I can enjoy myself with putting an undue strain on company or client, I will.

Generally, I won't use regular working hours for personal activities unless the work just isn't worth it. One time a secretary tried b*%&#ing at me for not charging vacation since I stayed in the city instead of coming back to the office after training was over for the day. Yeah, when SHE works 60 hours a week and is sometimes in the office past 10PM, THEN she can complain about my not sitting in rush-hour traffic for 90min to get back to the office 15min before everybody goes home for the day.

Ditto for the Wed. before Thanksgiving, Christmas/New Year's Eve, etc...

kipper

That's it. They obviously aren't willing to pay $1,400 in fare differences and fees to come home a day early.

Gamecock

If I can get home at a reasonable hour I will have my company change my flight. If not, I will stay and take my original flight.

Ancien Maestro

Some people may.. but I wouldn't know what world they are from.. unless its' on company expense or something..

But as a company owner, I would never authorize an expense like that.. That's unacceptable economics to me..