Post by Wines Not Whines on May 14, 2012 13:12:08 GMT -5
We've done it several times, including once to Vegas and one international trip. We're both fairly adventurous people and have no problem wandering around a city by ourselves during the day. We also usually extend the trip beyond the work part (i.e. for a M-F work trip, we'd extend it over a weekend), so we can have a little bit of vacation, too.
When DH went to Hawaii for work, he couldn't extend his trip very long, and I decided he wasn't going to be there long enough for my tastes, so I flew out 4 days before him. I rented a car, toured around, went to the beach, etc. mostly by myself. I also obviously hung out by myself while he was working. It was awesome.
I've accompanied DH on conference trips, one was even post baby I was lucky enough to head to cities where I knew people, I would just hang out with them for lunch/coffee/whatever. I have no problems sitting somewhere by myself to people watch or read a book.
Post by milkrations on May 14, 2012 13:31:07 GMT -5
I did this once and would totally do it again. During the day I did wander Vegas by myself or hung out at the pool. I met up wih H during his lunch breaks. I didn't feel awkward doing anything by myself.
I don't have a problem traveling without my husband. I have been on trips where we meet up in the middle of the trip or he isn't with me the entire time. I can entertain myself for several days in a strange city even if I don't have any friends to hang out with. I would go for a run (well not in Vegas), hang out at the pool, drink lots of coffee, shop, visit museums DH doesn't like... the list goes on and on.
Post by clickerish on May 14, 2012 13:41:31 GMT -5
No way. We are in the same field (different divisions), but work really hard to be known for what we do individually and not to be thought of as "riding the coattails" of the other. This means we always go to conferences and do networking alone.
I also just like that I get to have that one day where I relish being alone, another where I start to feel a bit lonely and the happy "Hey I missed you!" at the end.
We did Sunriver Resort just a few weeks ago; I did some walking, hiking, shopping and spa treatments while he was in meetings and then we spent the remainder of the day (and weekend) together. We also did another horribly boring town in Oregon for an overnight where I spent two days shopping (tax free!) and one morning investigating some family business in the courthouse in town about 45 minutes away. Last month we also did four days in Sarasota at a conference, which we followed with four days in Daytona to visit family. He did spend some time (too much) working on office matters rather than conference matters but I did the spa, beach and some meandering, we meandered together and I sat in on his conference for the period where he was doing the presentation (resort wear works wonders. Nobody realized I wasn't part of the conference - lol) except for his boss who didn't care and actually encouraged it. Funny enough DH's secretary didn't get us a waterfront room (shame on her) so we upgraded...and ended up right next door to his boss. No nookie for us those days.
A sister conference is in Dallas, I believe, later this year and I fully intend on travelling with him, as well as to his partnership meeting which is usually in Vegas but is moving this year (darn it). I wasn't able to make either of his Vegas meetings (and he missed his last partner meeting in Vegas because of surgery on his foot) but I fully intend to take advantage of his next trip out. My mother lives in Vegas, as does DH's best friend (since second grade), there is amazing shopping, touristing, sunning by the pool, visiting the spa...all sorts of ways you can spend "alone" time when he's otherwise occupied.
A friend of mine travels with her husband; she does his office managing and scheduling appointments. They spend two weeks in Hawaii each year and also take trips to the beaches in Cali and Florida. I've called several times to schedule meetings only to discover she's dipping her toes in the pool/surf/sand with the laptop and cell phone beside her. It's a pretty sweet gig.
Post by definitelyO on May 14, 2012 13:54:43 GMT -5
DH never goes on business trips - so NO to that one.
My business trips I'm usually busy from breakfast through dinner and later. so not fun for DH to go along. There have been 2 trips that I have extended and we spend the weekend together in the location (Vancouver last year) and then when my meetings start he flies home. most of the time it's not cost efficient for him to come - I went to Europe a few times last year but to add in airfare and limited time - just didn't make sense.
and for you in Vegas - hang out by the pool, go to the spa, go shopping, TONS to do.
Post by crazycakes on May 14, 2012 14:03:40 GMT -5
We haven't yet, but that's mostly because I haven't gone anywhere interesting for business and DH doesn't have a traveling job.
I would not have a hard time keeping myself entertained in Vegas. I would go to the pool, gamble, shop, have lunch, etc...I don't mind doing any of those things by myself.
I may be going to a conference in Orlando in the fall and am hoping DH will be able to come with me. We may stay a few extra days and go to the parks.
Some conferences actually set up events for spouses who accompany the conference attendee, so you might also look into that. I've seen quite a variety of sightseeing-type activities on the lists in various cities.
Post by DarcyLongfellow on May 14, 2012 14:47:53 GMT -5
My mom goes on my dad's business trips all the time. They're orthodontic conferences, though, not my dad meeting with clients. So my mom plays by herself during the day (sometimes with some other spouses she's met over the years), then they do dinner together.
DH and I have never done that. At my old firm we had an all lawyer meeting every other year, and many people would bring their families. I tried to convince DH to go with me (because it was Friday through Sunday), but he had absolutely zero interest!!! (He would have had to do dinner on his own because I was required to be at attorney dinners where spouses were not allowed.)
Post by giantsgirl on May 14, 2012 14:50:39 GMT -5
I travel a good deal for work, but my company actually has a policy stating that spouses can't come along on business trips. Some people going to nice places for conferences abused the ability to have spouses travel with the employee, so it was taken away.