Boss is sending me out of state for an 8-day class. Would it look bad if I asked for an extra day to do something fun?

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I'm being sent to California for an 8-day training course (8 consecutive days; I don't get a weekend off). I'd like to spend a day at a nearby Six Flags park for some fun while I'm in the area, but I'm a bit worried that my boss would look down on me for even asking about spending an extra day down there to do something not work-related.



Is it common to get extra time during business travel to do some leisure? The company is paying for my airfare, hotel, and food while I'm there. I would understand (and expect, really) that they won't pay for the extra night at the hotel and the extra day of food.



I'm still early in my career (Finished my degree in March of last year, got hired by the current company in May), so I'm not sure if making such a request would look bad.







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We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.









  • 9




    @QuestionMarks While the OP appears to be in the private sector, I do know that there is great sensitivity in the US government about workers deriving any kind of indirect enjoyment from a taxpayer expenditure and consequently there are strong restrictions around tacking a vacation onto business travel.
    – WinnieNicklaus
    Mar 18 '15 at 20:56






  • 3




    @corsiKa I just did 3 straight weeks with no weekends, including two 13 hour flights. I had 5 hours sleep after arriving before being woken up to work on a Sunday. This situation is common.
    – Gusdor
    Mar 19 '15 at 8:23






  • 2




    Really hope OP tells us how it went!
    – Chris M.
    Mar 21 '15 at 14:01










  • Are you travelling from one country to another after surmounting visa requirements? If so, the dynamic of your question and how your company might perceive your request could change.
    – drN
    Mar 23 '15 at 14:14






  • 2




    In my experience, in an overseas assignment, my boss explicitly chided me for NOT planning in an extra day for sightseeing; and rescheduled the return flight ticket on the requisition form to the next day himself. Goes without saying, it was all on the company dime. This and similar gestures are why I am at the same place for over a decade now.
    – Vaibhav Garg
    Mar 25 '15 at 5:59

















up vote
90
down vote

favorite
2












I'm being sent to California for an 8-day training course (8 consecutive days; I don't get a weekend off). I'd like to spend a day at a nearby Six Flags park for some fun while I'm in the area, but I'm a bit worried that my boss would look down on me for even asking about spending an extra day down there to do something not work-related.



Is it common to get extra time during business travel to do some leisure? The company is paying for my airfare, hotel, and food while I'm there. I would understand (and expect, really) that they won't pay for the extra night at the hotel and the extra day of food.



I'm still early in my career (Finished my degree in March of last year, got hired by the current company in May), so I'm not sure if making such a request would look bad.







share|improve this question













We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.









  • 9




    @QuestionMarks While the OP appears to be in the private sector, I do know that there is great sensitivity in the US government about workers deriving any kind of indirect enjoyment from a taxpayer expenditure and consequently there are strong restrictions around tacking a vacation onto business travel.
    – WinnieNicklaus
    Mar 18 '15 at 20:56






  • 3




    @corsiKa I just did 3 straight weeks with no weekends, including two 13 hour flights. I had 5 hours sleep after arriving before being woken up to work on a Sunday. This situation is common.
    – Gusdor
    Mar 19 '15 at 8:23






  • 2




    Really hope OP tells us how it went!
    – Chris M.
    Mar 21 '15 at 14:01










  • Are you travelling from one country to another after surmounting visa requirements? If so, the dynamic of your question and how your company might perceive your request could change.
    – drN
    Mar 23 '15 at 14:14






  • 2




    In my experience, in an overseas assignment, my boss explicitly chided me for NOT planning in an extra day for sightseeing; and rescheduled the return flight ticket on the requisition form to the next day himself. Goes without saying, it was all on the company dime. This and similar gestures are why I am at the same place for over a decade now.
    – Vaibhav Garg
    Mar 25 '15 at 5:59













up vote
90
down vote

favorite
2









up vote
90
down vote

favorite
2






2





I'm being sent to California for an 8-day training course (8 consecutive days; I don't get a weekend off). I'd like to spend a day at a nearby Six Flags park for some fun while I'm in the area, but I'm a bit worried that my boss would look down on me for even asking about spending an extra day down there to do something not work-related.



Is it common to get extra time during business travel to do some leisure? The company is paying for my airfare, hotel, and food while I'm there. I would understand (and expect, really) that they won't pay for the extra night at the hotel and the extra day of food.



I'm still early in my career (Finished my degree in March of last year, got hired by the current company in May), so I'm not sure if making such a request would look bad.







share|improve this question














I'm being sent to California for an 8-day training course (8 consecutive days; I don't get a weekend off). I'd like to spend a day at a nearby Six Flags park for some fun while I'm in the area, but I'm a bit worried that my boss would look down on me for even asking about spending an extra day down there to do something not work-related.



Is it common to get extra time during business travel to do some leisure? The company is paying for my airfare, hotel, and food while I'm there. I would understand (and expect, really) that they won't pay for the extra night at the hotel and the extra day of food.



I'm still early in my career (Finished my degree in March of last year, got hired by the current company in May), so I'm not sure if making such a request would look bad.









share|improve this question













share|improve this question




share|improve this question








edited Mar 22 '15 at 17:25









Monica Cellio♦

43.7k17114191




43.7k17114191










asked Mar 18 '15 at 16:38









Sohcahtoa82

559147




559147



We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.




We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.








  • 9




    @QuestionMarks While the OP appears to be in the private sector, I do know that there is great sensitivity in the US government about workers deriving any kind of indirect enjoyment from a taxpayer expenditure and consequently there are strong restrictions around tacking a vacation onto business travel.
    – WinnieNicklaus
    Mar 18 '15 at 20:56






  • 3




    @corsiKa I just did 3 straight weeks with no weekends, including two 13 hour flights. I had 5 hours sleep after arriving before being woken up to work on a Sunday. This situation is common.
    – Gusdor
    Mar 19 '15 at 8:23






  • 2




    Really hope OP tells us how it went!
    – Chris M.
    Mar 21 '15 at 14:01










  • Are you travelling from one country to another after surmounting visa requirements? If so, the dynamic of your question and how your company might perceive your request could change.
    – drN
    Mar 23 '15 at 14:14






  • 2




    In my experience, in an overseas assignment, my boss explicitly chided me for NOT planning in an extra day for sightseeing; and rescheduled the return flight ticket on the requisition form to the next day himself. Goes without saying, it was all on the company dime. This and similar gestures are why I am at the same place for over a decade now.
    – Vaibhav Garg
    Mar 25 '15 at 5:59













  • 9




    @QuestionMarks While the OP appears to be in the private sector, I do know that there is great sensitivity in the US government about workers deriving any kind of indirect enjoyment from a taxpayer expenditure and consequently there are strong restrictions around tacking a vacation onto business travel.
    – WinnieNicklaus
    Mar 18 '15 at 20:56






  • 3




    @corsiKa I just did 3 straight weeks with no weekends, including two 13 hour flights. I had 5 hours sleep after arriving before being woken up to work on a Sunday. This situation is common.
    – Gusdor
    Mar 19 '15 at 8:23






  • 2




    Really hope OP tells us how it went!
    – Chris M.
    Mar 21 '15 at 14:01










  • Are you travelling from one country to another after surmounting visa requirements? If so, the dynamic of your question and how your company might perceive your request could change.
    – drN
    Mar 23 '15 at 14:14






  • 2




    In my experience, in an overseas assignment, my boss explicitly chided me for NOT planning in an extra day for sightseeing; and rescheduled the return flight ticket on the requisition form to the next day himself. Goes without saying, it was all on the company dime. This and similar gestures are why I am at the same place for over a decade now.
    – Vaibhav Garg
    Mar 25 '15 at 5:59








9




9




@QuestionMarks While the OP appears to be in the private sector, I do know that there is great sensitivity in the US government about workers deriving any kind of indirect enjoyment from a taxpayer expenditure and consequently there are strong restrictions around tacking a vacation onto business travel.
– WinnieNicklaus
Mar 18 '15 at 20:56




@QuestionMarks While the OP appears to be in the private sector, I do know that there is great sensitivity in the US government about workers deriving any kind of indirect enjoyment from a taxpayer expenditure and consequently there are strong restrictions around tacking a vacation onto business travel.
– WinnieNicklaus
Mar 18 '15 at 20:56




3




3




@corsiKa I just did 3 straight weeks with no weekends, including two 13 hour flights. I had 5 hours sleep after arriving before being woken up to work on a Sunday. This situation is common.
– Gusdor
Mar 19 '15 at 8:23




@corsiKa I just did 3 straight weeks with no weekends, including two 13 hour flights. I had 5 hours sleep after arriving before being woken up to work on a Sunday. This situation is common.
– Gusdor
Mar 19 '15 at 8:23




2




2




Really hope OP tells us how it went!
– Chris M.
Mar 21 '15 at 14:01




Really hope OP tells us how it went!
– Chris M.
Mar 21 '15 at 14:01












Are you travelling from one country to another after surmounting visa requirements? If so, the dynamic of your question and how your company might perceive your request could change.
– drN
Mar 23 '15 at 14:14




Are you travelling from one country to another after surmounting visa requirements? If so, the dynamic of your question and how your company might perceive your request could change.
– drN
Mar 23 '15 at 14:14




2




2




In my experience, in an overseas assignment, my boss explicitly chided me for NOT planning in an extra day for sightseeing; and rescheduled the return flight ticket on the requisition form to the next day himself. Goes without saying, it was all on the company dime. This and similar gestures are why I am at the same place for over a decade now.
– Vaibhav Garg
Mar 25 '15 at 5:59





In my experience, in an overseas assignment, my boss explicitly chided me for NOT planning in an extra day for sightseeing; and rescheduled the return flight ticket on the requisition form to the next day himself. Goes without saying, it was all on the company dime. This and similar gestures are why I am at the same place for over a decade now.
– Vaibhav Garg
Mar 25 '15 at 5:59











8 Answers
8






active

oldest

votes

















up vote
121
down vote



accepted











Is it common to get extra time during business travel to do some
leisure?




It's not uncommon to plan time off around business travel events like this - provided you do so on your own time and your own dime. This means, be prepared to put in a leave request or otherwise use a vacation day.



Of course, you also need to ask well enough ahead of time so that your other responsibilities are adequately covered in your absence.



It's a reasonable question, and I don't think it would hurt to ask. Even if the answer is "No" I don't think it would "look bad".



You might even find that your employer will pay for the extra day themselves - as compensation for being away from home so many days in a row. That not something you can expect, but it might happen.






share|improve this answer


















  • 16




    At one of my previous companies when people were sent on conferences it was not unusual if the conference ran Tuesday through Friday for the attendees to fly back Sunday afternoon. Now Friday and Saturday night at the hotel were normally on the attendee to cover but it was not an issue taking some personal time as long as the person was covering the additional costs.
    – WindRaven
    Mar 18 '15 at 21:10







  • 5




    And if you stay during the weekend, the flight is probably cheaper in the US.
    – user8365
    Mar 19 '15 at 2:06






  • 5




    Everywhere I've worked where long business trips have been part and parcel of the work, asking for a couple of days holiday to enjoy the trip afterwards has been the norm.
    – Bob Tway
    Mar 19 '15 at 9:12






  • 37




    If the questioner can't arrange that the extra day is time off in lieu for the weekend worked as part of the 8-day-straight course then, well, I continue to marvel at what US employers can persuade their minions to put up with ;-)
    – Steve Jessop
    Mar 19 '15 at 11:12







  • 1




    In my own company a co-worker asked about doing this, and the return plane ticket was more expensive on his chosen day of return so he also had to cover the difference in that cost, might not just be food/hotel you've got to cover. (taxi's, rental car, or not getting paid for miles put on your own car, extra stuff to bring your family, etc)
    – DoubleDouble
    Mar 19 '15 at 20:25


















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I used to travel over 50% of the time and we did this sort of thing all the time. I did it the last time I went to a conference too.



They key is to ask before the airline reservations are made. Reservations can be pricey to change, but usually an extra day between the flights won't be more expensive; it is even less occasionally. If it is more expensive, you will need to pay the difference and you will need to pay for your expenses on your free day and take vacation time if it is not a weekend.






share|improve this answer
















  • 5




    +1 on asking before reservations are made. Not only airline reservations, ask before any reservations.
    – Mast
    Mar 20 '15 at 12:13










  • Yes - get a quote for the two airfares. Print these out. If staying costs more, pay the difference without being asked. If it is less you are saving the boss a buck.
    – Floris
    Mar 20 '15 at 18:37






  • 3




    I generally found that my employers didn't care about price differences between days (assuming neither is completely unreasonable for the route). I think the rationale was that sometimes the company lost, sometimes it won, and keeping the employees happy was more valuable than $40 in airfare.
    – chmullig
    Mar 21 '15 at 5:07

















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15
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If you cover your expenses then that should not be a problem.



I have even gotten my expenses paid if it saved money.



If you stay a Saturday the saving on airline is sometimes greater than the cost of food and lodging.



You might not get your expenses paid but if it means a cheaper flight then just tell them as a bonus you actually have lower expenses.



If you are working two weeks then stay the weekend it is often cheaper than two airline flights. If it is a contract where they have to pay travel time then they are trading for real work time. I did this a lot.






share|improve this answer



























    up vote
    5
    down vote













    I don't see the harm in asking if it's allowed. In some places it is, in others, it may not be. I've had the opportunity to do this when I've been on work travel, as have other coworkers, but that's because the policy allows for it. It may also depend on costs - for example, pushing out the return trip by a day or two could increase the airfare, if you're expecting the company to reimburse you for both ends of the flight. Ultimately, as long as you made it clear that you were willing to pay the expenses that were outside the bounds of your job and you have the necessary leave and approvals for the vacation days, it's something that you should ask about. It's a reasonable request and the worst that any reasonable person would say is "no" (and hopefully explain why it's not OK).






    share|improve this answer




















    • That would be very nitpicky of the employer if they actually looked at the price of the ticket with and without the longer stay and charged the employee the difference. The employer is essentially getting 24x7 coverage from the employee while he is traveling (since I would not choose on my own to stay in a sterile business hotel in a city with only a few evening hours free), so the least they can do is cover the full cost of the plane tickets. I've never had an employer do that, and they've usually let me extend a trip for a conference ending on Friday until Sunday for free, including hotel.
      – Johnny
      Mar 19 '15 at 4:20

















    up vote
    3
    down vote













    As others have said this is not uncommon. Ask your manager or hr office what rules apply; they may be different for different kinds of trip. Be aware that if the vacation becomes too large vs. the business part of the trip it may change the tax situation and you may have to treat the tickets as income; that's another good reason to ask in advance.






    share|improve this answer



























      up vote
      3
      down vote













      I have done this a couple of times at a large corporation so it is feasible but I think it would depend on your manager. There was nothing to say that it could or could not be done so it was up to my manager's discretion.



      There may be a difference in the cost of the flight but if you don't mention it, no one will think twice about it.



      On another note, I used to work at Magic Mountain when I was in high school. Unlike Disneyland, they don't open on the weekdays till around Spring Break. It looks like they start full time next week this year, though, so you should be OK. Make sure you're in decent shape - it isn't called Magic Mountain for nothing.






      share|improve this answer



























        up vote
        1
        down vote













        An ex-boss once had one weeks travel back to his home country (Germany), for business, and stayed the next week on holiday. He payed half the airfare. Totally reasonable and sensible as long as you're being asked to make the business trip independent of personal benefit.






        share|improve this answer



























          up vote
          0
          down vote













          In general this is ok as long as company policy allows it, you pay all your separate leisure expenses, and you take any necessary PTO (although some or all of Friday(/Sunday in lieu) would already have been dedicated to traveling anyway).
          So, if your company culture and policy allow it, no it wouldn't look bad; if they don't, it would.



          Now from the cost point of view, if you need to make the case to management or the accounts dept for allowing this, one good technique used is to print off the airfares for a Friday and Sunday return and show them how much $$$ you're saving them. The Friday one will almost invariably be a lot higher, due to demand and the airline industry's trusty old Saturday-night-stay price structure.






          share|improve this answer





















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            8 Answers
            8






            active

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            8 Answers
            8






            active

            oldest

            votes









            active

            oldest

            votes






            active

            oldest

            votes








            up vote
            121
            down vote



            accepted











            Is it common to get extra time during business travel to do some
            leisure?




            It's not uncommon to plan time off around business travel events like this - provided you do so on your own time and your own dime. This means, be prepared to put in a leave request or otherwise use a vacation day.



            Of course, you also need to ask well enough ahead of time so that your other responsibilities are adequately covered in your absence.



            It's a reasonable question, and I don't think it would hurt to ask. Even if the answer is "No" I don't think it would "look bad".



            You might even find that your employer will pay for the extra day themselves - as compensation for being away from home so many days in a row. That not something you can expect, but it might happen.






            share|improve this answer


















            • 16




              At one of my previous companies when people were sent on conferences it was not unusual if the conference ran Tuesday through Friday for the attendees to fly back Sunday afternoon. Now Friday and Saturday night at the hotel were normally on the attendee to cover but it was not an issue taking some personal time as long as the person was covering the additional costs.
              – WindRaven
              Mar 18 '15 at 21:10







            • 5




              And if you stay during the weekend, the flight is probably cheaper in the US.
              – user8365
              Mar 19 '15 at 2:06






            • 5




              Everywhere I've worked where long business trips have been part and parcel of the work, asking for a couple of days holiday to enjoy the trip afterwards has been the norm.
              – Bob Tway
              Mar 19 '15 at 9:12






            • 37




              If the questioner can't arrange that the extra day is time off in lieu for the weekend worked as part of the 8-day-straight course then, well, I continue to marvel at what US employers can persuade their minions to put up with ;-)
              – Steve Jessop
              Mar 19 '15 at 11:12







            • 1




              In my own company a co-worker asked about doing this, and the return plane ticket was more expensive on his chosen day of return so he also had to cover the difference in that cost, might not just be food/hotel you've got to cover. (taxi's, rental car, or not getting paid for miles put on your own car, extra stuff to bring your family, etc)
              – DoubleDouble
              Mar 19 '15 at 20:25















            up vote
            121
            down vote



            accepted











            Is it common to get extra time during business travel to do some
            leisure?




            It's not uncommon to plan time off around business travel events like this - provided you do so on your own time and your own dime. This means, be prepared to put in a leave request or otherwise use a vacation day.



            Of course, you also need to ask well enough ahead of time so that your other responsibilities are adequately covered in your absence.



            It's a reasonable question, and I don't think it would hurt to ask. Even if the answer is "No" I don't think it would "look bad".



            You might even find that your employer will pay for the extra day themselves - as compensation for being away from home so many days in a row. That not something you can expect, but it might happen.






            share|improve this answer


















            • 16




              At one of my previous companies when people were sent on conferences it was not unusual if the conference ran Tuesday through Friday for the attendees to fly back Sunday afternoon. Now Friday and Saturday night at the hotel were normally on the attendee to cover but it was not an issue taking some personal time as long as the person was covering the additional costs.
              – WindRaven
              Mar 18 '15 at 21:10







            • 5




              And if you stay during the weekend, the flight is probably cheaper in the US.
              – user8365
              Mar 19 '15 at 2:06






            • 5




              Everywhere I've worked where long business trips have been part and parcel of the work, asking for a couple of days holiday to enjoy the trip afterwards has been the norm.
              – Bob Tway
              Mar 19 '15 at 9:12






            • 37




              If the questioner can't arrange that the extra day is time off in lieu for the weekend worked as part of the 8-day-straight course then, well, I continue to marvel at what US employers can persuade their minions to put up with ;-)
              – Steve Jessop
              Mar 19 '15 at 11:12







            • 1




              In my own company a co-worker asked about doing this, and the return plane ticket was more expensive on his chosen day of return so he also had to cover the difference in that cost, might not just be food/hotel you've got to cover. (taxi's, rental car, or not getting paid for miles put on your own car, extra stuff to bring your family, etc)
              – DoubleDouble
              Mar 19 '15 at 20:25













            up vote
            121
            down vote



            accepted







            up vote
            121
            down vote



            accepted







            Is it common to get extra time during business travel to do some
            leisure?




            It's not uncommon to plan time off around business travel events like this - provided you do so on your own time and your own dime. This means, be prepared to put in a leave request or otherwise use a vacation day.



            Of course, you also need to ask well enough ahead of time so that your other responsibilities are adequately covered in your absence.



            It's a reasonable question, and I don't think it would hurt to ask. Even if the answer is "No" I don't think it would "look bad".



            You might even find that your employer will pay for the extra day themselves - as compensation for being away from home so many days in a row. That not something you can expect, but it might happen.






            share|improve this answer















            Is it common to get extra time during business travel to do some
            leisure?




            It's not uncommon to plan time off around business travel events like this - provided you do so on your own time and your own dime. This means, be prepared to put in a leave request or otherwise use a vacation day.



            Of course, you also need to ask well enough ahead of time so that your other responsibilities are adequately covered in your absence.



            It's a reasonable question, and I don't think it would hurt to ask. Even if the answer is "No" I don't think it would "look bad".



            You might even find that your employer will pay for the extra day themselves - as compensation for being away from home so many days in a row. That not something you can expect, but it might happen.







            share|improve this answer














            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer








            edited Mar 19 '15 at 12:21

























            answered Mar 18 '15 at 16:48









            Joe Strazzere

            223k106656922




            223k106656922







            • 16




              At one of my previous companies when people were sent on conferences it was not unusual if the conference ran Tuesday through Friday for the attendees to fly back Sunday afternoon. Now Friday and Saturday night at the hotel were normally on the attendee to cover but it was not an issue taking some personal time as long as the person was covering the additional costs.
              – WindRaven
              Mar 18 '15 at 21:10







            • 5




              And if you stay during the weekend, the flight is probably cheaper in the US.
              – user8365
              Mar 19 '15 at 2:06






            • 5




              Everywhere I've worked where long business trips have been part and parcel of the work, asking for a couple of days holiday to enjoy the trip afterwards has been the norm.
              – Bob Tway
              Mar 19 '15 at 9:12






            • 37




              If the questioner can't arrange that the extra day is time off in lieu for the weekend worked as part of the 8-day-straight course then, well, I continue to marvel at what US employers can persuade their minions to put up with ;-)
              – Steve Jessop
              Mar 19 '15 at 11:12







            • 1




              In my own company a co-worker asked about doing this, and the return plane ticket was more expensive on his chosen day of return so he also had to cover the difference in that cost, might not just be food/hotel you've got to cover. (taxi's, rental car, or not getting paid for miles put on your own car, extra stuff to bring your family, etc)
              – DoubleDouble
              Mar 19 '15 at 20:25













            • 16




              At one of my previous companies when people were sent on conferences it was not unusual if the conference ran Tuesday through Friday for the attendees to fly back Sunday afternoon. Now Friday and Saturday night at the hotel were normally on the attendee to cover but it was not an issue taking some personal time as long as the person was covering the additional costs.
              – WindRaven
              Mar 18 '15 at 21:10







            • 5




              And if you stay during the weekend, the flight is probably cheaper in the US.
              – user8365
              Mar 19 '15 at 2:06






            • 5




              Everywhere I've worked where long business trips have been part and parcel of the work, asking for a couple of days holiday to enjoy the trip afterwards has been the norm.
              – Bob Tway
              Mar 19 '15 at 9:12






            • 37




              If the questioner can't arrange that the extra day is time off in lieu for the weekend worked as part of the 8-day-straight course then, well, I continue to marvel at what US employers can persuade their minions to put up with ;-)
              – Steve Jessop
              Mar 19 '15 at 11:12







            • 1




              In my own company a co-worker asked about doing this, and the return plane ticket was more expensive on his chosen day of return so he also had to cover the difference in that cost, might not just be food/hotel you've got to cover. (taxi's, rental car, or not getting paid for miles put on your own car, extra stuff to bring your family, etc)
              – DoubleDouble
              Mar 19 '15 at 20:25








            16




            16




            At one of my previous companies when people were sent on conferences it was not unusual if the conference ran Tuesday through Friday for the attendees to fly back Sunday afternoon. Now Friday and Saturday night at the hotel were normally on the attendee to cover but it was not an issue taking some personal time as long as the person was covering the additional costs.
            – WindRaven
            Mar 18 '15 at 21:10





            At one of my previous companies when people were sent on conferences it was not unusual if the conference ran Tuesday through Friday for the attendees to fly back Sunday afternoon. Now Friday and Saturday night at the hotel were normally on the attendee to cover but it was not an issue taking some personal time as long as the person was covering the additional costs.
            – WindRaven
            Mar 18 '15 at 21:10





            5




            5




            And if you stay during the weekend, the flight is probably cheaper in the US.
            – user8365
            Mar 19 '15 at 2:06




            And if you stay during the weekend, the flight is probably cheaper in the US.
            – user8365
            Mar 19 '15 at 2:06




            5




            5




            Everywhere I've worked where long business trips have been part and parcel of the work, asking for a couple of days holiday to enjoy the trip afterwards has been the norm.
            – Bob Tway
            Mar 19 '15 at 9:12




            Everywhere I've worked where long business trips have been part and parcel of the work, asking for a couple of days holiday to enjoy the trip afterwards has been the norm.
            – Bob Tway
            Mar 19 '15 at 9:12




            37




            37




            If the questioner can't arrange that the extra day is time off in lieu for the weekend worked as part of the 8-day-straight course then, well, I continue to marvel at what US employers can persuade their minions to put up with ;-)
            – Steve Jessop
            Mar 19 '15 at 11:12





            If the questioner can't arrange that the extra day is time off in lieu for the weekend worked as part of the 8-day-straight course then, well, I continue to marvel at what US employers can persuade their minions to put up with ;-)
            – Steve Jessop
            Mar 19 '15 at 11:12





            1




            1




            In my own company a co-worker asked about doing this, and the return plane ticket was more expensive on his chosen day of return so he also had to cover the difference in that cost, might not just be food/hotel you've got to cover. (taxi's, rental car, or not getting paid for miles put on your own car, extra stuff to bring your family, etc)
            – DoubleDouble
            Mar 19 '15 at 20:25





            In my own company a co-worker asked about doing this, and the return plane ticket was more expensive on his chosen day of return so he also had to cover the difference in that cost, might not just be food/hotel you've got to cover. (taxi's, rental car, or not getting paid for miles put on your own car, extra stuff to bring your family, etc)
            – DoubleDouble
            Mar 19 '15 at 20:25













            up vote
            61
            down vote













            I used to travel over 50% of the time and we did this sort of thing all the time. I did it the last time I went to a conference too.



            They key is to ask before the airline reservations are made. Reservations can be pricey to change, but usually an extra day between the flights won't be more expensive; it is even less occasionally. If it is more expensive, you will need to pay the difference and you will need to pay for your expenses on your free day and take vacation time if it is not a weekend.






            share|improve this answer
















            • 5




              +1 on asking before reservations are made. Not only airline reservations, ask before any reservations.
              – Mast
              Mar 20 '15 at 12:13










            • Yes - get a quote for the two airfares. Print these out. If staying costs more, pay the difference without being asked. If it is less you are saving the boss a buck.
              – Floris
              Mar 20 '15 at 18:37






            • 3




              I generally found that my employers didn't care about price differences between days (assuming neither is completely unreasonable for the route). I think the rationale was that sometimes the company lost, sometimes it won, and keeping the employees happy was more valuable than $40 in airfare.
              – chmullig
              Mar 21 '15 at 5:07














            up vote
            61
            down vote













            I used to travel over 50% of the time and we did this sort of thing all the time. I did it the last time I went to a conference too.



            They key is to ask before the airline reservations are made. Reservations can be pricey to change, but usually an extra day between the flights won't be more expensive; it is even less occasionally. If it is more expensive, you will need to pay the difference and you will need to pay for your expenses on your free day and take vacation time if it is not a weekend.






            share|improve this answer
















            • 5




              +1 on asking before reservations are made. Not only airline reservations, ask before any reservations.
              – Mast
              Mar 20 '15 at 12:13










            • Yes - get a quote for the two airfares. Print these out. If staying costs more, pay the difference without being asked. If it is less you are saving the boss a buck.
              – Floris
              Mar 20 '15 at 18:37






            • 3




              I generally found that my employers didn't care about price differences between days (assuming neither is completely unreasonable for the route). I think the rationale was that sometimes the company lost, sometimes it won, and keeping the employees happy was more valuable than $40 in airfare.
              – chmullig
              Mar 21 '15 at 5:07












            up vote
            61
            down vote










            up vote
            61
            down vote









            I used to travel over 50% of the time and we did this sort of thing all the time. I did it the last time I went to a conference too.



            They key is to ask before the airline reservations are made. Reservations can be pricey to change, but usually an extra day between the flights won't be more expensive; it is even less occasionally. If it is more expensive, you will need to pay the difference and you will need to pay for your expenses on your free day and take vacation time if it is not a weekend.






            share|improve this answer












            I used to travel over 50% of the time and we did this sort of thing all the time. I did it the last time I went to a conference too.



            They key is to ask before the airline reservations are made. Reservations can be pricey to change, but usually an extra day between the flights won't be more expensive; it is even less occasionally. If it is more expensive, you will need to pay the difference and you will need to pay for your expenses on your free day and take vacation time if it is not a weekend.







            share|improve this answer












            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer










            answered Mar 18 '15 at 16:48









            HLGEM

            133k25226489




            133k25226489







            • 5




              +1 on asking before reservations are made. Not only airline reservations, ask before any reservations.
              – Mast
              Mar 20 '15 at 12:13










            • Yes - get a quote for the two airfares. Print these out. If staying costs more, pay the difference without being asked. If it is less you are saving the boss a buck.
              – Floris
              Mar 20 '15 at 18:37






            • 3




              I generally found that my employers didn't care about price differences between days (assuming neither is completely unreasonable for the route). I think the rationale was that sometimes the company lost, sometimes it won, and keeping the employees happy was more valuable than $40 in airfare.
              – chmullig
              Mar 21 '15 at 5:07












            • 5




              +1 on asking before reservations are made. Not only airline reservations, ask before any reservations.
              – Mast
              Mar 20 '15 at 12:13










            • Yes - get a quote for the two airfares. Print these out. If staying costs more, pay the difference without being asked. If it is less you are saving the boss a buck.
              – Floris
              Mar 20 '15 at 18:37






            • 3




              I generally found that my employers didn't care about price differences between days (assuming neither is completely unreasonable for the route). I think the rationale was that sometimes the company lost, sometimes it won, and keeping the employees happy was more valuable than $40 in airfare.
              – chmullig
              Mar 21 '15 at 5:07







            5




            5




            +1 on asking before reservations are made. Not only airline reservations, ask before any reservations.
            – Mast
            Mar 20 '15 at 12:13




            +1 on asking before reservations are made. Not only airline reservations, ask before any reservations.
            – Mast
            Mar 20 '15 at 12:13












            Yes - get a quote for the two airfares. Print these out. If staying costs more, pay the difference without being asked. If it is less you are saving the boss a buck.
            – Floris
            Mar 20 '15 at 18:37




            Yes - get a quote for the two airfares. Print these out. If staying costs more, pay the difference without being asked. If it is less you are saving the boss a buck.
            – Floris
            Mar 20 '15 at 18:37




            3




            3




            I generally found that my employers didn't care about price differences between days (assuming neither is completely unreasonable for the route). I think the rationale was that sometimes the company lost, sometimes it won, and keeping the employees happy was more valuable than $40 in airfare.
            – chmullig
            Mar 21 '15 at 5:07




            I generally found that my employers didn't care about price differences between days (assuming neither is completely unreasonable for the route). I think the rationale was that sometimes the company lost, sometimes it won, and keeping the employees happy was more valuable than $40 in airfare.
            – chmullig
            Mar 21 '15 at 5:07










            up vote
            15
            down vote













            If you cover your expenses then that should not be a problem.



            I have even gotten my expenses paid if it saved money.



            If you stay a Saturday the saving on airline is sometimes greater than the cost of food and lodging.



            You might not get your expenses paid but if it means a cheaper flight then just tell them as a bonus you actually have lower expenses.



            If you are working two weeks then stay the weekend it is often cheaper than two airline flights. If it is a contract where they have to pay travel time then they are trading for real work time. I did this a lot.






            share|improve this answer
























              up vote
              15
              down vote













              If you cover your expenses then that should not be a problem.



              I have even gotten my expenses paid if it saved money.



              If you stay a Saturday the saving on airline is sometimes greater than the cost of food and lodging.



              You might not get your expenses paid but if it means a cheaper flight then just tell them as a bonus you actually have lower expenses.



              If you are working two weeks then stay the weekend it is often cheaper than two airline flights. If it is a contract where they have to pay travel time then they are trading for real work time. I did this a lot.






              share|improve this answer






















                up vote
                15
                down vote










                up vote
                15
                down vote









                If you cover your expenses then that should not be a problem.



                I have even gotten my expenses paid if it saved money.



                If you stay a Saturday the saving on airline is sometimes greater than the cost of food and lodging.



                You might not get your expenses paid but if it means a cheaper flight then just tell them as a bonus you actually have lower expenses.



                If you are working two weeks then stay the weekend it is often cheaper than two airline flights. If it is a contract where they have to pay travel time then they are trading for real work time. I did this a lot.






                share|improve this answer












                If you cover your expenses then that should not be a problem.



                I have even gotten my expenses paid if it saved money.



                If you stay a Saturday the saving on airline is sometimes greater than the cost of food and lodging.



                You might not get your expenses paid but if it means a cheaper flight then just tell them as a bonus you actually have lower expenses.



                If you are working two weeks then stay the weekend it is often cheaper than two airline flights. If it is a contract where they have to pay travel time then they are trading for real work time. I did this a lot.







                share|improve this answer












                share|improve this answer



                share|improve this answer










                answered Mar 18 '15 at 17:02









                paparazzo

                33.3k657106




                33.3k657106




















                    up vote
                    5
                    down vote













                    I don't see the harm in asking if it's allowed. In some places it is, in others, it may not be. I've had the opportunity to do this when I've been on work travel, as have other coworkers, but that's because the policy allows for it. It may also depend on costs - for example, pushing out the return trip by a day or two could increase the airfare, if you're expecting the company to reimburse you for both ends of the flight. Ultimately, as long as you made it clear that you were willing to pay the expenses that were outside the bounds of your job and you have the necessary leave and approvals for the vacation days, it's something that you should ask about. It's a reasonable request and the worst that any reasonable person would say is "no" (and hopefully explain why it's not OK).






                    share|improve this answer




















                    • That would be very nitpicky of the employer if they actually looked at the price of the ticket with and without the longer stay and charged the employee the difference. The employer is essentially getting 24x7 coverage from the employee while he is traveling (since I would not choose on my own to stay in a sterile business hotel in a city with only a few evening hours free), so the least they can do is cover the full cost of the plane tickets. I've never had an employer do that, and they've usually let me extend a trip for a conference ending on Friday until Sunday for free, including hotel.
                      – Johnny
                      Mar 19 '15 at 4:20














                    up vote
                    5
                    down vote













                    I don't see the harm in asking if it's allowed. In some places it is, in others, it may not be. I've had the opportunity to do this when I've been on work travel, as have other coworkers, but that's because the policy allows for it. It may also depend on costs - for example, pushing out the return trip by a day or two could increase the airfare, if you're expecting the company to reimburse you for both ends of the flight. Ultimately, as long as you made it clear that you were willing to pay the expenses that were outside the bounds of your job and you have the necessary leave and approvals for the vacation days, it's something that you should ask about. It's a reasonable request and the worst that any reasonable person would say is "no" (and hopefully explain why it's not OK).






                    share|improve this answer




















                    • That would be very nitpicky of the employer if they actually looked at the price of the ticket with and without the longer stay and charged the employee the difference. The employer is essentially getting 24x7 coverage from the employee while he is traveling (since I would not choose on my own to stay in a sterile business hotel in a city with only a few evening hours free), so the least they can do is cover the full cost of the plane tickets. I've never had an employer do that, and they've usually let me extend a trip for a conference ending on Friday until Sunday for free, including hotel.
                      – Johnny
                      Mar 19 '15 at 4:20












                    up vote
                    5
                    down vote










                    up vote
                    5
                    down vote









                    I don't see the harm in asking if it's allowed. In some places it is, in others, it may not be. I've had the opportunity to do this when I've been on work travel, as have other coworkers, but that's because the policy allows for it. It may also depend on costs - for example, pushing out the return trip by a day or two could increase the airfare, if you're expecting the company to reimburse you for both ends of the flight. Ultimately, as long as you made it clear that you were willing to pay the expenses that were outside the bounds of your job and you have the necessary leave and approvals for the vacation days, it's something that you should ask about. It's a reasonable request and the worst that any reasonable person would say is "no" (and hopefully explain why it's not OK).






                    share|improve this answer












                    I don't see the harm in asking if it's allowed. In some places it is, in others, it may not be. I've had the opportunity to do this when I've been on work travel, as have other coworkers, but that's because the policy allows for it. It may also depend on costs - for example, pushing out the return trip by a day or two could increase the airfare, if you're expecting the company to reimburse you for both ends of the flight. Ultimately, as long as you made it clear that you were willing to pay the expenses that were outside the bounds of your job and you have the necessary leave and approvals for the vacation days, it's something that you should ask about. It's a reasonable request and the worst that any reasonable person would say is "no" (and hopefully explain why it's not OK).







                    share|improve this answer












                    share|improve this answer



                    share|improve this answer










                    answered Mar 18 '15 at 16:48









                    Thomas Owens

                    13.4k45368




                    13.4k45368











                    • That would be very nitpicky of the employer if they actually looked at the price of the ticket with and without the longer stay and charged the employee the difference. The employer is essentially getting 24x7 coverage from the employee while he is traveling (since I would not choose on my own to stay in a sterile business hotel in a city with only a few evening hours free), so the least they can do is cover the full cost of the plane tickets. I've never had an employer do that, and they've usually let me extend a trip for a conference ending on Friday until Sunday for free, including hotel.
                      – Johnny
                      Mar 19 '15 at 4:20
















                    • That would be very nitpicky of the employer if they actually looked at the price of the ticket with and without the longer stay and charged the employee the difference. The employer is essentially getting 24x7 coverage from the employee while he is traveling (since I would not choose on my own to stay in a sterile business hotel in a city with only a few evening hours free), so the least they can do is cover the full cost of the plane tickets. I've never had an employer do that, and they've usually let me extend a trip for a conference ending on Friday until Sunday for free, including hotel.
                      – Johnny
                      Mar 19 '15 at 4:20















                    That would be very nitpicky of the employer if they actually looked at the price of the ticket with and without the longer stay and charged the employee the difference. The employer is essentially getting 24x7 coverage from the employee while he is traveling (since I would not choose on my own to stay in a sterile business hotel in a city with only a few evening hours free), so the least they can do is cover the full cost of the plane tickets. I've never had an employer do that, and they've usually let me extend a trip for a conference ending on Friday until Sunday for free, including hotel.
                    – Johnny
                    Mar 19 '15 at 4:20




                    That would be very nitpicky of the employer if they actually looked at the price of the ticket with and without the longer stay and charged the employee the difference. The employer is essentially getting 24x7 coverage from the employee while he is traveling (since I would not choose on my own to stay in a sterile business hotel in a city with only a few evening hours free), so the least they can do is cover the full cost of the plane tickets. I've never had an employer do that, and they've usually let me extend a trip for a conference ending on Friday until Sunday for free, including hotel.
                    – Johnny
                    Mar 19 '15 at 4:20










                    up vote
                    3
                    down vote













                    As others have said this is not uncommon. Ask your manager or hr office what rules apply; they may be different for different kinds of trip. Be aware that if the vacation becomes too large vs. the business part of the trip it may change the tax situation and you may have to treat the tickets as income; that's another good reason to ask in advance.






                    share|improve this answer
























                      up vote
                      3
                      down vote













                      As others have said this is not uncommon. Ask your manager or hr office what rules apply; they may be different for different kinds of trip. Be aware that if the vacation becomes too large vs. the business part of the trip it may change the tax situation and you may have to treat the tickets as income; that's another good reason to ask in advance.






                      share|improve this answer






















                        up vote
                        3
                        down vote










                        up vote
                        3
                        down vote









                        As others have said this is not uncommon. Ask your manager or hr office what rules apply; they may be different for different kinds of trip. Be aware that if the vacation becomes too large vs. the business part of the trip it may change the tax situation and you may have to treat the tickets as income; that's another good reason to ask in advance.






                        share|improve this answer












                        As others have said this is not uncommon. Ask your manager or hr office what rules apply; they may be different for different kinds of trip. Be aware that if the vacation becomes too large vs. the business part of the trip it may change the tax situation and you may have to treat the tickets as income; that's another good reason to ask in advance.







                        share|improve this answer












                        share|improve this answer



                        share|improve this answer










                        answered Mar 18 '15 at 18:51









                        keshlam

                        41.5k1267144




                        41.5k1267144




















                            up vote
                            3
                            down vote













                            I have done this a couple of times at a large corporation so it is feasible but I think it would depend on your manager. There was nothing to say that it could or could not be done so it was up to my manager's discretion.



                            There may be a difference in the cost of the flight but if you don't mention it, no one will think twice about it.



                            On another note, I used to work at Magic Mountain when I was in high school. Unlike Disneyland, they don't open on the weekdays till around Spring Break. It looks like they start full time next week this year, though, so you should be OK. Make sure you're in decent shape - it isn't called Magic Mountain for nothing.






                            share|improve this answer
























                              up vote
                              3
                              down vote













                              I have done this a couple of times at a large corporation so it is feasible but I think it would depend on your manager. There was nothing to say that it could or could not be done so it was up to my manager's discretion.



                              There may be a difference in the cost of the flight but if you don't mention it, no one will think twice about it.



                              On another note, I used to work at Magic Mountain when I was in high school. Unlike Disneyland, they don't open on the weekdays till around Spring Break. It looks like they start full time next week this year, though, so you should be OK. Make sure you're in decent shape - it isn't called Magic Mountain for nothing.






                              share|improve this answer






















                                up vote
                                3
                                down vote










                                up vote
                                3
                                down vote









                                I have done this a couple of times at a large corporation so it is feasible but I think it would depend on your manager. There was nothing to say that it could or could not be done so it was up to my manager's discretion.



                                There may be a difference in the cost of the flight but if you don't mention it, no one will think twice about it.



                                On another note, I used to work at Magic Mountain when I was in high school. Unlike Disneyland, they don't open on the weekdays till around Spring Break. It looks like they start full time next week this year, though, so you should be OK. Make sure you're in decent shape - it isn't called Magic Mountain for nothing.






                                share|improve this answer












                                I have done this a couple of times at a large corporation so it is feasible but I think it would depend on your manager. There was nothing to say that it could or could not be done so it was up to my manager's discretion.



                                There may be a difference in the cost of the flight but if you don't mention it, no one will think twice about it.



                                On another note, I used to work at Magic Mountain when I was in high school. Unlike Disneyland, they don't open on the weekdays till around Spring Break. It looks like they start full time next week this year, though, so you should be OK. Make sure you're in decent shape - it isn't called Magic Mountain for nothing.







                                share|improve this answer












                                share|improve this answer



                                share|improve this answer










                                answered Mar 18 '15 at 21:53









                                Hannover Fist

                                1877




                                1877




















                                    up vote
                                    1
                                    down vote













                                    An ex-boss once had one weeks travel back to his home country (Germany), for business, and stayed the next week on holiday. He payed half the airfare. Totally reasonable and sensible as long as you're being asked to make the business trip independent of personal benefit.






                                    share|improve this answer
























                                      up vote
                                      1
                                      down vote













                                      An ex-boss once had one weeks travel back to his home country (Germany), for business, and stayed the next week on holiday. He payed half the airfare. Totally reasonable and sensible as long as you're being asked to make the business trip independent of personal benefit.






                                      share|improve this answer






















                                        up vote
                                        1
                                        down vote










                                        up vote
                                        1
                                        down vote









                                        An ex-boss once had one weeks travel back to his home country (Germany), for business, and stayed the next week on holiday. He payed half the airfare. Totally reasonable and sensible as long as you're being asked to make the business trip independent of personal benefit.






                                        share|improve this answer












                                        An ex-boss once had one weeks travel back to his home country (Germany), for business, and stayed the next week on holiday. He payed half the airfare. Totally reasonable and sensible as long as you're being asked to make the business trip independent of personal benefit.







                                        share|improve this answer












                                        share|improve this answer



                                        share|improve this answer










                                        answered Mar 19 '15 at 1:35









                                        Chris Halcrow

                                        1193




                                        1193




















                                            up vote
                                            0
                                            down vote













                                            In general this is ok as long as company policy allows it, you pay all your separate leisure expenses, and you take any necessary PTO (although some or all of Friday(/Sunday in lieu) would already have been dedicated to traveling anyway).
                                            So, if your company culture and policy allow it, no it wouldn't look bad; if they don't, it would.



                                            Now from the cost point of view, if you need to make the case to management or the accounts dept for allowing this, one good technique used is to print off the airfares for a Friday and Sunday return and show them how much $$$ you're saving them. The Friday one will almost invariably be a lot higher, due to demand and the airline industry's trusty old Saturday-night-stay price structure.






                                            share|improve this answer


























                                              up vote
                                              0
                                              down vote













                                              In general this is ok as long as company policy allows it, you pay all your separate leisure expenses, and you take any necessary PTO (although some or all of Friday(/Sunday in lieu) would already have been dedicated to traveling anyway).
                                              So, if your company culture and policy allow it, no it wouldn't look bad; if they don't, it would.



                                              Now from the cost point of view, if you need to make the case to management or the accounts dept for allowing this, one good technique used is to print off the airfares for a Friday and Sunday return and show them how much $$$ you're saving them. The Friday one will almost invariably be a lot higher, due to demand and the airline industry's trusty old Saturday-night-stay price structure.






                                              share|improve this answer
























                                                up vote
                                                0
                                                down vote










                                                up vote
                                                0
                                                down vote









                                                In general this is ok as long as company policy allows it, you pay all your separate leisure expenses, and you take any necessary PTO (although some or all of Friday(/Sunday in lieu) would already have been dedicated to traveling anyway).
                                                So, if your company culture and policy allow it, no it wouldn't look bad; if they don't, it would.



                                                Now from the cost point of view, if you need to make the case to management or the accounts dept for allowing this, one good technique used is to print off the airfares for a Friday and Sunday return and show them how much $$$ you're saving them. The Friday one will almost invariably be a lot higher, due to demand and the airline industry's trusty old Saturday-night-stay price structure.






                                                share|improve this answer














                                                In general this is ok as long as company policy allows it, you pay all your separate leisure expenses, and you take any necessary PTO (although some or all of Friday(/Sunday in lieu) would already have been dedicated to traveling anyway).
                                                So, if your company culture and policy allow it, no it wouldn't look bad; if they don't, it would.



                                                Now from the cost point of view, if you need to make the case to management or the accounts dept for allowing this, one good technique used is to print off the airfares for a Friday and Sunday return and show them how much $$$ you're saving them. The Friday one will almost invariably be a lot higher, due to demand and the airline industry's trusty old Saturday-night-stay price structure.







                                                share|improve this answer














                                                share|improve this answer



                                                share|improve this answer








                                                edited Mar 22 '15 at 11:06

























                                                answered Mar 19 '15 at 9:58









                                                smci

                                                2,038820




                                                2,038820















                                                    protected by Community♦ Mar 19 '15 at 7:14



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