how to act on business trips in vacation destinations

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Do Business Trips and Swimsuits Mix?When the beach or pool beckons during a work trip, should you jump in?

Whether you’re in Aruba or Vegas, experts reveal 10 rules to follow when

you’re in some of the world’s hottest destinations as a business traveler.

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Regardless of whether it’s your choice of apparel or level of alcohol

consumption, you should remember that you are on a company-

sponsored business event, and not a personal vacation. You

are a representative of your company, and you are also

representing yourself in front of your colleagues and bosses.

Warren ChangVice President and General

Manager of Fly.com

Accept that you’re not on vacation.Rule #1:


For our conference guests, the meeting planner or the destination

management company will provide recommendations on attire

that’s also appropriate at the hotel. For our incentive groups, dress

is usually fun and casual, with resort casual in the evenings. Paige CabacunganDirector of Sales & Marketing

at the St. Regis Princeville Resort, Kauai

Figure out—and follow—the dress code.Rule #2:


Leave behind the ties, black socks, and pantyhose, but pack

enough so you can layer clothes and peel them off

accordingly. Inside, the air-conditioning will be cold, and outside

functions will be hot. Bring peep-toe shoes and/or slingbacks for

meetings and fun, sparkly sandals for evenings and outings.Patty Foley

Director of Revenue at The Westin Aruba Resort & Casino

Pack like a pro.Rule #3:


Dress no differently for a meeting than you would if the

meeting was set in your office, unless planned otherwise.

Most of the daytime meetings we host on the property are

business casual—just don’t be surprised if you go straight from the

ballroom to the beach for a cocktail reception on the sand.

Christopher CalabreseVice President and General

Manager, JW Marriott and CasaMagna resorts, Cancun

When in doubt, dress up for meetings.Rule #4:


A business trip probably isn’t the best time to wear your peek-

a-boo swimsuit, alluring cover-up, or Speedo. Keep it above

board, especially in case your boss calls you over for a 1:1 on your

take of the conference and to discuss ideas you need to

implement back at the office.

Taylor ColeDirector of PR and Social

Media, Hotels.com

Know what not to wear.Rule #5:


Not everyone is a night owl, especially if you’re on tap to make a

big presentation the next day. If the majority of the group is

enjoying the sunset by the pool, it’s a good rule of thumb to

make an appearance, share some laughs, then politely let them

know you’re going to call it a night so you can get up extra early.


Media, Hotels.com

Understand the importance of face time.Rule #6:


If a business meeting looms, take care of that first and play later.

If not, slip off your shoes and take in the sand and sun for a few

minutes just in case your next free day is a rainy day. I’d clarify with

the senior-most member of the team or whoever has set the

schedule. Once the formalities conclude, enjoy the resort!


Media, Hotels.com

Know when to play.Rule #7:


Put all meetings into your smartphone in advance and build in

30-minute reminders. Set your phone to vibrate as you won’t be

able to hear the ringtone in the casino. Have everything ready to go

for the next morning before you go out for the evening. Eat before

you go out, and drink water between every alcoholic beverage.

Nancy NitscheDirector of Concierge at ARIA Resort & Casino,

Las Vegas

Never miss important meetings.Rule #8:


Remember you work with/for these people, and your reputation

can be at stake. Avoid fraternity-like behavior that can include

ordering shots for everyone or picking up that good-looking person

sitting next to your table. If you prefer not to drink, order a sparkling

water with a twist of lime, and people will assume it’s a vodka tonic.

Lauren MillerSales Manager

W Scottsdale

Limit your alcohol intake.Rule #9:


There is a time and a place for everything and when in doubt,

common sense should overrule any impulsive behavior. Have fun,

drink, enjoy the experience, but remember that life goes on after

a trip to the tropics. There are consequences to the choices we

make—even on a tropical island getaway.

Sharlene BrenkusDirector of Sales & Marketing at Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Beach Resort, Puerto Rico

Don’t say, do, or wear anything you’ll regret.Rule #10:


Would you wear a swimsuit in front of your coworkers and boss?

• No way (52%)• Yes, in front of my coworkers & boss (38%)• Only in front of my coworkers (5%)• Other (3%)*

*Poll results as of July 19, 2013


PHOTO CREDITS:Slide 1: Visit St. Pete/ClearwaterSlide 2: Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa, Hollywood, FloridaSlide 3: The St. Regis Princeville ResortSlide 4: The Westin Aruba Resort & CasinoSlide 5: JW Marriott Cancun and CasaMagna Marriott CancunSlide 6: picable

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For more great insights from Jet members, check out the discussion: Would you wear a swimsuit around your coworkers or your boss?

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Slide 7: Simon_seesSlide 8: Kaptain KoboldSlide 9: MGM Resorts InternationalSlide 10: W ScottsdaleSlide 11: Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Beach Resort & SpaSlide 12: Rdoke

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