Corporate vacations--what are they like?

[Belle5]

I think my DH may have won one of those "president's club" type vacations to a beach in Mexico. We are just not sure we want to go. Actually, we want to go if we have most of our time to ourselves to do what we want to do. We are not people who like to socialize with the corporate folks outside of business hours. If this vacation entails a lot of elbow-rubbing with the corporate people then it is not for us. We are also not big into the partying scene so we are not interested in going to the clubs. We are more into walks along the beach, whale watching, golfing... Are there usually golf outings scheduled where DH would have to golf with the "guys" or do we just run into the corporate folks occasionally? I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has been on one of these trips recently. Thanks!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

When my DH won President's Club, it was REQUIRED he go. It wasn't an option to stay home. It was an honor and you got to do the award thing.

The whole thing is scheduled to a tee with corporate people.

 

[Mickeyluver37]

I had the privilege of going on the Sprint/Nextel one to Atlantis this year with a friend who got to go, and her husband is military and couldn't attend. It was amazing! Yes, there were a lot of planned activities (mostly just at night), but it wasn't about elbow rubbing...everyone was relaxed and having a great time. Our days were free to explore the resort, go to the spa, some people chose to go in to Nassau, etc. But the night events were spectacular. I would never ever pass up a free trip like that. You guys should go, it will be fun!!!

And on a side note, how would you get out of something like that anyway without seeming rude?

 

[Belle5]

bumping up for more input

 

[golfgal]

It really, really depends on the company, the purpose of the trip, etc. I have been on many corporate vacations, some are just that, a vacation, do what you want, when you want but they usually have at least one banquet or joint meal with other participants. Most of the trips we have taken are sales meeting trips where the employees are in meetings for a few days and then activities at night, usually one 'scheduled' free day where you can take part in an activity or not. For the spouses on the trips, they were vacations and other then then nightly banquets, we were free to do what ever we wanted. We usually spent one day in the Spa, another day shopping, golf if available, etc.

DH hates these trips because everyone always has something they 'need to talk about' which is usually "why can't we get this customer approved even if they have 15 bankruptcies, etc". I love the trips because we got to travel all over, see different things and have some fun.

 

[shortbun]

Really depends on the company but declining is usually thought of as ingratious unless you have a really good reason. Some companies just sponsor a few dinners and coctails. Other companies schedule meetings for the employee and fun activities for the spouse. Many schedule optional tours during the day but expect everyone to attend evening events and go all out on entertainment. Can your husband discreetly inquire so he can tell you what to expect?

 

[ToyStory Fan]

I won a trip like this at work one year it was absolutely incredible. Dw and I went on a Mediterranean cruise, Rome-Barcelona. We made stops/shore excursions in Rome, Tuscany, Eze, Monaco, Monte Carlo and Barcelona. Nothing was skimped...this company takes over the cruise ship for 3 weeks, and runs 3-1 week trips for it's top employees. If it is trully a "president's club" type of trip you should go. I know for ours - it was a trip that we could not have planned or thought about doing on our own (unless we hit the lottery or something).

 

[Linda/MA]

I've been on a number of corporate trips with my husband and, as some have said, a lot depends on the company. On some trips, such as a couple we have taken to WDW, they were more like a sales conference and he had to attend lots of meetings which he hates. He feels like he's been in this business for 25+ years and doesn't need to listen to some 25 y/o tell him how to sell. Those trips also involve receptions, dinners, and lots of socializing. I love to go because I get to visit different places and stay at really nice hotels. On the trips that were called "President's Club", there were no meetings involved, but there were dinners, activities, and lots of socializing. We like that sort of thing and usually have a great time on those trips. However, I've noticed that there are always some people who would rather keep to themselves and they do so. Each his own! Why doesn't he ask someone whose gone on this type of trip to see what it's like.

 

[Kimberle]

If it is a true vacation, than you will (should) be taxed. It should be included in his w-4 like a bonus. If you don't want to pay tax, then he must do work each day (around 4 hours per day last time I checked a couple of years ago). You might want him to ask his payroll people before your accept. If they don't schedule "work" and don't tax you, check with your own tax professional. The IRS is becoming much stricter on these types of "freebe's".

 

[Linda/MA]

If it is a true vacation, than you will (should) be taxed. It should be included in his w-4 like a bonus. If you don't want to pay tax, then he must do work each day (around 4 hours per day last time I checked a couple of years ago). You might want him to ask his payroll people before your accept. If they don't schedule "work" and don't tax you, check with your own tax professional. The IRS is becoming much stricter on these types of "freebe's".

That's true. My husband and I were both 1099'd on last year's President's club trip. That didn't happen a couple of years ago.

 

[SwedishMeatball]

We always have a blast. My experience, with 2 different companies my husband has worked for, have all been positive. There are some dinners that you attend, but we've always had our days free.

 

[Honu]

That's true. My husband and I were both 1099'd on last year's President's club trip. That didn't happen a couple of years ago.

That's the end of corporate retreats for moi. I could deal with the mandatory dinner parties as the price to pay, but taxable income is a deal breaker.