Do you Travel for work? Pros Cons?

I'm currently looking at a new job that will include regular travel in the New England and Mid-Atlantic region. I've never had to travel for work before and am not sure really what to expect without actually experiencing it.

For those of you who have to travel, what are some of the pros and cons (if any) of having to travel for work. (I have the DH and a cat, no kids)

Also, is it alright to expect a higher salary than a similar position with zero travel?

Thanks so much in advance!!
this is cross-posted - sorry

Re: Do you Travel for work? Pros Cons?

I enjoyed traveling before I had kids. I got to visit places I hadn't been to before, and I was often able to do a little sightseeing while I was there.

Now, however, I do whatever I can to avoid traveling. It's a pain being away from the family. It's also a pain dealing with the paperwork when I return, to get reimbursed by the company for my expenses.

Re: Do you Travel for work? Pros Cons?

I was travelling for the job I'm at now and my last job.
I always book my own hotels and airfare.
Even when we had an agency booking it for us, I chose the companies so I could get mileage, points, etc.

The last job I went to trade shows selling booth space & there were always other people from the co. to hang out & have dinner w/ b/c they were also doing the same thing for other shows within the co.

I was travelling more often for them and now it sort of slowed down which is fine for me.
Now I travel on their corporate card and get cash advances for petty cash b/c I don't want to travel on their $$.


My last trip was to Minn. and I drove all around for 1 wk selling fabric. It got boring being all alone.

Re: Do you Travel for work? Pros Cons?

I travel about once a month for work

it doesn't bother me now b/c they are normally short trips

example- in 2 weeks I am going to a customer in AK for 1 night

I have a friend that travels for weeks to Asia - and I recently turned down a position that would require that

for my industry and level- the local travel once a month is good - but it does get old when I have to travel offen

I don't make any additional money for the travel or the 3 weekends a year I work

my friend that is 2 levels above me and travels to Asia- makes some serious money- but she spends over 100 days a year in Asia- and she is married

Re: Do you Travel for work? Pros Cons?

the pros are that you get to travel -- i never traveled all the time but when i did, i usually had at least a teeny bit of free time to explore my surroundings and not on my dime. (though i am also a stickler with expenses - bfast lunch and dinner only, nothing - not even coffee - besides that so exploring sometimes cost me a little bit but nominal.) the cons are that you are away from your family and alone.

Re: Do you Travel for work? Pros Cons?

thanks for the heads up - I think it might work out for a year or so, but after that I can see it getting pretty old. The job would require travel pretty much every week and most heavily during the late summer early fall... guess we shall see. Thanks for the input!

Re: Do you Travel for work? Pros Cons?

Most of my travel is for annual conferences. My employer reimburses expenses. I like it because I get to see places I normally wouldn't go to.

Re: Do you Travel for work? Pros Cons?

I travel for work.

Pros:
1) Get to see places you normally wouldn't on the company's dime - last year I went to Vegas! (and many other boring places)

2) Build frequent flyer miles - I haved used my miles for personal trips to Spain, Cabo, Playa Del Carmen and Houston.

Cons:

1) With all the flight delays lately, it can be stressful. I am ALWAYS worried that I will not make it to my meetings on time.

2) Being away from the hubby for long periods of time.

3) Having to pay upfront and submit for reimbursement - requires that you have extra cash available.

Re: Do you Travel for work? Pros Cons?

I used to have a job with travel requirements. it wasn't on a reg basis, but I did travel quite a bit in the 4 years I had that position. I was living alone & single at the time, so I loved it! esp when I went to CA on business and was able to visit my sister

my job now requires very little travel, and that's just fine with me! I am actually leaving tomorrow to go to Boston, just over 1 night, but I will miss DH I wouldn't mind it so much if I actually got to see stuff, but traveling for work is anything but glamorous. It’s exhausting and I am always so happy to come home!