Even though thousands of business travelers still have to travel on business this summer, that doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy their time out on the road. According to Travel Channel expert Tracy Gallagher, many business travelers are finding new ways to have fun on a business trip by bringing along a spouse or a significant other.

Nearly half of all travelers expect to bring their spouse on an upcoming business trip, according to a recent survey by the National Business Travel Association.

"When you’re traveling on business, it makes for a more enjoyable, and even exciting trip if you know your spouse or significant other will be meeting you for a weekend getaway," said Gallagher. "Many business hotels offer a lower weekend rate and amenities such as a swimming pool, workout facility, complimentary high-speed Internet access, in-room hospitality center with refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker, as well as business amenities such as complimentary secure remote printing services for guests and a 24-hour business center, that make the trip both affordable and fun."

Gallagher, a frequent traveler who often brings her own spouse on business trips, offers the following tips for turning business travel into leisure.

•If you book your own travel, be upfront with your boss or accounting department about bringing your spouse or significant other so that there is no appearance of impropriety.

•Ask your employer about the possibility of purchasing two coach tickets instead of one business class ticket—earning your partner free airfare.

•Make sure to discuss your exact business plans with your spouse ahead of time to avoid miscommunication about how much time you can spend together during the business portion of your trip.

"Many companies are happy about this new trend, as it allows employees that are required to travel a lot to spend more time with their husband or wife even if they can’t be home," said Gallagher. "It can make for a happier and more efficient employee if they spend some down time with their significant other at the end of a long, busy business week."

This story provided by North American Precis Syndicate, Inc.