By Brian McIntee, Atlantic area VP of sales PCS Div. Sprint

Are you one of the 275.4 million people taking a summer vacation this year? Whether your trip entails a family vacation or just a quick get-away weekend, more and more Americans are finding that their vacation time isn't exactly all sun and fun. So many people today need to be accessible at a moment's notice, and often that means being available during time off. In fact, nearly three-fourths of Americans check-in while away from home, with the majority using their wireless phone. The question becomes, how do you enjoy your vacation time, yet still feel like you're not shirking your professional duties? Here are numerous ways wireless devices can help you prepare for and stay connected during your travels:

1. Get excited for your trip by downloading a Calypso ringtone or screen saver of Shamu or other Disney character to your wireless phone.

2. Before you head out, check on-line weather services, such as Doppler Radar, on your wireless device to see if you will need sunscreen and sunglasses or an umbrella and raincoat.

3. In the unfortunate event that you get lost on the way to your vacation destination, you can look up directions or find a map using Web-enabled phones and Palm devices.

4. Forget the post card-Share a unique moment with loved ones while on vacation using a camera phone! Use a camera phone with Picture Mail to send a voice message with that photo to friends and family who weren't able to join you on your trip to the mountains, or the beach.

5. If you're traveling to a new destination, use your phone's wireless Internet capabilities to look up places to eat, entertainment spots, shopping destinations, or special events taking place in that town.

6. Use Caller ID to screen calls from your employer and clients, and send calls to voice mail when the situation is less than ideal - in noisy environments, social situations, or simply when you're not able to collect your thoughts quickly.

7. Avoid having to go home early in the event of a work emergency by bringing your laptop with a wireless modem for online access.

8. If you find a one-of-a-kind item for a relative while on your vacation, but want a second opinion before buying, use your camera phone to email mom a picture of the item in question before spending your last $50.

9. If it's a "parents only" vacation, use your wireless device to keep in touch and monitor the babysitter and the kids, without running up the bill from using the hotel room's phone. You'll also be able to relax and have more fun knowing that they can reach you if they need to.

10. If the kids start to get restless during travel time, keep them occupied by letting them play games, such as Pac Man or Q*bert, on your Internet capable wireless device.

11. Use the Internet capabilities on your wireless phone or handset during downtime (perhaps sitting by the pool, or while traveling to your destination) to check your email and avoid being swamped with hundreds of messages upon your return to the office.

12. And if you're taking a vacation to just get away from it all, make sure the voicemail on your wireless phone is informative-- letting clients and co-workers know you may not be accessible during the specified vacation time. It is also worthwhile to list an emergency contact number if you are inaccessible.

The bottom line is taking time off is an important way to relax from the stress of everyday life, however, few have the luxury to completely shut off the outside world. You can benefit by using the tips listed above, which will allow you to get away without disconnecting from friends, family and the office. Just think, ten years ago no one would have believed you were working, if you happened to be relaxing at the beach.

Brian McIntee is the Atlantic area vice president of consumer sales for the PCS Division of Sprint. He can be reached through Lisa Ihde at eihde01@sprintspectrum.com.

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