How many of you do Tri / Race-cations?

I'm a runner who occasionally dabbles in the tri-world, because my son likes triathlon. After a few years and a few sprints I noticed that Puerto Rico 70.3 falls on spring break next year and plane tickets are reasonable... this leads me to a few questions:

1. Do you prefer to arrive early and vacation with the race near the end of the vacation? or do you prefer to race while freshest and then continue vacationing ? Have you ever been too wrecked post-race to sight-see. 2. How in the world do you get your bike to a destination race? 3. Any advice for ramping up from running 60mpw to a reasonable 70.3 fitness level that will allow me to not just finish but race? In running we have things like the 10% rule (which isn't actually that useful) to be sure we don't do too much too soon... should I just follow those rules or can I bend the rules a bit since swimming and cycling are non-impact sports? 4. I'd really like to maintain my current running volume but obviously cycling is the most important part of a triathlon... How many hours in the saddle do I need at to have a solid base before a 12 week sharpening phase? 5. Heat training... and open water swimming are gonna be tough in the winter. Any suggestions? 6. is it time for me to buy a tri-bike? or can I continue to rock the road bike w/ clip on aero bars?