How to Mix Your Business Trip with Family Travel

Business travel can be boring. However, there’s something you can do to ease the monotony. And, that is by mixing business and pleasure. If the company allows it, then you can look forward to making your official trip more exciting. It also gives your loved ones the opportunity to relish their precious time with you.

Here’s one suggestion. Don’t let yourself be distracted by two separate responsibilities. The truth is devoting time for relaxation is not easy while you’re working. However, you can make everything less complicated by spending the majority of your time doing business and spending your free time with the kids and spouse. This could be the best way of combining family and business.

Suggestions for the Business Traveler

Try out these tips if you plan to take your family along.

• Assess the importance and predictability of your schedule. You can tell if it will turn out stressful or manageable. If you can cope with the hectic timetable and there is clearly a time for leisure, it would be possible to maximize the time and include your family in the itinerary. Otherwise, keep it as a business trip if you must work late at night or meet clients after working hours.
• Determine your energy level. Traveling and working can be strenuous. The idea of business travel with family may not end up beneficial if your day consists of meetings, presentations, and attending trade events. The best recourse would be to rest in your hotel room after an exhausting day.
• Set expectations with your next of kin. If your spouse can’t come along, it will be advisable to invite a sibling, relative, or parent to come along as guardian for the youngsters. Inform them about your timetable such as a three-day conference and spending the rest of the weekend with your family. Explain the details to ensure everything is alright while you attend to daily tasks.
• Scout for an ideal destination. Consider a kid-friendly place that offers various activities for your children. Make sure they won’t get bored while you are away. Nowadays, many hotels or resorts cater to corporate travelers who decide to bring their families along. Consider the comfort, security, and enjoyment of your toddlers and even teenagers.
• Identify family as well as work-friendly facilities. Bear in mind that you’re going on a family business trip, so preparations count a lot. Some of the hotel amenities that you should look for include Wi-Fi, fridge and microwave ovens for snacks and beverages, swimming pools, play area, concierge, and room service. A business center will come in handy if you must do extra work at night without disturbing the kids. Alternative accommodations would be an apartment, condo unit, or a small house which is more spacious, and families have the prerogative to prepare their meals. The only trade-off is the absence of housecleaning, concierge, or business center.
• Ponder on the convenience of your loved ones. Don’t force the issue. There’s nothing wrong in merging mixing business and pleasure. Nonetheless, it will be wise if your children and your spouse just stay at home if your schedule does not allow inserting family activities because of the hectic schedule as well as work requirements.

Make a Practical Decision

You have the choice to meet your dear ones towards the end of the business trip rather than let them tag along the entire ride. You can still have quality time together and unwind while focusing on the business that is the main reason why you really need to travel.