Business travel tips often focus on how to make the actual traveler’s trip easier. But what about the family that is left behind? Often times depending on the age of the kids, it can be just as stressful for them and your spouse. While you are planning out your next trip, take some time to plan out how you are going to spend quality time with your family both before and after the trip.
One thing to plan is something to do when you return so everyone can look forward to that activity and not on the absence. Plan for a trip to the zoo or some other age appropriate activity for your children.
Also it is a good idea to not let your suitcase sit near the front door. This way children do not associate that with you leaving. Seeing a suitcase near the door can trigger negative moods in children, so leave it in your bedroom until just before leaving.
This also goes for when you come back from a trip. Put your suitcase away right away and try to get back into your regular family routine as quickly as possible.
Help your spouse do any chores before you leave, like grocery shopping or laundry. Being a single parent for a couple of days can be challenging, especially when you are not used to going it alone.
Play with your kids before you leave as well. Before trips we are usually just focused on preparing for the trip itself and not on preparing the family.
Call often while you are gone. When on the road don’t forget to check in even more often then when you are in town. This helps maintain a constant reassurance that things are okay.
Today with advanced electronics you could even send videos and pictures of yourself to your family. In today’s world there is no reason you cannot stay in touch on a regular basis.
Often frequent flyer families tend to fall into a rut about travel and it may appear that all in the family accept the situation as is. But talk to your spouse and kids every once in a while to see how they are handling your absences and to see if there is anything that you could do to make it easier on them.
In some cases you might be able to even bring the family with you on your trips. If you have a late week trip you could stay and turn it into a long weekend with our family. This is a great way to break up the routine for them and you as well.
You won’t be able to do this very often, but see if you can do it every once in a while. It will take much more planning on your part, but in the end it is worth it.
Families are often the forgotten factor when talking about business travel tips. There is a whole industry focused on the traveler but not on the family. If you are a frequent flyer, take some time to focus on your family.
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