6 Things to Consider Before Taking Your Family on a Business Trip

From the time the kids were very young, Mark and I have been self-employed work-from-home business owners. Working from home with babies has its own challenges, but what about when that work involves travel?

When Mark began taking trips for his business, he wanted our family to come along on every trip. Of course the thought of that alone often brought up panic for me. Didn’t he realize how stressful that was? Packing up everything you need for babies and being stuck in a hotel with only so much to do. What was he possibly thinking?

I have always loved that he was a hands-on-dad and didn’t want to miss a moment but in this day and age we have iPhones with Facetime. However, when the opportunity presented itself to go to New York City, one of my favorite places in the world, and where the kid’s grandpa lived at the time, I excitedly agreed. So off we went on our first business trip as a family, with little ones who were only 17 months old at the time.

There have been many more business trips with the family since then, and we have learned a lot over the years.

Here are some things to consider when taking the family on a business trip.

Cost
The first thing I always consider on any trip is cost. Will we be driving or flying? Is Mark going to have to adjust his accommodations to include us and how much is that going to cost?

When our school schedule permits it and Mark is driving to his destination, we always make an effort to go. It isn’t costing any extra for transportation. Also, in most instances he is going to be paying for lodging anyway and often the cost to upgrade to a family room is minimal.

Luggage
When the twins were babies luggage was the hardest part for me. I needed to pack car seats, a stroller, diaper bags, high chairs, baby food, snacks, and toys…the list goes on. When you are flying, each of those bags adds up cost-wise, even carry-ons often cost money these days.

On that very first trip to New York City, I had to consider what was truly important to take and what I could leave behind. There was no way I could take it all, but how could I ever go to New York without any of the items mentioned, especially for a week?

You really don’t have to pack everything but the kitchen sink. Many big cities like New York City have rental and delivery services. I was able to rent a stroller, high chairs, and car seats from a local baby rental company. I also used a delivery service to have enough food and baby supplies for the week be delivered to my location. All of this made traveling with 17-month-old twins so much easier.

Letting them Participate
Another thing to consider when taking your family on a business trip is whether it may be possible for them to participate in some part of the event. Is it kid-friendly? Is there something during the stay that they can feel included in? There have been many times the kids and I have popped in on a networking event or conference. It’s really fun to see dad in action.

Recently, I took my entire family with me to the Florida State PTA Leadership Conference. Most of the time they were off hanging out at the pool. They did, however, get to have an opportunity to attend the vendor expo where they left with a bag of goodies and experience their mom in action.

Focus
One thing that Mark struggles with when he takes the family on any of his business trips is focus. Although he may be attending a conference, the work often doesn’t end there. He often comes back to the room to continue his work, only to find two kids who are excited to share about their day and ready to play with dad.

So anytime we talk about taking the entire family on one of his business trips, we consider if it is going to impact his work negatively. Are we going to be a distraction? Is he going to be working from sun up to sundown?

Research what is nearby
We are always looking for new adventures. Prior to going on any business trip with kids, I always research what is nearby. The last thing I want to do is be trapped in a hotel room with two kids all day while Mark is working.

We have discovered children’s museums, parks, indoor playgrounds, aquariums and more on our adventures. Not only are we having fun getting out and about in a new town, but we are also able to turn it into an educational experience.

Extend your trip an extra few days
You probably have heard the saying “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” By extending your trip an extra few days you can be sure to have some family fun.

This was a big one for us with Mark’s business trip to Phoenix. He was going to be so close to the Grand Canyon and summer vacation had just begun. I mean, we couldn’t miss the opportunity to see the Grand Canyon! By planning on staying an extra few days we got to do something that is a bucket list item for a lot of people, us included. Plus, we created some amazing memories as a family.

Have you ever traveled for business with your family? If so what was your experience? Would you do it again? Share below.