We constantly read about the work/life balance, but few of us are able to achieve it. We’re told that we have to provide a cut-off between our work and home life. This makes sense, but it’s not always possible. Increasingly, living a balanced life is about compromise. And the scales don’t have to tip towards work.How you can go on your business trip and family vacation, take your family with you and make it work for everyone.
One way to make a busy lifestyle work for you is to combine a business trip with a family vacation. There are many advantages to this. The main one being that you will save money on flights. Just ask your employer to fit the flight dates around your vacation. You can also take advantage of business class travel deals that are available to corporate customers. Your flight will be paid for, so essentially this part of your family vacation is free. You only have to pay for the flights for the rest of the family. You may need to travel separately, but this is workable.
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How To Combine Your Business Trip With A Family Vacation
Combining the two trips also helps with travel planning. Dates and times need to be scheduled, which makes it easier to organize your time.
Destinations
You will need to choose your destination carefully. Not all business venues will be suitable for family vacations. Make sure there is plenty for your family to do while you work.
If you’re used to staying in business hotels and business districts, find out what is available for families. Look for family-friendly eateries and amenities.
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Try To Keep The Trips Separate from family vacation
If possible, try to keep the trips separate. Arrange a time for your meetings to take place and then earmark the rest of your time as vacation time. If you can dispense with work first, you can wind down and enjoy the rest of your time off.
Make sure everyone is aware that you have to work and when. This will make it easier and avoid any conflicts.
Of course, there may be a little overlap between the two trips. Sometimes it can’t be avoided. Just embrace it. And remember that after your long meeting, you can meet up with your family and do something fun.
One advantage of combining the two holidays is that you have some leeway if a meeting is postponed or canceled. As you won’t be flying back home straight after, you have the option of rescheduling.
Consider Dual Locations for family vacation
It may be that your business location isn’t suitable for a family holiday. And hotels geared towards corporate clientele may not be the best environment for young children. Therefore, be prepared to travel a little. There may be a more family-friendly location nearby. One option is for your family to meet you part way through your trip when the business part is over.
Combining two trips takes a little more planning. You have to coordinate dates, hotels, and transfers. You also have to consider locations carefully.
It’s tough being away from your family. Business trips can seem like an adventure at first, but that subsides. It’s hard being away from the people you care about. Combining a family vacation with a business trip is a great way to get around this. And a good compromise in a busy world.
