Does Your Company Allow Family On Business Trips?

Before diving into the plans, it’s essential to get the details on your company’s policies surrounding corporate trips and additional guests.

Employer Responsibility

Since “bleisure” (business + leisure) travel is becoming more common in the workplace, HR managers are increasing including these scenarios in the company’s travel policy.

Check your company’s policy to find out:

• What travel expenses and discount travel will they cover and for whom
• How beginning and end dates of the work trip are clearly defined when a trip is extended
• To what extent and to whom will they extend their duty of care
• Any potential risks that are present at your travel destination

 Family Members

Trip companions should understand that you are primarily traveling for business purposes.

The trip’s main objective is to complete all business tasks. A family’s presence cannot get in the way of the work you were sent to accomplish.

It’s best to let your companion know when you will and won’t be available to spend time with them. Finding that happy balance between personal and professional commitments can be challenging, but establishing boundaries in advance is helpful.

 Paid Companion

In some cases, bringing a paid companion on your trip may make sense. For example, if you’re traveling with children, you might bring a nanny along to help you manage childcare when you’re working. Disabled travelers may also bring a health aid along for support.

Share a printed itinerary with this paid companion to refer to when making plans for the trip. Then they can make their schedule and fit in all their duties accordingly.

Traveling With Your Kids

While bringing another adult along can require slight adjustments, getting your children is another ballgame.

There are many more preparations to make to pull this off.

Hotel Accommodations

Will your spouse be there to care for the child?

If not, you’ll have to find a hotel that has daycare in-house or nearby, or as we mentioned earlier, look into hiring a travel nanny.

Here’s what to consider if you’re looking into childcare at your destination:

• What age are ranges covered?
• What is the child/adult ratio?
• What kind of activities do they offer?
• What are the hours of operation?

Even if your spouse is coming to help, you should book a family-friendly hotel.

For most of these, baby gear is available at no charge, so you won’t need to pack things like a playpen, high chair, or crib. Some hotels do a fantastic job of providing extra amenities for young children.

When you check-in, don’t forget to childproof the room.

Ask your employer to book a hotel near where you will be conducting most of your business. You want easy access to your child in the event of an emergency.

Transportation

If you’re booking a car for your transportation and have a young child, make sure to bring your car seat along or find a car rental company that can provide the safety gear you’ll need.

Entertainment

If your child is coming alone with you, you’ll need to pick some activities to help keep them entertained on the trip there and while they wait for you to return to the hotel. 

Conclusion

When bringing your family on a business trip, the key elements are hotel accommodations, transportation, entertainment, and keeping good expense records.