Travel Versus Parenting

You can do both. As I was traveling more frequently than usual- my infamous "Intensity in Ten Cities" era- it was noted how I would not have been able to afford that with a family.

Invest in yourself. Ideas in transit seem more urgent than ideas at home. My sister had a business trip after her vacation. It was nice spending a week with her family in an area she enjoys.

When last we spoke, she was at the airport. She was flying to Palm Springs. I have visited this city and expectations were exceeded. She noticed how far away it is. Not everyone can tolerate layovers and long distance flights.

She was already budgeting how much time she would have on Sunday night when she returned. Could she eat dinner with the children? I used to visit the house when she had business trips. Her son was incredibly sad saying "I miss Mommy."

I tried explaining she would be home the next night at an age when he did not understand time. He wanted to see her "Right now." All I could do was change the subject. It took many years to meet someone who understands the grandeur and the glory of my sister.

Sometimes he refers to her by her first name. If he wants to Rejoice in Her Name; who am I to stop him? Travel is a diversion for me. It is something enriching, even with flight delays and varied hassles. To others, especially while traveling for business, it's a pain. That is why Trent has not visited No Longer Virtual.

Not only does Sarah pick the coldest areas to meet (it probably isn't as cold as Montana in February) the allure of taking vacation to attend a conference is lost on a man who has to attend conferences through his job. It's like being a baker and having someone offer you wedding cake.

Travel is different when it is for work. To a parent, that is time away from your spouse and children. Many who are neither married nor have children travel all the time. That's one use for disposable income.

A connection visited New York at Christmas. As if that wasn't impressive enough, he stayed at the St. Regis. I recently visited New York City at a more reasonably priced hotel (if such a beast exists in Manhattan) and enjoyed one of the great cities of the world. That flight was brief.

I don't mind long flights. They are good places to write. I am recognized for writing on airplanes far more frequently than anyone notices or cares that I write on LinkedIn. It is a good way to remain engaged for five hours. Find a productive use of your time.

Everyone has different preferences. Travel brings out my best. If I had to traipse across the country for work it would grow tiresome. As for my "Intensity in Ten Cities" I visited Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago, Miami, Nashville, Atlanta, San Francisco, New York, Phoenix and Seattle- many for the first time. There is a world out there. Sometimes your family is a universe unto itself. Find what you enjoy and proceed accordingly.