Business Travel for Working Moms
How Moms Can Cope During Corporate Travel Trips
It starts with a goodbye. Saying goodbye to the children – especially young ones – is difficult for any working mother, but having to say goodbye before leaving on a trip is especially hard. If the children aren't old enough, they might not understand why Mom has to leave or that she is even coming back. In addition, if they are too young, they might not even notice that Mom is gone – which can also be tough for a mom to handle.
There are some ways to cope with business travel as a working mom – and even enjoy the time away.
Plan Ahead for Business Travel and Keep the Trip Short
If it is possible, try to tailor the trip so that it doesn't last for longer than absolutely necessary. Take a later flight or even an overnight flight to avoid any extra time away from the family. When leaving for the airport, try to keep the goodbyes short. A long, drawn out departure might make matters worse. Keep it short and sweet, and then try to quickly transition into "business mode."
New moms who are breast feeding must take extra considerations.,A breast pump will probably be necessary for absences away from baby; look for a good, portable pump to take along on the trip, and use it. Some nursing pads might also be necessary to avoid any embarrassing leaks.
Stay Connected to Family While Traveling
Stay in touch with family by checking in as often as possible. This can be done by using a cell phone to check on everyone, or, if traveling with a laptop or other mobile device, a service like Skype can be used to have a video phone call. In addition, cell phones with a camera feature can be used to send photos of the destination to the kids. Ask their care taker to send photos of them as well.
Keep Busy on the Road
Staying active and engaged in activities can help keep a traveling mom focused and spending less time worrying about what might be going on at home. During free time, take a walk, a hot bath, a yoga class – anything that might be enjoyable.
This would also be a good time to think about souvenirs to bring back to family. Stop into local shops and browse local specialties -- such as peach jam from Georgia or pieces of sea glass from the coast -- to give to the kids to let them know that Mom was thinking of them.
Take Some "Me" Time During Corporate Travel
Think about the activities or hobbies that might not be possible to do at home. Want to knit but the two-year-old keeps tangling the yarn? Start a new project or explore a local yarn shop. Enjoy yoga but can't ever get to class on time? Talk to the concierge or front desk to locate a drop in class. Use any free time during your trip to engage in a hobby or other fun activity and take time to recharge. Who knows when another chance might be possible!
Business trips are an inevitable part of being a professional. However, they don't have to be a drag. Try these tips to enjoy the time away and remember – it'll be over before you know it.
Corporate Business Travel Solutions
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