Is it frowned upon to have family tag along on a business trip?

[Anonymous]

Dh accepted a new job that will include 30% travel.

His routine destinations will be London, Paris, Stockholm, Austin, and San Diego. We have a 4yo and 2yo and my job is super flexible. Is it frowned upon if the kids and I tag along to the same destination and do our own thing a couple times per year? Do people do this?

[Anonymous]

I envy you and your kids. Have fun!

[Anonymous]

Yes.

[Anonymous]

People do it but expect him to need to work in the evening as well.

[Anonymous]

Make yourself scarce during work hours. After work have at it...

[Anonymous]

It depends on the company and the type of trip. I've done this and have friends that have done this when it's a cool destination. The key is to remember that he may have a packed schedule and you'll be in your own with the kids alot. If you're ok with that it can definitely work.

[Anonymous]

I took my nanny and kid(s) on business trips. It was fine, but I only did this after seeing other employees doing it and checking with them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It depends on the company and the type of trip. I've done this and have friends that have done this when it's a cool destination. The key is to remember that he may have a packed schedule and you'll be in your own with the kids alot. If you're ok with that it can definitely work.

+1. As long as you aren't getting in the way of his work - which may include early breakfasts and/or late dinners - go and have a great time! Also just be aware that you may have to occasionally pay for additional guests in the room, especially in places where breakfast/meals are included.

[Anonymous]

I did this for a few years and it was great while it lasted. I'm an independent sort and nobody ever saw me. I didn't want to mingle.

[Anonymous]

Are you going to also work while you look after a two and a four-year-old?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It depends on the company and the type of trip. I've done this and have friends that have done this when it's a cool destination. The key is to remember that he may have a packed schedule and you'll be in your own with the kids alot. If you're ok with that it can definitely work.

+1

DH and I have considered it when I have conferences in cool locations, but haven’t yet, because he’d be on his own with the kids all day and that ends up not being fun for anyone. He’s worn out from solo parenting and I’m worn out from presentations, networking, etc., so I don’t want to take over at the end of the day. So, be clear on those expectations for your DH when he’s not technically on the clock.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are you going to also work while you look after a two and a four-year-old?

Yes, I run my own business that I can get by just keeping up on emails for a week with advance planning

[Anonymous]

My colleague does this and then uses his family as an excuse to avoid things like client dinners which are expected activities for many of the business trips we have to take. Bringing the family along isn't a problem at my company as long as the work and related events are still getting done.

[Anonymous]

I always wonder why this appeals to people. You still have to buy all those plane tickets and pay for all your meals and activities. You're only getting a deal buy not paying for the hotel. I know that can be significant but it comes with the cost that the working parents is tied up and pulled between work and family the whole time. If I have an important meeting the last thing I want is to be sharing a hotel room with my kids the night before.

[Anonymous]

I never do that. Some coworkers do it, but I prefer to keep business and personal separate. This means that I've stayed at some really nice places that are out of our budget and darling husband did not get to experience them with me. But for me, I don't even really enjoy the trips because they are work related and stressful, and I think I would be even more stressed if he was there.