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

[Anonymous]

I would do it if my husband was travelling solo (without coworkers). And the point about him being well rested and able to prepare for meetings is up to him. I pack alot into my trips and end up working at the hotel at night (based on what I learned during the day/need to catch up on).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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?

We have a few times. Unless he extends we only see him in weekend of trip. It’s important to understand the reality of solo parenting from a hotel when otter parent is semi there too. Mine only had occasional work dinners and didn’t bring work back to hotel after hours, but did work extra long days. If you can get a suite that helps.

[Anonymous]

Depends on the culture. My employer would frown on it, but DH is military and we've accompanied him on quite a few TDY's.

[Anonymous]

It's fine for family to tag along if they can keep themselves busy and not get in the way. When I used to travel for work there was often the expectation of getting dinner/drinks with colleagues or clients after the "official" events of the day were over. This was technically optional, but... not really, and people skipping out on it to have dinner with their families was frowned upon.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's fine for family to tag along if they can keep themselves busy and not get in the way. When I used to travel for work there was often the expectation of getting dinner/drinks with colleagues or clients after the "official" events of the day were over. This was technically optional, but... not really, and people skipping out on it to have dinner with their families was frowned upon.

+1. My DH is in B2B sales so his evenings when traveling for business are usually very busy with client dinners, drinks, events, etc. The few times I have gone with him to a business trip I had plans all day and also made my own dinner or show plans with other friends who were in that city, for example.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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.

This and I also took our kids on some, same age as yours. Just don’t expect to mingle at all with kids. Sometimes there were dinners and events that I was invited to attend too, but never expect it. This was 15 yrs ago though.

[Anonymous]

Some of my best memories as a child was getting to travel alongside my Dad sometimes. Once he was based in Saudi Arabia for 3 months and we got to go to school there for 2 months. It was amazing! I learned a lot traveling the world with him and also am not afraid to take my family to vacation internationally.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

+2 to both of these.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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?

No. We traveled everywhere with our dad.

[Anonymous]

My works trips involve hanging out early until late, rinse repeat. You honestly sound insanely inconsiderate to even consider bringing kids that young on a work trip. So your husband is “on” all day and then can’t even relax in a quiet hotel room??