Being away from home on a business trip can be challenging for parents, but shifting attitudes toward work-life balance mean bringing family members — including pets — on work travel is becoming increasingly common.
A Perk survey of 4,000 employees across the United States, United Kingdom, Germany and Spain found that more than half of business travelers have taken family members on work trips. Many employers now view this as a low-cost perk that helps retain staff. According to a Global Business Travel Association study, 90% of corporate travel managers reported employee interest in combining business with leisure. Market Research forecasts global spending on blended business and leisure travel, or “bleisure,” could reach $731 billion by 2032.
With thoughtful planning and clear communication, you can successfully combine family time with professional obligations. The following best practices will help your next work trip run smoothly while keeping family needs in mind.
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COST SAVINGS AND FAMILY TIME
Bringing loved ones on a work trip can create memorable family moments and be economical. If your employer covers flight and hotel for business travel, companions who share your accommodation can enjoy an affordable mini-vacation. If you plan to extend your stay for leisure, expect to cover additional hotel nights and personal expenses.
Before booking, consider the nature of your trip. A flexible itinerary with downtime is far more suitable for family travel than a schedule filled with meetings, team-building sessions and evening networking events. Evaluate whether the destination offers activities your family will enjoy while you work — hotel amenities like pools, spas and golf courses or local attractions and organized family programs at conferences can make the arrangement practical and fun. For example, if the conference is in a destination like Orlando, family members might visit theme parks and relax by the pool until you can join them for dinner.
CHECK COMPANY POLICIES
Transparency is important. Check your company’s travel policy early to understand whether family members are permitted on business trips and which expenses, if any, the employer will cover. As bleisure travel becomes more common, many organizations have established guidelines and approval processes. Speak with your manager or HR about procedures for expense reporting, possible group discounts for extended stays and any required waivers or insurance considerations for off-site activities.
Be proactive when discussing your plans. Explain how you’ll remain productive—such as childcare arrangements, transportation logistics or dedicated work hours—and ask about guest access to corporate events like opening or closing galas and offsite activities. Demonstrating that you have a clear plan increases the likelihood of approval.
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CHOOSE THE RIGHT LODGING
When possible, select family-friendly accommodation near your work events and close to restaurants and attractions your companions will enjoy. Hotels offering complimentary breakfast, kitchenettes, family suites or adjoining rooms are particularly practical for those traveling with children. Properties with pools, play areas, kids’ clubs or babysitting services can make the stay easier for parents, and many hotels supply baby gear like cribs and high chairs on request. Bring essential items such as a foldable stroller to ensure your children are comfortable.
TRANSPORTATION AND ENTERTAINMENT
Plan transportation for the whole family, including round-trip airport transfers, additional plane tickets and rental cars. If you need a car seat for a child, request one in advance. In many cities, passes such as CityPASS provide bundled admission to multiple attractions, saving money and reducing wait times for families visiting popular sites and museums.
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PET-FRIENDLY PLANNING
Traveling with a pet is possible with the right preparation. Small dogs can often travel in-car on road trips and in carriers on trains and many airlines. Ask hotels or rental property owners in advance whether they accept pets and what fees or restrictions apply. Confirm nearby walking areas or pet-friendly parks, and plan for any additional cleaning fees or deposits.
MANAGE YOUR EXPENSES
Since companion expenses are generally not covered by business travel budgets, keep personal and professional costs separate. Whenever possible, use the same flight and hotel bookings as coworkers but request separate invoices for family-related charges, meals and activities. Keep all receipts and maintain a clear, organized expense report that aligns with your company’s policies.
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PROTECT WORK BOUNDARIES
Set expectations with your family before you travel so they understand you will be working and may not be available for all activities. Arrange a separate workspace if possible — many hotels provide business centers, conference rooms or club floors where you can take calls and attend meetings without interruption. Establishing clear boundaries helps you stay professional while also enjoying quality time together when your schedule allows.
Business travel can take your family to destinations they might not otherwise visit. With advance planning, transparent communication and a little flexibility, you can balance work responsibilities and family experiences to create lasting memories together.