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You might expect business travel to be something dedicated parents dread. After all, isn't leaving our little bundles of joy behind supposed to be one of the hardest things to do? Maybe not. A recent study conducted by Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott showed that people who travel frequently for business not only tend to enjoy their work trips, but also see benefits at home. How does leaving home help you and your family?
1. Business travel can boost your career
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The most obvious reason to put the power suit in the carry-on luggage is to further your career. Whether you're traveling to conferences or meeting with clients, putting in face time will give you a leg up in any industry. You might also find you get more done between airport lounges and quiet hotel rooms than you do at home; more than half of the respondents in the Fairfield study reported working twice as much on the road. As a writer, I appreciate the opportunity to get engrossed in a project for hours at a time without having to feel guilty about leaving my kids to entertain themselves.
2. Business travel can improve your relationship with family and friends.
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It seems absence really does make the heart grow fonder. According to the study, more than 85% of frequent business travelers value time with family and friends more because of the days and nights spent away. Speaking of nights away, 59% of the participants said coming home from a trip was like a honeymoon with their spouse. Business travel might result in fewer hours spent watching TV together at night, but it could also result in more quality time spent connecting with your loved ones when you're home. Also, a busy schedule makes you more likely to actually plan for time with your spouse, kids, and friends, instead of just assuming you'll end up hanging out at some point.
And that missing each other thing? Goes both ways. I can't deny that it's nice to have my kids notice and be excited when I walk into a room after a trip.
3. Business travel boosts self confidence.
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Travel for any reason presents ample opportunity for problem solving, exploring, and planning - all mental activities that lead to a sense of achievment. Of the more than 1,000 frequent business travelers surveyed, 76% reported feeling more prepared in life because of travel. I definitely experience a surge in confidence when I've successfully navigated a new subway system or city grid with nothing but my wits and my iPhone. I get a little thrill when I figure out ways to overcome flight delays, overbooking, and unexpected traffic jams. The confidence I gain on the road makes me a better parent, wife, and friend at home.
4. Business travel helps you take better care of yourself.
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As much as business travel makes parents value time with family and friends, 83% of the Marriot respondents also said that it made them value their personal time more. Even the busiest of business trips are likely to have a few room for a few hours of alone time, which means complete freedom to decide what to do with yourself. Will you take advantage of the chance to hunt down an Indian restaurant because your kids hate spicy food? Will you stay up late reading because there's no one to be disturbed by your bedside light? Will you indulge in some trashy reality TV because there are no impressionable eyes and minds around? Alone time is a staple of proper self care, and business travel provides plenty of it.
5. Business travel can make you happier.
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A study on business travel conducted by a hotel chain is far from unbiased, but there's little doubt that improved relationships, more self confidence, and quality alone time can lead to being happier. So can visiting new places, trying new foods, getting a change of scenery from your office, and meeting new people. Although you are likely to miss your family, 88% of frequent business travelers also said they felt positive emotions during their trip. Business travel is a chance to expand your horizons, step outside your comfort zone, and grow - all while helping you appreciate what you already have. There is no better recipe for happiness than that.
Do you think business travel can be good for parents?
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Source: http://parentables.howstuffworks.com/family-travel/5-reasons-business-travel-good-parents.html
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