The Rise of Family-Friendly Business Travel
More than half of business travelers have had loved ones join their work trips, according to a survey of 4,000 adults across the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, and Spain. This trend is even more pronounced among C-suite executives, with 73% reporting that family members or friends have accompanied them on business trips.
For many professionals, this practice offers a way to balance personal and professional life. Natasha Colkmire, an American who returned to work after having her first child, found it difficult to leave her newborn son with a nanny for a business trip. Instead, she brought along a family member who helped care for her son during the journey. “They would meet up with me when my son needed to be nursed,” she said. “We also had the evenings together.” This experience was so positive that Colkmire continued taking trips with non-colleague companions, including her grandmother, a friend, and her mother.
Benefits of Blending Business and Personal Travel
The practice of combining business travel with personal time, known as “bleisure,” has become increasingly popular. According to Jean-Christophe Taunay-Bucalo, president and COO of TravelPerk, traveling for work can often feel isolating. “Work trips can be an opportunity to experience something new, and by taking a loved one along, you remain connected,” he said. For many, this approach allows them to maintain family relationships without sacrificing professional responsibilities.
Cost savings are another significant factor. Colkmire recalled a trip to Vienna where her expenses were cut in half, allowing her and her husband to explore a new destination without financial strain. Similarly, Bridgette Borst Ombres, a public relations consultant, used a tech conference in Orlando, Florida, as a chance to bring her family along. “The conference lasted two days, so while I was working, my husband took our daughter to visit his dad, and we’d meet up for dinner in the evenings,” she said. After the event, the family extended their stay at Walt Disney World.
Navigating Company Policies
While bringing loved ones on business trips is common, it is not always officially encouraged. Frank Harrison, regional security director for the Americas at World Travel Protection, noted that many employees choose not to disclose their plans to their companies. “Part of it was worrying it might come across as unprofessional,” Ombres said. However, some executives, like Deepak Shukla, CEO of Pearl Lemon, openly embrace the practice. He turns three-day work trips into week-long adventures with his wife in cities such as New York City, Lisbon, Dubai, and Tokyo.
Despite this, many large corporations still view family travel as a “policy grey zone.” Concerns include expense claims, insurance coverage, and the potential blurring of work and leisure days. As a result, some companies quietly allow the practice but require employees to keep receipts and clearly separate personal and work activities.
Balancing Work and Personal Time
Business leaders often emphasize the importance of maintaining professional focus while enjoying personal time. Ombres believes that allowing family members to join business trips can boost employee morale and loyalty. “As long as it doesn’t interfere with the work,” she said. She sets clear expectations for completing tasks on trips, ensuring that personal time does not disrupt professional obligations.
Gabe Richman, CEO of Omic, agrees with this approach. He encourages employees to combine work trips with family vacations in cities such as San Diego and Frankfurt. “As long as business objectives are met first,” he said. Employees should ensure that personal and work expenses are clearly separated and that companies incur no additional costs. Transparency about travel plans is also crucial.
Making the Most of Every Trip
Ultimately, the goal is to make the most of every trip—both for business and pleasure. “Business takes me to places we’d never vacation to otherwise,” Richman said. “Why waste the opportunity?” By blending professional and personal travel, employees can enjoy new experiences while maintaining productivity and connection with their loved ones.
