Tagging along with your significant other on business travel is different than travelling together on vacation. It’s a semi-independent travel experience that requires flexibility and a good dose of understanding. Even after a decade of accompanying Steve on various corporate gigs, I still have to remind myself at times that these two ingredients are key to a positive experience.

Challenge: Long, intense days

For Steve, a workday during business travel is often longer than one at home. It’s also more intense. In his previous job, he was either delivering training to a group or coaching an IT department. In his present position he’s meeting with colleagues and networking at conferences. He’s “on” all day with little, if any, down time.

At the same time, I’m working remotely from our hotel room or short-term rental. There’s usually a time difference between where I am and my clients at home, so my day may finish earlier than usual. Other than email and the occasional Skype call, I haven’t really interacted with anyone all day. When my work’s done, I’m ready to engage with people and my environment.

This often means I’m eager to go out and spend time with Steve in the evening, whereas he may still need to respond to emails he missed during the day and is fatigued from all the interaction. He also may have to continue work into the evening.

Strategy: Adjust expectations, explore independently

Travelling together on a business trip may feel a bit like being on vacation, but it’s not. What you’re really doing is living your regular work lives elsewhere or you’re taking time off to travel with your significant other while he/she is working. Either way, you need to adjust what you’d expect if you were travelling together on vacation.

Although I generally prefer to enjoy a new or favourite location with Steve, I’ve come to appreciate the solo experience and it’s made me a more independent traveller. If I’m heading out to explore on my own, I’ll try to do things that are of specific interest to me. Exploring together often means some degree of compromise whether it involves where to eat or what to do. When you’re on your own you can do what you want.

Challenge: Business dinners and small talk

There are often occasions when I accompany Steve to dinner with colleagues or more formal corporate affairs. This means listening to a lot of industry-related conversations and making small talk. Not easy for a more introverted person.

Strategy: Enjoy the food, embrace the different perspective

As people who have experienced me when I get hangry know, I am a stomach-driven person. As long as food is involved, I’m usually entertained, but I realize that is not the case for everyone. Business dinners and all that go along with them are just part of the deal. Yes, it does sometimes feel like you’re just a prop for your partner or at worst, completely invisible, but realize that in these situations your job as a supportive partner is to smile, chat and project a positive attitude. Being dour and not making any effort to engage will make you miserable and create a negative impression.

I’ve done some public relations work in the IT sector so I know a little bit about the industry and this helps. But there are times when I don’t have a clue about the subject matter. What I do appreciate about these occasions is seeing Steve in his element. It gives me a view into his work world and how he moves through it. I find it attractive to see a different side of him. I’ve also met and enjoyed the company of many people he regards highly and whom I would never have met unless I tagged along.

Do you have any specific tips for making tag along travel great?

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