How We Stay Connected While Traveling

How We Stay Connected While Traveling

I am just off of a plane overnight from Tokyo and the first thing I see is a text from my amazing wife. I really am lucky.

Today, everyone leads busy lives that crisscross your personal commitments, work commitments and the responsibilities of being parents, brothers, sisters, spouses not to mention whatever title you wear at work from 9-5.  Our lives are no different. But what does complicate our fragile & busy schedule is business travel.

Each year, my wife and I spend time away on business travel traveling the globe to different countries around the world. There are many times when we are traveling for a week or more at a time.  We also understand the importance of staying connected. It is something we both choose to prioritize together ❤. While traveling we always find ways to make each other a priority while managing planes, trains and automobiles. Here is how we stay connected while traveling.

Set Boundaries. Manage Expectations

First off, we have ground rules when one of us is traveling. Honestly, we have an amazing partnership, split household responsibilities and it’s a wonderful balance.  When one of us is traveling, we have simple ground rules we live by. That includes the reality that the other person is thousands of miles away and cannot help you with the daily changes of running a household. Figure it out and be an adult. You were one before you were married you are still one now.  Also, we have a ‘no guilt’ rule. While we always miss being close and near each other, we also know that our careers are important to each other and make us who we are. Let them focus on what they need to focus on and let them be them. Don’t layer on additional stress or guilt for being away. Travel is stressful enough.

Remember the person leaving can find it easier to deal with the separation due to business, stimulated by work or new surroundings and daily challenges of getting around. However remember, that your other half remains in the same place, same routine and usually additional responsibilities left behind by whichever one of us is traveling.  While it may be a new exciting restaurant or sleeping in a fantastic hotel in the city, but remember it is still work and there is plenty of lonely time away.

Spend Time Before You Leave. Be Present

Consider getting a head start before you leave.  More often than not, we will spend extra quality time together before one of us leaves for business travel. That may be a late afternoon cup of coffee, evening dinner or even sitting on the couch together watch a movie and sharing a few laughs.  The same goes for our family. It is important you pay extra attention to the family before you head out on your next business trip.

You can find ways to spend quality time together having fun, instead of email, packing the suitcase and last minute arrangements. Rather, when you are home and settled be present.

Create Time. Communicate Every Day.

We both value the importance of communication. Each day we find time to communicate regularly and that doesn’t change when we apart. It does take different shapes and forms such as text, calls, Face Time or Skype. It is something we are intentional about planning for.

In our calendars today, we literally schedule a meeting to connect. That keeps it focused, committed and allows us both to make sure we are making time for what is important. That time is sacred and I protect it at all costs. I will step out of an evening commitment early if we have time scheduled.  It may not be every night but every few days we catch up for at least 15-30 minutes. Even sharing the small details of our day is a great way to stay connected while traveling.

Do make sure you have the right cell phone & data plan for when you are away. Also, check to ensure you will have coverage in the areas you will be and/or plan around potential locations that coverage may be an issue.

Use Technology In Different Ways.  Create & Share

It is said that the internet is one of the great ‘flattners’ in the world. It is true, as technology has brought us closer together than ever before. Technology is core to how we stay connected while traveling.  When we are traveling it is something that has helped to connect in new & exciting ways. We have found ways to find creative ways to connect and share experiences together. That is far broader than just a text, emoji or a phone call.  Some of our favorite things to do is to share articles that create great discussions. We also share photos back and forth (e.g. perhaps sharing a morning coffee together). At times we will even play games or plan our next vacation together.

Focus On Your Love Languages

We both value the book ‘The 5 Love Languages’ and it is something that have integrated into our normal vocabulary. Understanding what is important to your spouse or significant other is imperative and even more so when you are apart.  It allows you to spend time on the areas or ‘love languages’ that your spouse or significant other values the most.

As an example, if you value ‘words of affirmation’, you may find ways to leave a small note before you leave. You may consider complimenting how & why you appreciate them. If you value ‘quality time’ it may be finding focused and committed time together to talk and connect on interesting topics that generate a lively debate or discussion. If you value ‘physical touch’, you may find ways to use Face Time or video to be as connected as possible even though you are several thousand miles away. (PG rated of course, LOL)  Finally, if you value ‘acts of service’ or ‘gifts’ it may be about doing a chore at home or even a small gift of appreciation when you return.  It’s not about doing everything while you are away. It is about understanding what is important and spending time on things that your spouse or significant other values the most.

Remember that life is a game never won or lost, only played.