Planning your first business trip away from your toddler? These tips will make the experience less stressful for your family.

For many people, traveling for work is a perk of the job, letting you explore the world while taking a break from the office. But for those with young children, it can feel like more of a downside. Business trips can mess up your family’s daily routine, and they might also prompt separation anxiety in your little ones (or yourself).

Gearing up for your first business trip away from your toddler? These tips will help make the experience less stressful for your family, whether you’re gone for a weekend or a month.

Decide When to Tell Your Kids

When should you share the news of your upcoming trip? The timing depends on your child’s age and temperament. Toddlers and preschoolers don’t understand the concept of time, and some elementary-age kids may still have trouble differentiating five days from one week, so it’s best to give them only a couple of days’ notice, says Stephanie Mihalas, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist and founder of The Center for Well-Being in Los Angeles.

Young children tend to get overly anxious about parents leaving, so shorter time frames reduce the length of worrying, she explains. Older kids and tweens are more independent, so you can let them know at least three to four days ahead of time.

Share Details About the Business Trip

Tell your child when you’re leaving, where you’re going, what you’ll be doing, how they can contact you, and when you’ll return. Young kids may not understand what Monday or August 20th means, so mark your departure and return dates on a colorful calendar. Tell them to cross out one day each morning when they wake up, and you’ll be home on the day with the star.

Help them understand where you’re visiting by showing photos, pointing out the location on a map, or researching it on the Internet or in a book. Let them know who will be taking care of them while you’re away, and whether they’ll stay home or go elsewhere, like Grandma’s house.

Stick to Daily Routines

On the homefront, keep things as close to normal as possible. Having a parent away on business is already difficult, so it’s best not to make any additional changes that will disrupt kids’ lives, says Rochelle Harris, Ph.D., a pediatric clinical psychologist at Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics in Kansas City. If your child is staying with a babysitter or family member, leave detailed instructions on bedtimes, feeding, schedules, and any other necessary information to keep things consistent.

Leave Reminders for Your Child

Giving a child something that belongs to the absent parent, such as a T-shirt or a photo, will keep their presence in the home and might reduce separation anxiety, says Dr. Harris. Leaving surprise notes will also help: Put them in easy-to-find places, like a toy chest, lunch bag, backpack, or a favorite shoe. And because bedtime can be especially stressful, Dr. Harris suggests recording yourself reading a book so the child can play the video during storytime.

Avoid Tough Goodbyes

Sneaking away, prolonging the departure, acting anxious, or displaying guilt can make “goodbye” even more challenging, says Dr. Mihalas. To make parting easier, she recommends giving your child a hug and kiss and saying, “I love you. I can’t wait to see you when I come back, but I know you’re going to have a good time.” Then leave.

Check In During the Business Trip

On your first business trip away from your toddler, touch base with them (and their caretaker) every day. Daily chats allow kids to hear your voice and gives everyone time for updates. Your family could also bond by playing games or watching TV shows online.

That said, you should avoid incessant calling, which could make the separation harder for kids and frustrate your partner. Also, if your kids can contact you anytime, you’ll likely receive calls for every little thing.

Spend Time Together When You Return

After a long week of meetings, you probably can’t wait to get home and relax. But “when kids haven’t seen you for a while, they want to share everything that’s happened, see what souvenirs you bought, and hear about your trip,” says Dr. Mihalas.

Dr. Mihalas recommends spending at least 15 to 20 minutes with kids when you arrive home, giving hugs and kisses and catching up. Then you can have some downtime by saying you need to shower, unpack, or go for a walk after being on an airplane for so long.

By spending time with your child first and making the transition a natural one, your kid won’t take your desire for space personally. Moreover, making your return as positive as your departure means they’ll be less anxious next time you travel.

A flexible mindset — and proper preparation — can help parents and children make the most of a food-focused trip.

If, like me, you’re a parent who enjoys a fancy dinner out while traveling, you have no doubt faced this dilemma: either leave the kids in a hotel with a babysitter you’ve only just met, or schlep them along. I’m here to advocate for the schlep. And that’s despite the fact that my two children aren’t the best companions at a pricey multicourse meal.

My wife and I choose to live on this edge because, sometimes, we can’t miss a certain restaurant. Sure, the artistry behind a perfectly plated dish may be lost on our little ones, but my five-year-old still talks about a “gelato cake with a cherry” from one of the many Roman trattorias we dined in last year. I’ll admit I have no recollection of that particular dessert, but I’m grateful that she will remember it forever.

Now that our kids have met more sommeliers than the average elementary schooler, here are a few of the lessons we’ve learned — and some tips from other parents — on making the most of eating out while traveling.

Rethink big-city dining.

Not long ago, restaurants in major European capitals had a reputation for being very kid-friendly, says Daniella Hunt, an American who runs Mirabilia Urbis Tours in Rome. These days? “Many restaurants here have gotten clinically precise about getting you in and out,” Hunt says of the new no-lingering paradigm. Instead, she recommends saving those big nights out for when you visit smaller cities — places like Orvieto or Trieste — where restaurants still dote over young children.

Skip the kids’ menu.

North Carolina’s High Hampton Resort is one of a growing number of venues scrapping this old-fashioned concept. Executive chef Scott Franqueza puts forth a more thoughtful “family menu,” with elevated versions of classic dishes. The chicken tenders are brined and soaked in buttermilk; for the fish-and-chips, he uses the day’s catch, whether that’s grouper, snapper, or wahoo. “When a parent takes a bite to see if a dish is too hot,” Franqueza says, “we want them to want another.”

Dress (and act) the part.

Even the simple step of putting on a dress or a collared shirt can help signal to children that a meal out is a special experience — and calls for special behavior. For our family, preparation also includes grabbing a couple of fresh coloring books and having a well-timed pre-dinner snack. (We also make a point of visiting the bathroom upon arrival, so everyone can enjoy sitting down together.)

Once in our seats, there’s a quick discussion about what might happen if someone crawled under the table and pulled on a tablecloth. Laughs ensue about the potential chaos, but the point is made.

Find middle ground on phones.

Many families turn to screen time as a way to find peace at mealtime. But Rick Simone, the president of Federal Hill Commerce Association, in Providence, Rhode Island, has reached a compromise with his four kids. When at a restaurant, he’s okay with the kids using their phones until the meal arrives. “But as soon as the food drops,” Simone says, “everybody automatically knows it’s time to put phones away.”

Rethink menu speak.

For us, creative rewording goes a long way. Our son loves soup, so at a restaurant, we might pitch him on a root-vegetable curry by calling it “coconut carrot soup.” Or, we might say that butternut squash is “basically a sweet potato” to encourage him to try something new.

Don’t forget.

A few little things can make a big impact: a crumb-catching bib for toddlers was a lifesaver for us when our kids were younger. These days, we ask for a corner table — or even better, one on a patio — where our family can have more room and avoid any tsk-tsk glances from other diners.

With around 90% of ocean plastic derived from land-based sources and the annual damage of plastics to marine ecosystems Rethinking single-use plastic products requires collaboration across the board – from businesses to governments to people.

Water bottles, disposable toiletries, plastic bags, bin liners, food packaging and cups are among the biggest plastic polluters.

So, what can we travellers do to make better choices?

1. When packing, think reusable! This might include packing things like reusable masks, a refillable water bottle or even your own toiletries. This can have a real impact on reducing any unnecessary single-use plastic products.

2. Remember when out and about – try to bring items that help reduce waste in places like restaurants and shops. This might include using your own straw made from glass or stainless steel, or cloth shopping bags.

3. Reduce and dispose of waste responsibly. We inevitably produce waste, so when you do, make sure you dispose of it properly and look for the appropriate recycling bins.

4. Educate and encourage others. Talk to your family, friends and colleagues about the choices you are making to travel responsibly and sustainably. This helps to sensitise people around you to think twice about their single-use plastic consumption and can have a positive impact.

5. REMEMBER – not all destinations you visit have the same resources or infrastructure. It is key that the alternatives we use for single-use plastic are actually a better trade-off. The rule of thumb is – avoid single-use items as much as possible for you and your family, regardless of the material they are made from.

Ensure a safe vacation with these pre-travel and post-trip health recommendations

Planning to travel for your summer vacation? Before you start packing your bags, take some time to research any health risks associated with your destination. This simple step can help protect your health while you are on holiday. To ensure you stay prepared, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has shared important advice for travellers. Here are some of their top recommendations for a safe and healthy trip.

Tips before travelling

• Check health risks for arrival destination: Learn about the potential health risks of your chosen destination.
• Check regulations and vaccinations: Find out the regulations, procedures and necessary vaccinations in your country and the country of destination.
• Consult your physician: If you have any medical condition, consult your physician.
• Choose a safe hotel: Choose a hotel that applies safety and hygiene standards.
• Stock up on protective equipment: Make sure to take sufficient stock of protective equipment such as hand sanitiser, mask, etc.
• Take extra precautions: Take extra precautions if you are elderly, suffer from chronic diseases, or are pregnant.
• Have your essential medications: Carry emergency medications.

Tips during travelling

1. General precautionary measures:
• Do not share personal tools.
• Adhere to cough and sneezing etiquette.
• Avoid crowded areas.
• Use a contactless payment method.
• Refrain from touching your face.
• Keep away from anyone who shows respiratory symptoms.
• Wash and sanitise your hands.

2. Ensure cleanliness: Ensure sterilisation and a good ventilation system in the place of residence.
3. Move around: Make sure to walk and move around on the plane to avoid blood clotting.
4. Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Follow a healthy lifestyle through nutrition, movement, drinking water, and getting adequate sleep.
5. Drink clean water: Drink clean water and avoid eating ice.
6. Avoid risky foods: Avoid undercooked or raw food.
7. Be cautious around animals: Beware of animals that may transmit diseases to you.

8. Prevent vector-borne diseases. If travelling to a malaria-endemic area:
• Cover up your body.
• Avoid being outside at dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
• Use mosquito repellent.
• Sleep under a mosquito net.

Tips after travelling

• Keep updated with all the regulations and procedures of the country.
• Monitor yourself for symptoms; isolate and get medical advice if you fall sick.
• Be careful when you encounter those with chronic illnesses, weak immunity, and elders.

Make sure you get a ‘travel vaccine’

Before making any plans to travel abroad, consider getting vaccinated to protect yourself from infections and communicable diseases. With many UAE residents opting to travel during the summer months, health authorities and doctors recommend visiting a travel clinic for medical advice and necessary vaccines. These recommendations are based on guidelines from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

According to WHO, travel vaccines are essential for protecting against diseases endemic to your destination. They help safeguard travellers and prevent the spread of diseases within and between countries. Some countries even require proof of vaccination for entry or exit.