Posts Tagged ‘teens’

If you travel regularly on business, you’re probably aware that many companies are becoming more flexible with bringing the kids along. As long as you attend the trade show, meetings and other work obligations, the time spent outside of these responsibilities is your own. That is why so many travelers, moms especially, are taking their children with them on business trips. You won’t have to find a sitter or miss out on time spent with your child, and your teen can take advantage of a few small travels of her own!

If you have a teen, traveling with one is easier than a child. However, entertaining one isn’t. Just like at home, you’ll need to arrange a few structured activities that will keep your teen busy, apart from cell phones, laptops and handheld games. Most importantly, you want to make sure that your child is safe so that you can focus on your work during the day.

One of the most effective ways to keep your child busy and safe is to choose onsite child care that is often arranged by the employer. These on demand facilities such as New Orleans based Accent OCA provide convention, conference, meeting and babysitting services that are offered to working parents on business. Your teen will be kept busy and can interact with other kids his own age, plus lend a helping hand with the younger children if he chooses.

If your teen thinks she’s too old for a traditional sitter, then try a different approach. With online babysitter databases, you can find a candidate that can take your teen around the town while you work. Some cities are more family-friendly than others, with New Orleans being one of the best for kids and teens. The Audubon Zoo is 340-acres and home to swamp creatures, Bengal tigers and alligators. Or visit the Audubon Aquarium that will let your teen get up close to some the most interesting swamp critters around.

Maybe your child would rather walk around the city of New Orleans and engage in less structured activities. Once your meetings are through, take a stroll through the French Quarter, check out the head-turning Monteleone Hotel and visit the historic homes in the Garden District. If your teen is up for some spooky fun, a haunted tour may fit the bill and lead you to the above-ground tombstones and New Orleans voodoo shops.

Also remember to pack along all the things your teen loves and can do in the hotel such as an e-Reader, laptop and game console. Buy her an inexpensive digital camera as a treat and let her take pictures of the new city. Take advantage of the ethnic foods in the area by trying out a family-friendly buffet. Also look for places that offer free, live entertainment that will provide culture-oriented music to give your teen the perfect balance of learning, fun and quality time spent with the family.

Image: news.discovery.com