Tips for Business Travelers
Keeping in Touch While on the Road

Today's business travelers juggle demanding jobs with the joys of home life. Most are married, and almost half have children. Without doubt, these travelers are missing special moments at home. Many are looking for advice on how to keep in touch while on the road. The Society of American Florists offers these tips:

For People on the Road

	Inform family and friends of your trip as far in advance as possible. This will prevent extensive rescheduling.
	Thank your spouse or significant other and work colleagues for taking on extra responsibilities while you're gone.
	Send flowers -- to say "I miss you" to a spouse or "Sorry I'm missing your dinner party" to friends. It's as easy as picking up the phone and calling the concierge for the name of a local florist.
	During longer trips, send a postcard to the kids. Include interesting facts about the city you are in -- whether it's Pittsburgh or Paris. Kids can start a collection.
	To help the kids keep track of your travels, hang a map and have the kids mark your destination.
	Remember birthdays. Keep your calendar updated with the birthdays of family and friends. Send a note, flowers or a gift to make up for your absence. Or ask your florist to remind you about key dates.
	Once home, make an extra effort to contribute to chores and household responsibilities.

For People at Home

	Be understanding. After the first trip or two, business travel is not glamorous. Most travelers would rather be home.
	Surprise your friend, spouse or significant other with flowers in his or her hotel room.
	Slip a note or small gift in the traveler's suitcase to surprise them while unpacking.
	Have children draw pictures that a traveling parent can hang in the hotel room.
	Videotape key events (birthday party, school play) while the traveler is gone, so the traveler can share the experience.
	Give the business traveler an easy-to-pack frame with photos of family and friends.
	Keep a family diary with children's drawings and notes during the time the traveler is away.

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