Blending Work And Family
Many of you know that Thin Pig Media is a virtual company, meaning we have colleagues working collaboratively in various cities across North America (and sometimes Mexico!). Working from home definitely has its perks such as: The ability to work from anywhere and flexibility from your standard 9-5 hours. Even though we were already set up as a virtual workplace, we still missed out on a lot during the pandemic. One of the things I love most about my job is traveling and connecting with clients and colleagues. The internet has done an amazing job at keeping everyone connected, while apart. However, there will always be something lacking in a virtual setting - the human connection.
With non-essential travel restrictions in B.C. lifted in June, we were delighted to take a quick trip in late July to visit family and even some clients on Vancouver Island. I’ve completed this journey many times in the past, but this time would be a little different. Traveling with your whole family for the first time can be overwhelming. Even though it gets easier the more you do it, you’re going to run into a few challenges any time you travel with kids.
Enroute to Victoria
You can get to Vancouver Island through a series of ferry systems. From Vancouver, you take a 90 minute ferry ride on BC Ferries to get to Victoria. You can embark the ferry as a foot, bus or vehicle passenger. Reservations are not required, but during the busy summer months they are highly recommended. Having a ferry reservation allows you to arrive at the terminal a minimum of 30 minutes prior to your sailing departure with a guaranteed spot.
The sailing from Vancouver to Swartz Bay is always scenic as the ferry travels through the Gulf Islands and you can sometimes catch glimpses of oceanic wildlife like pods of dolphins or orcas nearby.
Masks and social distancing are recommended throughout the vessel. You are also welcome to remain in your vehicle for the duration of the sailing if you prefer. I decided to take advantage of the upper sundecks for my toddler to run around and soak in the fresh ocean air and scenery. This was an excellent choice for the little one to burn off some energy prior to a car nap from the Swartz Bay terminal into downtown Victoria.
Work Tip: BC Ferries has free wifi and workstations throughout the vessel. Making it a breeze to plug in and get some work done during the sailing.
At The Hotel
Checking into our hotel was only slightly different compared to past years. Masks are worn in all common areas, there are hand sanitizing stations through the hotel, mobile check in/out is available for those who wish to use it, guests are spaced out on floor markers and the hotel has even implemented a text message system for housekeeping to avoid unnecessary contact between guests and staff. Send a message from your cell phone and the hotel would always answer promptly and provide anything you needed at a moment’s notice.
Traveling for work and traveling with children is very different. I must admit, there are many more hotel amenities that I prioritize with a little one in tow.
Location. This has always been an important one for me, however staying somewhere central will allow your family more opportunities to explore on foot (or stroller). The Coast Victoria Hotel & Marina by APA situated right on the ocean with a short 20 minute walk to downtown Victoria. From our guest room, we watched the float planes take off and land, the water taxis going to and fro, and all sorts of harbor activity!
Room type. When I’m on a solo work trip, all I need is wifi and a bed. Traveling with the whole family, you want to make sure there is enough space for everyone. Many hotels offer suites, which include a separate bedroom and sometimes a seating/dining area. For older kids, you can also consider the option of adjoining rooms for more privacy. With my toddler, we just needed enough space to fit the playpen he would be sleeping in.
On-site restaurant. Although you’re probably keen to check out all the great local restaurants, it is always convenient to have a restaurant close by for when those little tummies start to rumble. A bonus if the restaurants deliver room service!
Pool and gym facilities. Not only are pools an easy way to stay cool on a hot day, it’s fun for the whole family! Swimming classes for my toddler are paused until fall, so we had a blast in the hotel’s heated indoor/outdoor pool! Plus, nothing tires out energetic kids more than some pool time. Parents can also enjoy some “me time” at the gym, pool, sauna or whirlpool while the little ones nap/sleep.
Work tip: The Coast Victoria Hotel & Marina by APA offers complimentary wifi throughout the hotel and a business centre with access to a public computer and printer. The guest rooms feature a workstation which was perfect for my “mama at work time” during the day as my little guy watched all the inner workings of the harbor from our guest room window.
Connecting With Clients
After such a long period of time of not being able to travel, I’m very grateful for the opportunity to visit some of our clients on Vancouver Island. Working virtually is convenient, however, it’s always great to be on site, have a guest experience and connect with our colleagues.
To keep the visit efficient, I planned a shot list of things to capture so as to not get in the way of staff or guests. During the client visits, I always discover new and interesting things from the hotel team that I wouldn’t have known before visiting the property. It’s the little things that make a hotel stay memorable. Whether it’s the award-winning Nanaimo Bar from Minnows at Coast Bastion Hotel, or cruising on an e-scooter from Coast Parksville Hotel, the on-site team always have #refreshinglylocal ideas!
Take It Slow
Planning for extra time is exactly the opposite of what I do when I’m traveling alone. I typically leave so little time at my home airport that once I get through security and walk to my gate, I can usually get on the plane within 2 or 3 minutes. This is definitely not what you want to do if you are traveling with kids.
When traveling with your family, everything will take longer than you expect. Make a plan but leave plenty of time for things to go wrong.
Travel time is just one example of taking it slow, though. Leaving extra time applies to all parts of your trip. When you have the kids along for the trip, you may not be able to squeeze in 4 museums, 3 restaurants, a walking tour, and a bike ride all in the same day. Keep your schedule loose and leave plenty of room for adjustment. A flexible schedule will create less stress for you and your family and lead to a happier trip overall.
Work Tip: Give yourself a break! Have designated time to check emails and do work, but don’t forget to carve out time to connect with family. The beauty of blending a work and family trip is the ability to do both.
Nothing opens children’s minds like new experiences, and you’ll get plenty of new experiences no matter where you travel. From food to transportation, architecture, and landscape, everything you do will be exciting and new for your little ones. Everything might not go according to plan, but your family will love seeing the world, and you’ll be planning your next trip before you know it.