If the current economic situation has a bright side for business travelers, it may be that the road warriors are navigating airports, security lines and hotel check-ins with breathtaking efficiency.

Almost in spite of the economy or in some cases because of it, business travel continues for myriad reasons: to shore up employee morale, maintain crucial client relationships, develop new markets and more. If that’s your situation, how can you keep your family relationships strong while maintaining a more demanding travel schedule? Here are some ideas for things to do before, during and after your next trip:

Before your trip, do what you can to ensure that things will run smoothly at home while you’re away. Do you need to help arrange for child care, fill the refrigerator, or cut the grass so those things won’t have to be done while you’re gone? Also, be sure to talk with your family about where you’re going, what you’ll be doing and how they can contact you.

During your trip, keep in touch while letting your loved ones know that you think of them often. A few quick e-mail, phone or text messages throughout the day can mean a lot to those at home and make you feel connected to them. Take some photos of the places you visit and pick up some small gifts to take home. Try to end each day on the road with a “good night” call or message to your family.

After your trip, spend some time with each member of your family, talking about what they did while you were away. Present them with the small gifts you picked up on your trip, and thank them for their understanding of your work obligations.

Finally, if your employer is open to the idea, consider combining business and family travel – a trip to a conference or to visit a client could be combined with a mini-vacation for your family. Be sure that each member of your family understands how much time you will need to devote to business; and be sure to have at least one full day to spend with your family that is completely free of business obligations.