I started limiting my academic travel when my first daughter was born in 2009. My wife was just starting tenure track, while I was more established, and I felt that it was burden on her whenever I travelled, and in any case, it was her turn to travel to build her career. Moreover, I hated the hassle of airline travel, especially going through security and immigration.

Travel, in general, has always stressed me. And of course, I knew that airline emissions were my biggest footprint. So, around 2009, I pledged to myself to limit my work-related travel to three trips per year until my kids were older (we had a 2nd child in 2012) and my wife was tenured. But I grew to love it. Until that point, I had travelled a lot, and I used to get loads of invitations to travel. But slowly I started turning down invitations, and the invitations became fewer.

I suspect that I have somewhat developed a reputation in my field for being someone who won’t come to meetings. Two years ago I said no to so many meetings that I ended up with just one academic trip that entire year. Now my kids are older and my wife is tenured, but I am sticking to my pledge because I love the new lifestyle. It means I am less stressed. I spend more time with my family. I spend more time with my students and colleagues. I am able to more effectively contribute to my department. And while I do sometimes miss the “high” that comes from travelling and networking, I realize there are trade-offs.