How to attend this conference.

[CharlotteBog]

I would very much like to attend a conference at the beginning of March.
It's not essential (I accepted this job on the understanding that travel would be beneficial/recommended but not compulsory) but I really want to go.

I am a lone parent to a 14 yo (year 10). I also have an adult son (24).

The conference is 5th - 8th March so I would be away about a week (it's a long haul flight away).

When DS was younger he stayed with a friend a couple of times. This is no longer possible and not really suitable with this particular family.

I don't have any family that could move here (it's term time so he has to be near home).

My adult son moved back for such a trip a year ago - just for 4 days. He was a student so had long holidays. He has graduated now and looking for work and living his own life. It feels too much to ask him to commit to coming home for a week when he might be in a position where annual leave is very precious.

I could possibly get a local friend (of mine) to sleep at my place, but I think DS would hate it.

Any ideas?

Well well well. On the back of the some of the points of view given here I asked DS1 if he'd come home that week and he said yes.
I said I would compensate for lost annual leave, though maybe he'll be happy to use home as a base for some leave anyway (especially if both lads can treat the place like a bachelor pad!).

I think I've been so aware of not taking advantage of him over the years (this, that and the other with his brother) that I've not been open to the fact that he IS an adult and didn't mind being asked.

The conference is ON!

That’s good news, I am glad it will work out.

Could DS split the time with two different families or could he stay with a friend for a couple of nights and then your older son could come home? Our DC would stay a couple of nights with friends and then my mother would collect them and have them for the weekend.

Glad you sorted it out. Your older son was the obvious answer. Now DS is older it can be less babysitting and more hanging out and bonding. Plus if you're a broke 24 year old, being in Mums nice house with food you wouldn't treat yourself to can be quite a luxury. I remember when I babysat around that age and was dirt poor. As well as enjoying it it was so nice to be in a big posh warm house, all the TV stations and an extra bonus that they'd leave some lovely treats.

Agree! I got my bathroom redone last year, including a rain forest shower head, which he loves because he is so tall. It's worth coming home just for that!

Well done OP - book that conference place! And have a great time.

A little update:
The conference is all booked (registration, visa, flights and accommodation).
I am giving a talk and am part of the conference organising committee.
I have applied for an inclusivity grant which supports people who find it difficult to travel for whatever reason. If awarded it will be used to compensate DS1 for the time off work, which takes the pressure off me.
I'll be away for 7 nights (1 flight and 6 there).
DS1 recently passed his driving test. He doesn't have a car, but I can insure him on mine while I'm away which will make things easier for them both (we live rurally).

All good.

That's a great update OP well done for persevering.

Hurrah great news! Well done you!