From the perspective of the one left behind, I found that the hardest times apart where when contact was limited. Years ago, my DH was in the Navy and I would ususally go about 3 weeks with no contact, then about a dozen letters would show up. Then 3 more weeks and maybe a phone call if they hit port. So during a 6 month deployment - contact was very sketchy. It was brutal.

Now we have email! And cell phones! And no more 180+ deployments. He's no longer active duty.

Seriosly - keeping whoever is staying home in mind is very important. When you are travelling, while it seems boring and mundane to you, can seem very exotic to the one staying behind. I think the idea of taking someone on a trip with you is great. Maybe set a consitent time of when you can check back in like before bed time or after breakfast. That is the one thing that really helps us now - even if I can't reach DH during the day due to meetings etc, I can count on our 9 pm catch up call. It really helps us both as he feels less pressure to answer a call if it comes in and I know that still have contact.

As for the things you might miss out on when you are gone - well encorage the one whose at home to carry one as if you were there. Maybe both go see the same movie on the same night and call to talk about it later. Read the same book and discuss. Don't expect the one who stays home to not go to concerts, restaurants or museums without you. They will feel resentful of having to put their lives on hold every week while you are gone.

It is hard to make a relationship with separations work. After all, you are in a relationship for a reason. As you can see, this side was brought to you by a wife who stays behind. A husband who stays behind might have other issues they want addressed. I just thought you might like the insight.