Business travel tips: “Be patient and relax”
Business travel tips: “Be patient and relax”
Business travellers try to relax more during flights, eat healthier, visit hotel gyms and generally look for a better work/life balance, according to new research by American Express Global Business Travel. The survey shows that business travellers have three worst nightmares on planes: being seated behind a child or infant or by the restroom (14%), next to someone who takes over the armrest (11%), beside a talkative seatmate (10%), and next to someone who snores (6%).
American Express researchers also asked business travelers what their number one business travel tip is. First place: ‘travel light /carry-on only’ and ‘be patient and relax.’ What are the most common items business travelers forget to pack? High on the list are umbrellas, phone chargers, toiletries and business cards.
One interesting finding is that travellers, in spite of overall better connectivity and Wi-Fi access while in the air, actually prefer to have a break from work. Six out of ten people surveyed say they look forward to disconnecting while in flight, as it gives them the chance to take a break and unwind. Only 23% of business travellers surveyed work while on long-haul flights and 56% say they take the time to turn on a movie or dive into a good book. Socializing or networking seems to be the last thing on their minds, with only 1% of business travelers using their time to interact with other passengers.
Alleviating travel-related stress
"As Millennials begin to make up a larger portion of the global workforce, we’re seeing more corporate employee travel behaviors that focus on alleviating travel-related stress," said Kevin Carey of American Express Global Business Travel. "These travelers place a higher value on work/life balance and are savvy about how to travel efficiently. They make the most of their time on the road and maintain their mental and physical health while away from the office."
Overall, frequent travellers seem to focus on efforts to relieve stress and stay healthy; many say they turn to a combination of diet and exercise in order to maintain good health while traveling. According to the survey, more than seven out of ten (74%) frequent travelers say they drink extra water, 48% stretch on the plane, and almost half use the gym at the hotel (44%). In terms of diet and nutrition, 20% of the travelers surveyed avoid alcohol and 41% supplement their diet with vitamins.
To make their trips more comfortable and efficient, travelers like to take advantage of Wi-Fi in the hotel, followed by a hotel breakfast and pre-boarding options. If their company is picking up the tab, airfare upgrades, Wi-Fi in the hotel and extra legroom on flights are the top three services that are most desired.
