Business travelers are getting creative when it comes to balancing the demands of the road, work and home. That's according to recent research from Expedia Corporate Travel, which surveyed more than 1,100 U.S.-based business travelers.
And that creativity is having some impressive—and surprising—results, especially since the survey found that 68 percent of professionals are on the road more than ever before. So one might think a lot of personal lives are in trouble. But such is not the case, according to the data, which revealed that 66 percent of respondents do not have trouble balancing work responsibilities with personal obligations.
That's thanks in part to advances in technology, which aids in routine tasks like paying bills online or e-mailing family and friends. In fact, 86 percent of respondents stay connected with friends and family via e-mail and phone while on the road, and 7 percent use a webcam to communicate from a distance.
"One myth about business travel is that travelers have to put their lives on hold and cannot stay in touch with friends and family when away from home, but the results of this survey show that's not consistently true," says Rob Greyber, senior vice president of North America for Expedia Corporate Travel.
Another interesting trend Expedia examined was the combination of the work trip with the personal one, especially since business trips can take a traveler anywhere from Las Vegas to London. Fifty-nine percent of travelers have a spouse or friend join them for all or part of their time on the road. Some professionals are even bringing their pets, according to the research.
Expedia also found that life on the road is getting more bearable, particularly as amenities improve. Travelers are finding life away doesn't necessarily equal bad sleep and fried, undeterminable meals. Fifty-five percent of respondents say they take time to relax when the business day is over, and often use health or spa facilities at their hotel.
"We are seeing more select-service hotels where travelers can cook their own meals, work out in the hotel gym and maintain an overall healthy lifestyle while traveling," Greyber said. "Business travel has become such an everyday part of people's jobs that the priority has shifted toward providing the services and amenities that allow them to maintain their daily routines."
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