Americans make more than 405 million long-distance business trips,* and as these road warriors put in the miles, a new survey conducted by SpringHill Suites by Marriott reveals business travelers are making the most of their trips by maximizing “me time,” indulging in activities they may shy away from at home.
In a city where no one knows your name, more than 60 percent of respondents admitted to going undercover, creating a new identity with a different name, profession and backstory. Nearly a quarter of people have unleashed their inner Mariah Carey at karaoke, with a surprising 16 percent faking an elaborate accent with no shame.
When asked about the ultimate travel companion, nearly 70 percent of travelers would recruit Scandal’s Olivia Pope to help handle their latest crisis or enjoy an Old Fashioned with MadMen’s consummate ad man Don Draper on a dream business trip.
Business travel is being redefined as an opportunity to escape from the monotony of the day-to-day routine. Small indulgences traditionally reserved for leisure travel are now finding their way onto the agenda for business travelers. Other key findings include:
- 62 percent of respondents enjoy a taste of “the good life” with zero guilt, splurging on savory appetizers and decadent desserts with 30 percent indulging on wine or specialty cocktails.
- The Savory and Sweet battle was split evenly down the middle with 51 percent craving sweet and satisfying midnight treats and nearly 49 percent wanting salty and crunchy snacks.
- The majority of respondents wind down after a long day of meetings in the hot tub or pool followed by luxuriating in an uninterrupted bath or shower.
- Topping the list of what travelers enjoy most about the escape business travel can bring is ignoring the ever-growing pile of laundry followed closely by no “honey do” list at nearly 30 percent and ignoring master chef cooking duties at home coming in at 25 percent.
Instead of the same old grind, business travel seems less like work and more like a chance to discover new destinations and spend time with colleagues outside of work. More than half of travelers surveyed feel refreshed and productive upon returning to work after a business trip.
*Bureau of Transportation Statistics
