Many people go on vacation to decompress, de-stress and take a mental break from the rigors of work. According to international respondents of the Global Travel Tracker released today by Marriott Rewards, while a vast majority of people choose a nap over getting the heartrate pumping with a long run (67 percent vs. 33 percent), it’s not as cut and dry in how to return to work more relaxed. Coinciding with Marriott’s Global Travel Day on Friday, October 14, and in celebration of the recent, historic acquisition of Starwood by Marriott International, the global travel tracker is a new survey that illustrates trends among travelers worldwide.
More than 6,600 travelers in 14 international cities including Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Washington, DC, Toronto, London,Mexico City, Mumbai, Paris, Dubai, Tokyo, Shanghai and Munich participated in the online survey that show trends in traveler’s habits on the road.
“It’s fascinating to see that the habits formed and stories gathered might be personal in nature, but universal in experience,” said Karin Timpone, Global Marketing Officer, Marriott International. “Global Travel Day celebrates the merger of Marriott and Starwood and the linking of our loyalty programs, so now travelers everywhere can find the perfect hotel almost anywhere around the world.”
According to the study, travelers from around the world have a host of stories to share:
- The lure of email: Rather than unplugging and recharging, travelers prefer to stay connected with work via email, with less than half those surveyed (47 percent) being able to completely disconnect while on vacation. While women do a better job than men (34 percent vs. 23 percent), men tend to return to work less stressed than women (44 percent vs. 36 percent). Travelers from Tokyo reported to be the most stressed after a vacation (35 percent) and those from Mexico City the least stressed (four percent).
- Destination relaxation: Although the list of fitness activities can be endless, the majority get their exercise by walking around town (56 percent). Travelers also overwhelmingly enjoy relaxing at the spa (86 percent) and beach time is favored over hiking in the mountains (71 percent vs. 29 percent). And women are more content to skip exercise and lounge by the pool (27 percent over 17 percent) when given the option of exercising.
- Let someone else make the bed: Nearly one-third (30 percent) of travelers say that not making the bed or leaving their hotel room a mess is their biggest vacation indulgence, while one in four (25 percent) indicate that staying in bed and ordering room service is their biggest vacation splurge.
- Squad goals: Love wins! When it comes to favorite travel companions, 60 percent of all travelers would choose their spouse/significant other or their family. Washington, DC residents are the most likely to travel with their spouse (39 percent) while 17 percent of those from Mumbai travel with extended families most.
- Getting to know your colleagues: One-fourth (25 percent) of responders have had to share a guest room with a colleague. Travelers from Mumbai (38 percent) share rooms the most, while business travelers from Tokyo, the least (10 percent).
The findings also reveal that travelers in certain cities return to work less stressed that others, while some travelers prefer staying connected while away. Residents of Tokyo are most stressed returning to work after vacation, with 35 percent of respondents reporting some levels of stress. Residents of Mexico City reported the lowest levels of stress on return from vacation at just 4 percent.
In celebration of travel, Marriott International will hold the first-ever Global Travel Day block party, at iconic Rockefeller Center® in New York City, Friday, October 14th. Marriott will showcase its 5,700 properties across 30 brands, located in more than 110 countries, through an interactive 4,140 square-foot map. The walkable map will feature 30 larger-than-life push pins fitted with RFID chips that members of Marriott Rewards, SPG or The Ritz-Carlton Rewards loyalty programs can swipe with a provided key-card, for a chance to win exciting travel prizes. In addition to the map experience, Marriott will place 250 larger-than-life push pins in front of all Marriott properties in New York City, signifying the vast array of brands and properties available to travelers now that Starwood has merged with Marriott International.
Loyalty members in the U.S. will also have a chance to win one of 30 travel packages through a unique social media “emojistakes.” For the week beginning on October 14, loyalty members will be able to enter by sharing their dream destination with @MarriottRewards and @SPG on Twitter or Instagram, along with the push pin emoji and #YouAreHere #Sweepstakes. More information can be found here.
