While business travel has its challenges, the perks often outweigh them. A 2025 Deloitte study shows that most professionals (83%) enjoy business travel and see its value for their growth.
In a recent Booking.com for Business survey of UK and US travelers, we explored what they find most rewarding and challenging about their trips. The top priority after work is exploring new destinations. Many employees find travel a welcome break from their routine, with 59% reporting it makes them more productive.
Deloitte’s figures confirm this, with two-thirds of corporate travelers planning to add leisure time to their trips, whether that’s a weekend getaway, a solo road trip in Croatia – https://travelbooksfood.com/driving-in-croatia-roadtrip-itinerary, or simply a few extra days to relax.
Our survey also highlighted common issues like flight delays and jet lag. However, the number one challenge for both US and UK respondents is being away from loved ones.
This article will explore these survey results to help you maximize your employees’ rewards and improve their job satisfaction.
What business travelers enjoy most
Visiting new places and experiencing local culture is a major perk. When asked to rank the most appealing aspects of their trips, business travelers put sightseeing and exploration first.
Our survey shows the most appealing benefits are:
- Visiting new destinations.
- Taking a break from routine.
- Gaining new experiences.
Why is a change of scenery so appealing? As one respondent put it, “I often get tired of doing the same thing over and over, so traveling is a way to break that routine.”
Neuroscience supports this, showing that international travel boosts creativity and mood while reducing stress. These benefits pay off professionally as travelers return with fresh insights.
The benefits of trying something new
Business travelers want the flexibility to enjoy side benefits like trying local food and sightseeing. Our previous research found that all-expenses-paid dining (52%) and luxury accommodation (47%) were what travelers most looked forward to.
For those who love to travel, work trips are a major job perk. To support this, companies can provide per diems to cover these costs. Our report, How Business Travel Affects Mental and Physical Health, showed that over half (52%) of business travelers noted a change of scenery positively impacted their mental health, and 46% felt positive physical effects.
Earning tangible rewards through loyalty programs is another key component of satisfaction.
The role of loyalty programs
As professionals travel for work, they accumulate loyalty points for personal use and upgrades. Our survey found that 28% of business travelers listed loyalty rewards as a key benefit, with the appeal highest in the US:
- 81% of US travelers collect rewards points for personal use, versus 68% in the UK.
- 35% of US business travelers see loyalty programs as a key benefit, versus 22% in the UK.
It’s worth incorporating loyalty programs into your travel policy. Rewards increase satisfaction by allowing travelers to merge personal and professional benefits.
The downsides of business travel
Business travel isn’t without its challenges. While companies often focus on logistics like canceled flights, it’s vital to consider the emotional toll of being away. Our respondents ranked being away from loved ones as their top challenge.
As one UK respondent said, “Being away from family…involves physical distance, emotional separation, and a sense of disconnection.”
Additional problems cited include:
- Long flights or delays.
- Disrupted sleep and wellness routines.
- Adjusting to different time zones.
One respondent explained that routine disruption “affects my productivity, comfort, and daily habits.” When planning itineraries, consider leaving free time for check-ins with loved ones. Careful planning and comfortable accommodation can minimize these issues.
Why business travelers need flexibility
Our survey shows work trips can be rewarding but also challenging. Understanding employee preferences helps you support them better. Travel programs should cater to traveler needs, from paid dining to loyalty memberships.
Since travelers prioritize new experiences, consider flexible policies that allow for a better work-life balance. Comprehensive travel management solutions like Booking.com for Business can help teams create more flexible itineraries with direct input from the traveler.
Methodology
From February 6-17, 2025, Booking.com for Business surveyed 1,029 business travelers in the US (516) and UK (513). Respondents were full-time employees, 18 or over, who had traveled for business in the last 12 months and plan to do so again.
