A Hilton Hotels & Resorts study finds that younger business travelers, ages 23–35, prefer social settings for work but value solitude for leisure during work trips. According to the study, 84 percent of these travelers “cherish” alone time on business trips, and 73 percent say that time alone improves their overall travel experience.
When they spend time alone, this group most often chooses to dine at local restaurants, explore neighborhoods, rest or nap, exercise, or relax with a drink at a hotel bar or happy hour. These activities give them a chance to unwind and experience the destination outside of work commitments.
At the same time, the study shows these travelers are collaborative when it comes to work. Eighty-one percent report that they accomplish more when working face to face with others, and nearly two-thirds say they feel more inspired in busy, social environments. They also prefer workspaces with natural light, vibrant color schemes and advanced technology features beyond basic Wi‑Fi.
“We’ve all had over-scheduled business trips — with meetings from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and social obligations the rest of the evening — and the result is pure exhaustion. We applaud this next generation of travelers for highlighting a tension point many of us have dealt with for years,” said Vera Manoukian, senior vice president and global head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts.