Egencia study finds business trips are more enjoyable than working life

More than two thirds (69%) of business travellers make their own arrangements to get the most out of their trip, a new study reveals. The figure dips to 67% in the UK, the study by Expedia’s business travel arm Egencia shows.

More than two thirds (69%) of business travellers make their own arrangements to get the most out of their trip, a new study reveals.

The figure dips to 67% in the UK, the study by Expedia’s business travel arm Egencia shows.

Only one-fifth do so because there is nobody else to do it for them, while a further fifth would ‘always’ delegate booking their business travel if they could.

The biggest motivator for delegating travel booking would be to save time (55%) while most self-bookers want to do it themselves for greater control (62%).

However, half of the 6,072 international business travellers interviewed struggle with the process of altering their bookings when plans change.

Once on their trip, 42% find the experience more stressful than the day job.

Arranging ground transportation is the most frustrating part of booking their own travel for 45%.

As many as 70% head for the taxi line as the easiest way to find their way round an unfamiliar city.

When they finish their trip, 43% feel tired with 28% relieved to be heading home.

Despite this, 69% find business trips more enjoyable than everyday working life, according to the second annual Egencia business and travel technology study.

More than a third (37%) claimed to feel more sociable than usual on their trip and 38% are able to think more creatively. These feelings outranked worrying about a backlog at work or missing the family.

Egencia EMEA senior vice president, Christophe Peymirat, said: “We’re finding that business travel is something most of us look forward to. Sure it’s tiring, but it can also be exhilarating.

“We strive to develop technology for the traveller regardless of whether they are booking the trip themselves, or if they have help. Technology makes us more connected than ever.

“Egencia believes really smart technology can give the traveller control, reducing stress levels and helping them enjoy their work trips even more.”