There are plenty of business travel perks, but what do workers really think? Our survey explores the pros and cons.
While being away from home can take a mental and physical toll, business travel perks far outweigh the challenges. Deloitte’s 2024 Corporate Travel Study shows that the vast majority (83%) of professionals enjoy business travel, while noting its importance for personal and professional development.
In this Tripeden.com for Business survey, we asked UK and US business travelers what they find most rewarding about work trips – and what they find challenging.
The results show that next to performing their work, the top priority for business travelers is exploring new destinations. And more than ever, today’s employees are enjoying the break from their usual routines, with 59% of workers reporting that traveling makes them more productive. In line with this trend, Deloitte figures reveal that two-thirds of corporate travelers plan to extend their business trip with leisure components.
Our survey also highlights some business travel problems to overcome, including dealing with flight delays while adjusting to different schedules and time zones. But the number one challenge of business travel for both US and UK respondents is being away from loved ones.
Don’t worry, this challenge shouldn’t stand in the way of your company’s travel plans. In this article, we’ll further explore the survey results to reveal the advantages and disadvantages of business travel in real life. Armed with the latest insights, you’ll be able to help traveling workers maximize the rewards, for greater employee satisfaction.
Visiting new places and soaking in the culture is a major work travel perk. It’s no surprise, then, when asked to rank the most appealing aspects of business travel, business travelers put sightseeing and exploration at the top of the list.
Our survey results show that for business travelers, these are the most appealing benefits of travel:
As one survey respondent states, “I often get tired doing the same thing over and over, so traveling is a way to break that routine, it gives me a clear head as well.”
Neuroscience backs up just how important a break from the everyday routine can be. International travel not only boosts creativity, but it also stimulates executive function in the brain. According to the Pacific Neuroscience Institute, experiencing different cultures, meeting new people, and exploring new places enhances mood and social well-being while reducing stress.
All these benefits of travel pay off professionally, too, as travelers take home fresh insights on emerging trends, while building business networks at the same time.
It's clear that business travelers enjoy exploring new places, and they also want flexibility to maximize the side business travel benefits, from trying the local cuisine to sightseeing.
In fact, when asked what they’re most looking forward to, our previous research shows that all-paid dining options (52%) and luxury accommodation (47%) came out on top.
For those with an inbuilt love for travel’s horizon-expanding possibilities, work trips are a major perk of the job.
Another survey participant notes that “traveling to a new city gives me the opportunity to try new foods, drinks, and it helps me to relax as it is a hobby I enjoy.”
To cater for these business travel benefits, companies can provide per diems and reimbursements that cover the cost of trying new cuisine.
Our report, How Business Travel Affects Mental and Physical Health, showed the impact that a change of scenery can have. Over half, or 52%, of business travelers noted its positive effects on their mental health. And 46% of respondents experienced positive physical effects as well.
One key satisfaction-enhancing component is the ability to maximize business travel’s tangible rewards through loyalty programs.
How exactly do loyalty programs enhance the business travel experience? As professionals travel for work, they accumulate loyalty points from hotels and airlines that can often be cashed in for personal travel and upgrades.
Our survey shows that 28% of business travelers overall listed loyalty rewards as a key benefit of business travel. The appeal is highest in the US, where loyalty programs are more widespread.
Multinational software company Comarch published similar figures in its 2025 Customer Loyalty Predictions Report, with US-based professionals leading the way in airline rewards program enrollment.
It’s worth incorporating loyalty programs into your company travel policy. Rewards membership increases the sense of satisfaction for business travelers, as they are allowed to merge personal and professional benefits. And this contributes to overall positive associations with traveling for work, despite any feelings of homesickness or disruption to routine.
Business travel is not without its challenges. While companies often focus on logistical business travel problems like canceled flights and runaway expenses, it’s equally important to consider the emotional impact of days spent away from home.
When asked to rate the most challenging aspect of business travel in our survey, being away from loved ones was ranked number one by respondents.
As one UK-based respondent states, “being away from family or loved ones can be most challenging because it involves physical distance, emotional separation, and a sense of disconnection.”
Survey results indicate some additional travel problems to overcome:
A respondent explained that disruption to routine is challenging as it “affects my productivity, comfort, and daily habits, making it harder to stay on track. Adjusting to new schedules, environments, or unexpected changes can feel inconvenient and stressful.”
It's important to consider the physical and emotional toll that frequent work trips can take. When reviewing itineraries, business travelers might consider leaving free time for regular check-ins with loved ones back home.
Careful itinerary creation can minimize these travel problems for those away from home, along with choosing comfortable accommodation and following [sleep hygiene tips](Tips for Sleeping While Travelling: Sleep Hygiene Techniques for Business Travellers) for faster adjustment to new time zones. Flexibility, for business travelers, is key.
As our survey shows, work trips are often exciting, rewarding experiences for business travelers, but they don’t come without challenges.
Understanding what employees like and dislike most about the travel experience can help businesses to better support their workforce on the road. From all-paid dining benefits to loyalty program memberships, travel programs should cover business traveler wants and needs.
With travelers prioritizing new experiences and exploration, travel managers and HR teams should consider implementing flexible policies that leave time for an optimal work-life balance. Comprehensive travel management solutions like Tripeden.com for Business can help by allowing teams to create more flexible itineraries, incorporating direct traveler input on accommodation and scheduling.
From February 6 to February 17 in 2025, Tripeden.com for Business surveyed 1029 business travelers across the US (516) and UK (513) markets. We included a representative mix of employees from various-sized departments, industries, and job roles within their organizations.
We also used a representative mix of business travelers by gender. Of US respondents, 55% were male and 44% female. Of UK respondents, 57% were male and 43% female.
All survey respondents were:
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