Despite 61% of the C-suite travelling for work at least once per month, they’re avoiding burnout by prioritising balance and boundaries when on the move.
TravelPerk surveyed 600 C-suite professionals across the UK, the US, Germany and Spain to uncover how they travel for work.
Executives are not flying solo
Travel for work is no longer seen as a solo activity; 73% of C-suite have brought at least one loved one with them on a trip – a partner (53%), child (22%), friend (21%), or even their beloved pet (7%). This trend is a little less common amongst non-executive travellers. In comparison, only 55% of all other employees have taken a partner (36%), child (14%), friend (14%) or pet (11%) when they travel for work.
The research also revealed that one in five (21%) C-suite executives now extend their trips for leisure, and with 16% choosing to stay at a colleague, friend or family member’s home, it’s clear they are embracing a more blended approach to professional travel.
Maintaining peak performance on the road
Nearly half (49%) of CEOs set strict time boundaries on the road, mastering the balance of staying connected and productive, with much needed downtime.
Consistency is their secret weapon. 44% of C-suite leaders choose work-friendly transport options, such as quiet train cars, while 37% pay for in-flight WiFi. This isn’t just to log hours, but to maintain a steady rhythm of deep work and accessibility to teams. These intentional choices help them maintain peak performance on the road.
Jean-Christophe Taunay-Bucalo, President & COO, TravelPerk said: “Being a business leader means you have to be very careful with your time and energy. Travel for work can be intense, and you need to stay sharp. I’ve learned over the years that small habits can make the biggest difference – from carving out quiet time for deep work on flights to keeping up simple routines like exercise. Personally, I always pack workout gear and a white noise machine, which help me adjust quickly to new time zones and environments so I can stay focused and perform at my best.”
Wellness is the new power play
Executives are taking a performance-oriented approach to wellbeing, building healthier travel habits that align with their leadership role. From sleep aids like white noise machines to fitness routines that combat jet lag, they’re treating wellness as a competitive edge – not a luxury.
Their choice of hotel reflects this mindset too. 43% stated that a restful environment was their top priority when choosing accommodation, followed by quality breakfast (40%) and healthy food (34%). Once arriving at their destination, the first thing 21% of C-suite travellers do is freshen up or shower and check in with family or loved ones (17%). Only 3% head to the office and check in late compared to entry level employees (7%). Leaders are prioritising wellness to maintain their performance whilst travelling for work.
