Hilton is constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of the business traveler, from implementing revolutionary in-room technology, like Connected Room and Digital Key, to introducing several “firsts” like the Piña Colada, the in-room minibar and the first hotel with both LEED and Green Seal certifications.
Today, travel has matured and so have travelers’ expectations. Last year, we commissioned research to understand the mindset of young professionals as it relates to business travel.
We surveyed more than 1,000 young business professionals, and our research revealed the overwhelmingly positive feelings they have towards work travel:
- 75% of young professionals view business travel as a work perk, with 65% considering it a status symbol
- 39% go so far as to say they wouldn’t take a job that didn’t allow them to travel for business
These findings also revealed sources of tension and challenges that got us thinking. While today’s young professionals love to travel for business, what tips and tricks can they incorporate into their travels to make life easier—and less stressful on the road?
Here are my top three tips to help the new business traveler to travel like a boss in 2019:
Pack to Be Prepared for Every Situation
Over one third (36 percent) of business travelers are stressed about making sure they pack the right clothes for any situation.Tip: As a frequent traveler myself, I recommend keeping an open dialogue with the trip planner and having a clear understanding of where you’ll be going and what you’ll be doing on the trip. For the unexpected outing, I always pack one to two extra accessories that I can mix and match to fit any occasion. For those who forget amenities when traveling, most of our properties offer toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors and deodorant. If traveling abroad, many of our newer hotels feature USB outlets that don’t require converters, and those that don’t often have spare converters that they can offer. Just ask!
Staying Healthy
65 percent of business travelers regularly pack workout gear but end up not using it.
Tip: Find a hotel with an in-room fitness center.
Five Feet to Fitness™ is Hilton’s revolutionary in-room wellness concept that brings 11 different fitness equipment and accessory options into the hotel room. This concept is the perfect option for a business traveler who can’t seem to find time to visit the fitness center and needs a quick and convenient way to fit their workout into their day.
Bleisure Stress
69 percent of new business travelers wish they could extend for leisure, but 46 percent admit they feel guilty doing so — 44 percent even worry it makes them look bad in the eyes of senior leadership.
To address this concern, last year, Hilton Hotels & Resorts enlisted the help of travel expert Payal Kadakia, founder and chairman, ClassPass.
She encouraged young professionals to “speak up.” “If you want to travel a day prior to meetings, you need to ask. You don’t know until you’ve asked and if your company says no, they say no. Make the ask about your work and emphasize how arriving early will help you to do well in your job.” – Payal Kadakia
