Business Travel Habits by Generation

Carlson Wagonlit Travel's (CWT) recent Connected Traveler Study reveals a generational divide in how road warriors approach business travel.

For example, millennials are far more likely to travel in groups than their Generation X or baby boomer counterparts. Nearly six out of 10 millennials travel with others while on a business trip while more than 70 percent of baby boomers travel solo.

Gen-Xers are less likely to travel alone (58 percent) but also less likely than millennials to travel with a colleague or family member on business.

Millennials are more concerned about their personal safety: Almost one-third (29 percent) of the youngest generation of business travelers have canceled a trip due to security concerns, compared to just 20 percent of Gen-Xers and 12 percent of baby boomers.

Travelers between the ages of 24 and 34 are also more likely to contact family, friends, co-workers and clients when they travel. Nearly half of millennials (45 percent) reach out to friends or family more than once per day while our for work, compared to just 38 percent of Gen-Xers and 29 percent of baby boomers.

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The trend is reflected in how the three generations interact with clients and colleagues, with millennials 20 percent more likely to connect during travel compared to baby boomers.

When they do connect to family and friends from the road, older generations are more likely to pick up the phone than millennials, who turn to Skype at a much higher rate than Gen-Xers and baby boomers.

Yet, all three generations prefer email when communicating with colleagues.

"We see a massive generational shift among the habits of younger travelers—the much-vaunted millennials. Millennials are far more sociable when they travel, love technology and are most concerned about their own personal safety," said CWT's head of external communications, Julian Walker in a statement.

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CWT's findings are reinforced by a new report from International Living that shows an increasing number of baby boomers traveling solo to overseas destinations and even opting to retire abroad alone.

"It’s not surprising our editors around the world are seeing this trend given that singles—women particularly—often face greater financial pressures in retirement than married couples do," said International Living executive editor, Jennifer Stevens in a statement. "And by traveling and living in good-value destinations abroad, single retirees are able to expand their quality of life while saving money."

"It’s a way for solo baby boomers to take control of their retirement."

The confidence gained from life experiences along with that same freedom and adventure are undoubtedly significant factors in older generations of business travelers' tendency to venture out on their own.

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