You Must Be Trippin'

People Watching

October 15 2008 by Chris McGinnis

Having covered the business travel beat as a writer and consultant (and business traveler) for nearly twenty years, I'm constantly trying to predict the needs and desires of our tribe. Editors and clients are always asking me, "What do business travelers want?"

The answer never changes. And the answer is: It depends.

It depends on your employment. Are you self-employed and paying your travel expenses out of your own wallet? Or are you an employee or contractor to a corporation that allows you to toss everything on to an expense report for reimbursement? The former wants the best value possible and will take the time to find the smartest bargains; the latter will seek out comfort, convenience and of course, loyalty points.

It depends on your emotional state. Are you leaving behind settled and content relationships when you hit the road, or are you breathing a big sigh of relief when you head out of town? Someone who is happy at home will work like crazy to get back as soon as possible, while the person who's not getting what he or she needs at home will likely linger longer on business trips, and maybe spend an extra weekend away in search of excitement or diversion.

It depends on what your trip is all about. Are you a bundle of nerves because you're traveling for a big speech or presentation? Or is this trip a courtesy call to an old friend who happens to be a great customer, or a contract signing celebration? If you're traveling on edge, you probably want to be left alone--an empty seat next to you on the plane or a long car ride would be great. You also want a quiet hotel room with space to spread out and rehearse and not be disturbed. But those whose trips are celebrations want something completely different--maybe it would be nice to strike up a chat with a fellow airline passenger. Maybe the hotel has a fun, lively bar or restaurant, or is in a hip neighborhood full of new people and new experiences.

Finally, it depends on the economy. Despite our many missions when it comes to travel, the economy is the one thread that ties us all together. As the economy goes, so go our business travel experiences. As the outlook gets murkier, I'm wondering how business traveler behavior might change.

QUESTION: How does the current economic situation change what YOU want as a business traveler?

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