Bethesda, Maryland – 14 October 2016
Many people go on vacation to decompress, de-stress and take a mental break from the rigors of work. According to international respondents of the Global Travel Tracker released by Marriott Rewards, SPG and Ritz-Carlton Rewards, while a vast majority of people choose a nap over getting the heartrate pumping with a long run (67 percent vs. 33 percent), it’s not as cut and dry in how to return to work more relaxed. Coinciding with Marriott’s Global Travel Day on Friday, October 14, and in celebration of the recent, historic acquisition of Starwood by Marriott International, the global travel tracker is a new survey that illustrates trends among travelers worldwide.
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More than 6,600 travelers in 14 international cities including Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Washington, DC, Toronto, London, Mexico City, Mumbai, Paris, Dubai, Tokyo, Shanghai and Munich participated in the online survey that show trends in traveler’s habits on the road.
According to the study, travelers from around the world have a host of stories to share:
- The Lure of Email: Rather than unplugging and recharging, travelers prefer to stay connected with work via email, with less than half those surveyed (47 percent) being able to completely disconnect while on vacation. While women do a better job than men (34 percent vs. 23 percent), men tend to return to work less stressed than women (44 percent vs. 36 percent). Travelers from Tokyo reported to be the most stressed after a vacation (35 percent) and those from Mexico City the least stressed (four percent).
- Destination Relaxation: Although the list of fitness activities can be endless, the majority get their exercise by walking around town (56 percent). Travelers also overwhelmingly enjoy relaxing at the spa (86 percent) and beach time is favored over hiking in the mountains (71 percent vs. 29 percent). And women are more content to skip exercise and lounge by the pool (27 percent over 17 percent) when given the option of exercising.
- Let Someone Else Make the Bed: Nearly one-third (30 percent) of travelers say that not making the bed or leaving their hotel room a mess is their biggest vacation indulgence, while one in four (25 percent) indicate that staying in bed and ordering room service is their biggest vacation splurge.
- Squad Goals: Love wins! When it comes to favorite travel companions, 60 percent of all travelers would choose their spouse/significant other or their family. Washington, DC residents are the most likely to travel with their spouse (39 percent) while 17 percent of those from Mumbai travel with extended families most.
- Getting to Know Your Colleagues: One-fourth (25 percent) of responders have had to share a guest room with a colleague. Travelers from Mumbai (38 percent) share rooms the most, while business travelers from Tokyo, the least (10 percent).
