The stress of the business traveler, a malady of many

Traveling for work can be a source of stress. That's how 35% of professionals feel about it, according to a study by Booking.com Business. Delays and cancellations, language barriers… ¿What are the most important sources of stress and how can they be avoided? 

What are the most important sources of stress and how can they be avoided? 

What are the most important sources of stress and how can they be avoided? 

What are the most important sources of stress and how can they be avoided?

Cancellations or delays

Four in ten workers (41%) believe that, in general, travel cancellations and delays are stressful. For NGO and charity workers, this percentage rises to 53%.

SOLUTIONS. There is no 100% guarantee that travel will not be cancelled or delayed. Even so, risks can be limited. In case of traveling by plane, choose direct flights to avoid stopovers or layovers. In addition, there are several apps that warn in time of delays or expected cancellations.

Bad signal or lack of wifi

One in three professionals (33%) is stressed, but especially those working in sales (43%) or in the field of law (41%).

SOLUTION. Inform yourself through the same accommodation provider or specific platforms with reviews from other business travelers about different accommodation options.

Getting sick

Three in ten workers (30%) are stressed by the possibility of being unwell during a trip. Those most likely to be affected are professionals in the Arts and Culture sector (39%) and business management consultants (34%).

SOLUTIONS. Long flights, jet lag, impossible schedules and work pressures can take a toll on health. It is advisable to carry a small first-aid kit with medicines, as well as vitamins to boost the immune system. It is important to reserve a comfortable room in order to enjoy a good night's sleep.

The language barrier 

Three out of ten professionals (30%) believe that not knowing how to speak the language of the destination is stressful, especially in the Industry (38%) and Architecture & Design (34%) sectors.

SOLUTION. Language barriers can be difficult, especially in the workplace. Translation apps are reliable and simple tools that we can use on the go. Some even have a function to know how to pronounce words. It is also a good idea to memorize some basic phrases in advance. If the language barrier is total, you can hire a translator.

Forgetting something important at home 

More than one in four professionals (28%) find this point very stressful. Those most afraid of leaving something important at home are mostly in law (39%).

SOLUTIONS. There are apps that make lists of clothes and utensils. In addition to taking into account the weather forecast of the destination, they recommend lists predefined by other business travelers. It is also very common for hotel reception to have items that are often forgotten.

Managing the itinerary

One in four professionals (25%) find it counterproductive to have to manage the itinerary and organize meetings for their business trips. Among all professions, architects are the most affected (33%).

SOLUTION. The agenda of a business trip is usually quite tight to make the most of the little time you have. There are many solutions on the market, from self booking tools to specific apps to manage bookings, develop itineraries, receive alerts, make changes, organize the agenda, etc.