Did you know that less than half the duration of a business trip is spent doing work? 48% in fact!
In our latest poll, we asked 1000 adults how they spend their time when travelling for work, and the majority confessed that there’s a lot of killing time between meetings. Watching TV in hotel rooms, reading a book and playing video games are among the most common past times. A massive 94% liked to find time to explore the local area, while 60% found it frustrating if they didn’t manage to do anything useful with all that free time.
Work travel? You deserve some downtime! Check out our new series with Angellica Bell
Angellica Bell
In light of this latest research, we wanted to help business travellers get the most out of their time away, which is why we’ve created the Downtime Series.
This exciting new series, hosted by the incredible Angellica Bell, includes insightful interviews and top tips from sleep experts, business leaders who travel regularly for work, and even the fundraising director from Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity!
Tamara Strauss, our Global Customer Director, said:
“Travelling for business can be both exciting and rewarding, but it's not without its challenges. One of the most common experiences professionals face on the road is boredom. Despite the new locations and opportunities, the routine of time away from home – which for many also means time alone – can quickly become monotonous.
When you're constantly on the move, it's easy for the excitement of the journey to fade, leaving you feeling disconnected from your usual sources of enjoyment and inspiration.”
On average, the people we polled go away for work around eight times a year, and 13% travel 16 times or more annually. While 33% enjoy these trips, 15% aren’t a fan of travelling for work according to the OnePoll.com data.
Unsurprisingly, the majority of people in the poll wished they had more free time during their business travel to explore – a whopping 85% have visited a totally new place for just one night and not been able to experience anything besides travelling between their hotel and place of work.
Premier Inn Downtime Series
Sarah & Angellica
Going for dinner (56%), exploring the location (54%) and having a drink in the bar (51%) were found to be popular ways travellers like to unwind on a business trip. 42% confessed to feeling lonely or awkward if they go away for work all by themselves, with 35% preferring to travel with a colleague.
Whether you’re flying solo or travelling with your team, our new series is ideal for business travel binge-watching during those down times.
Tamara Strauss added: “For those who do prefer staying in, business trips are a great opportunity to catch up on personal interests. Whether it’s diving into a good book, watching a movie you've been meaning to see, or working on a creative project, hotel downtime can be just as fulfilling as going out – safe in the knowledge of a great night’s sleep in front of you.
The technology we have at our fingertips today also makes it easier than ever to stay in touch, no matter where you are in the world.
Plus, with Premier Inn, it couldn’t be easier to enjoy a great meal, so those feeling uncomfortable dining solo don’t need to worry about going far – they can enjoy great service before happily retreating to their comfy Premier Inn bed in moments.”
So, whether you’re a frequent business traveller or you’re planning city breaks for your next big team event, our new Downtime Series will keep you entertained throughout your stay!