Which business travellers are best at staying in touch with family?

Half of business travellers from the Americas contact their families when on business trips, more than those from other regions, according to the CWT Connected Traveller Study. Only one-third (31%) of travellers from Asia-Pacific (APAC) and around a quarter (27%) of Europeans touch base with their families while on the road. The survey of more than 1,900 business travellers revealed that travellers from the Americas are also more likely to check-in more than once a day (47%), whether by phone, text, email, or other methods, compared with travellers from Europe (37%) and APAC (32%). “Obviously business travellers miss family life when they are away, but most travellers make sure they stay in touch,” said Julian Walker, head of external communications at Carlson Wagonlit Travel. While there were similarities across the Americas, Europe and APAC, the study exposed key differences in the ways and frequency with which business travellers connect with family. For example, European travellers (49%) are more likely to use a phone to communicate with family and friends while travelling compared with 43% of those from the Americas and 41% from APAC. Conversely, travellers from the Americas (20%) are more likely to text family and friends than those from APAC (17%) or Europe (13%). Regardless of location, CWT’s research revealed that around a quarter of travellers from each region Skype their families. “While technology continues to evolve, most travelers still favor traditional ways to connect with family and friends,” said Walker. “Digital tools, like video calls, are making it easier for travellers to feel more connected with their family when they’re away.”