What Kind of Business Traveler Are You?

[Photo: Flickr/FormalFallacy]

The number of times a person is in the road for work greatly affects the way they handle travel.  For a first-timer, the experience is overwhelming, but the seasoned pro traveler could pass through the airport with his eyes closed.  To better understand the goals and habits of business travelers, The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) released a study encompassing five different business travel types. Which type are you?

• The Veteran (Most Experienced) – 88% of veterans are over the age of 35, they average about 12 trips per year, and have business travel down to a science: easily managing all their arrangements and expenses.  Veterans also quickly adapt to new technologies keeping productive and in touch with those back home.
• Road weary (Frequent and most reluctant) – 74% of road weary business travelers are over the age of 35.  They take about 15 trips per year, and their top priority is staying safe and being able to stay in touch with people at home.
• Wide-eyed and anxious (Less Frequent Travelers Who Experience Travel Challenges) – 89% of wide-eyed and anxious travelers are under 54 years old and average about 11 trips per year.  They haven’t traveled much, and worry about navigating new places while keeping track of expenses and policy.
• Passionate high-tech (Enthusiastic travelers and early adopters of tech.) – 91% of this type are under the age of 54.  They take 13 trips per year and love being on the road for business.  They actively seek out new technologies that will keep them productive while traveling and make it easier to stay in touch.
• New recruits (Less Experienced Travelers Who Want to Share their Adventures) – 98% of this group are under 54 years old. They take about 14 trips per year, and they’re eager for more. They utilize social media to share their travel experience and most likely to work with computers.

For more information about each type of business traveler, visit the GBTA website.

Heading out on a business trip soon? >>With locations in 900 cities worldwide, check to see if there’s a Courtyard where you’re going next.

Related Articles:
7 Spots to Work and Relax Outside at Courtyard
America’s Most Stress-Free Airports
Is a Car Share Better Than a Car Rental?

GoCourtyard's Weekly Round-Up – Holiday Edition

We want to wish everyone happy holidays! If you are traveling this week, we hope you arrive at your destination safely and have a great trip.

Here’s a special holiday edition of this week’s round-up of travel news, tips and info that we found to be the most interesting and helpful. Make sure to check out all of the articles for some great ideas and advice on traveling over the holidays. Enjoy!

5 Fun Christmas Travel Games For Kids
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2239271/5_fun_christmas_travel_games_for_kids.html
Children almost always get bored traveling, whether they are in a plane, train or in a car. Check out this article to find out what games you can buy to keep your kids entertained while on the move.

“Up In The Air” Spotlights Airline’s Highest Fliers
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/15/business/15road.html?_r=1&ref=travel
Has anyone seen the new George Clooney movie “Up In The Air”? Check out this article to learn a few secrets about the world of air travel that could possibly help you out on your next trip.

Motion Sickness Bracelets, Pills & Patches: Which Remedy Actually Cures
http://www.businesstravellogue.com/travel-tips/motion-sickness-remedies.html
Are you scared motion sickness may kick in while traveling this Christmas? Motion sickness is an awful feeling that many people think is unavoidable. Take a look at this article for remedies that may cure you from that dizzy feeling.

The Flight Before Christmas
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/20/travel/20pracholiday.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss
Are you traveling over Christmas? Here is a holiday checklist that will help you navigate through the airport and prepare you for the worst to avoid all possible disasters.

Working Mothers Find Some Peace On The Road
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/01/business/01travel.html
We know that being a working mother can often be exhausting. Making dinner and putting the kids to bed after an 8 hour workday can wear anyone out. Check out this article to learn why some working mothers enjoy traveling for business.

Holiday Business Travel Tips: Find Last Minute Deals on Christmas Travel, Buy Christmas Insurance
http://business-air-travel.suite101.com/article.cfm/holiday_business_travel_tips
Are you traveling for business over the holiday or just trying to find some last minute Christmas travel deals? Take a look at this article for some great tips to ease your travels and not break your bank account.

Top 10 Airline Meals
http://information.travel.aol.com/news-and-tips/airline-meals
Dining at 30,000 feet is usually not too enjoyable due to airplane food not being quite up to par. However, airlines are beginning to understand that their passengers expect a decent meal while they are in the air. This article details 10 of the best airline meals for first class passengers.

Top Tips On Coping With Christmas Travel
http://www.theage.com.au/travel/traveller-tips/top-tips-on-coping-with-christmas-travel-20091211-ko6l.html
If you are traveling this Christmas, then this article is a must read. It has some great tips on how to arrive at your Christmas destination with a smile on your face.

How To Navigate Through Security Like A Pro
http://business-air-travel.suite101.com/article.cfm/how_to_navigate_through_security_like_a_pro
Check out this article for tips on how to navigate through airport security quickly, especially if you are traveling over the holidays. Security lines may be unavoidable but by planning ahead and packing efficiently, you can pass through security checkpoints quicker than ever.

GoCourtyard's Weekly Round-Up – Dec. 4, 2009

We hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving last week! Here’s this week’s round-up of travel news, tips and info that we found to be the most interesting and helpful. Make sure to check out the article on the best airline websites so you know what website to use when you book your next flight. Enjoy!

F.A.A. Clarifies What Can Be Stowed in Seat Back
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/01/business/01road.html?_r=3&partner=rss&emc=rss
Have you ever wondered how many items you are allowed to stow in your seat-back pocket in an airplane? The Federal Aviation Administration has issued new guidelines to clarify what passengers can and cannot put in the pockets.

The Best Airline Websites
http://www.economist.com/blogs/gulliver/2009/11/the_best_airline_websites
According to Google Trends, 77% of business travelers use the internet to book flights. Check out this article to find out which airline websites are the best and what makes them so good.

Private Jet Hire With Minimum Costs
http://business-air-travel.suite101.com/article.cfm/private_jet_hire_with_minimum_costs
We all know that traveling in a private jet is expensive which is why most of us probably never fly this way. However, due to increased competition, the price of private jet flights has gone down and it may actually make more sense to fly this way. Check out this article to learn more.

The Ultimate Guide To Selling Airline Miles
http://www.businesstravellogue.com/travel-tips/the-ultimate-guide-to-selling-airline-miles.html
Sometimes selling airline miles can be quite a challenge process due to different airline policies. Take a look at this article and learn about how to make this process easier.

Please Pack Less Say Baggage Handlers
http://www.businesstraveller.com/news/a-please-pack-lessa-say-aiport-baggage-handlers
Baggage handlers often get injured lifting heavy luggage. “Stop Injuries! Pack less campaign” is attempting to raise public awareness about this and a weigh limit of 15kg may eventually be placed on all checked baggage..

How To Shield Yourself From Business Travel Nightmares
http://www.inc.com/resources/travel/articles/20060401/wild.html
Check out this article for some great tips on what to do on your next business trip to avoid travel nightmares.

Top 7 Tips to Avoid Holiday Stress
http://businesstraveltips.suite101.com/article.cfm/top_7_tips_to_avoid_holiday_travel_stress
The holiday season is here and traveling during this time of the year can often be stressful. Check out this article for some tips on how to relieve holiday travel stress.

GoCourtyard's Weekly Round-Up – Nov. 20, 2009

Here’s this week’s round-up of travel news, tips and info that we found to be the most interesting and helpful.  The holiday season is quickly approaching, so make sure to check out the article on Thanksgiving travel for some great travel tips during this time of year.  Enjoy!

Airline Tests Retail Sales at 35,000 Feet
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/17/business/17sales.html?_r=3&partner=rss&emc=rss
Did you ever think you could buy tickets to a Broadway show 35,000 feet in the air?  Take a look at this article on how airlines are going to begin selling more than just drinks and sandwiches during flights.

Pregnant Business Travel
http://www.travelingmom.com/blogger/pregnant-business-travel/
Sometimes business travel is required, even if you an expecting mother.  Check out this article for tips on safe business travel while pregnant.

No One Pays For In-Flight Wi-Fi
http://www.economist.com/blogs/gulliver/2009/11/no_one_pays_for_inflight_wifi.cfm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+economist%2Fblogs%2Fgulliver+(The+Economist%3A+Gulliver
Some of us would rather pay $4 for a magazine to read during a flight than $1 for Internet access.  Airlines may be better off offering free in-flight Wi-Fi because most passengers see Wi-Fi in the air as a perk, not an add-on.

Three Thanksgiving Truths To Keep Air Travel From Becoming A Real Turkey
http://www.consumertraveler.com/today/3-thanksgiving-truths-to-keep-air-travels-from-becoming-a-real-turkey/
Traveling during Thanksgiving time can drive some people crazy with the crowded flights, long lines and increase in lost luggage.  If you are flying this Thanksgiving, check out this article for some tips on how to be prepared for the chaos.

Airlines Set New ‘Premium’ Charge For Holiday Travel
http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/travelers_check/archives/2009/09/airlines_set_ne.html
Are you getting tired of the increasing flight fares?  Some airlines are beginning to charge premiums during the holidays.  Make sure you read this article to find out which airlines are increasing their prices.

Turning iPhone Pictures into Postcards
http://www.businesstravellogue.com/gear/turning-iphone-pictures-into-postcards.html
For those of you who own an iPhone, you can now turn iPhone pictures into postcards.  Why not send your kids a postcard of what you’re doing during your business trip?