Holiday travel has long been associated with specific dates and crowded airports. People traditionally took time off from work to spend the holidays with their families, resulting in a surge of travelers in airports before and after major holidays. However, the rise of flexible and remote work arrangements, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has significantly shifted holiday travel trends. With professionals now able to work from anywhere, the need for time off solely due to geographical constraints has diminished.
This newfound flexibility has profoundly impacted various aspects of holiday travel, ranging from the duration of trips to the days chosen for travel. TravelPerk, a leader in travel management solutions, has compiled valuable insights on how flexible work has reshaped the face of holiday travel, drawing from sources such as Deloitte, the Washington Post, and the New York Times. Let's delve into how flexible work is transforming our holiday travel experiences.
The Rise of 'Workcations'
Flexible work arrangements have contributed to a surge in "workcations" or "bleisure" trips, where individuals combine work and leisure during their extended holiday travels. With the ability to work remotely from different destinations, professionals are taking longer trips and adding an average of six extra days to their travels, as revealed by a Deloitte survey. This trend reflects a growing inclination among travellers to blend work and leisure, allowing them to enjoy a longer holiday while staying connected to their professional obligations. Approximately one in four travellers intend to work during their longest holiday trip.
Extended Holiday Trips
Remote work has led to a significant increase in the duration of holiday trips. With the freedom to work remotely, employees are opting to extend their leisure trips, leveraging their ability to work during the day while enjoying quality time with friends and family during weekends and evenings. Notably, travel data shows that the most popular travel date for Thanksgiving in 2022 was the Friday before the holiday rather than the traditional Wednesday before. This shift indicates a 26% average increase in the length of travel, with workers reporting enhanced satisfaction and relaxation as they have more time to unwind and embrace their vacation experience.
Shifting Flight Demand
The flexibility afforded by remote work has also reshaped the timing of flights. Previously, travellers scheduled their flights for late nights to maximize their office hours before embarking on their journeys. However, according to the New York Times, there has been a notable increase in midday flight bookings. Travellers are now prioritizing midday departures as they can work remotely from their laptops even while in the air. This shift in flight demand underscores the changing dynamics of travel influenced by the adaptability of remote work.
Evolving Peak Travel Days
Historically, certain days of the week have been more popular for booking holiday travel, particularly around major holidays. However, the flexibility of remote work has enabled travellers to start their trips earlier and extend them beyond traditional dates. This newfound freedom has numerous benefits, including the opportunity to secure better-priced airfare and the ability to avoid peak travel days. Travellers can now choose less crowded travel days, resulting in a more relaxed and stress-free journey.
The Emergence of Airport Coworking Spaces
As the number of professionals travelling during the workweek increases, the demand for suitable work environments at airports has become evident. To address this need, airport coworking spaces have emerged as a new amenity. Companies like IWG, with nearly 50 workspaces in airports worldwide, are leading the way in this area. Some airport coworking spaces, such as the one in Amsterdam's airport, even offer meeting rooms. With plans to establish over 1,000 additional locations in 2023, this trend signifies the growing
recognition of the need for dedicated workspaces within airport premises.
The Future of Holiday Travel in the Era of Flexible Work
The growth of remote work and its impact on travel extend beyond the holiday season. As LinkedIn reported in October 2022, 64% of job seekers applied for at least one remote job, with remote listings continuing to attract the majority of applications. The demand for work flexibility remains strong, indicating that the prevalence of workcations, bleisure trips, and extended holiday travel will persist. As remote work continues to reshape the working world, we can expect further changes in how and when we travel.
In conclusion, the flexibility afforded by remote work has ushered in a new era of holiday travel. From workcations that blend work and leisure to longer trips and changing flight patterns, the landscape of holiday travel is evolving. As we adapt to the new normal of flexible work arrangements, we have the opportunity to explore fresh travel experiences, optimize our time, and enjoy the freedom to combine work and play during the holiday season. So, embrace the flexibility, discover new destinations, and reimagine your holiday travel adventures in this ever-changing world.
