As business travellers prioritise their health, airlines, destinations, and employers are increasingly supporting them in maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
Beyond the usual travel headaches—delayed flights, lost luggage, and long security lines—many business travellers are also concerned about staying healthy during long-haul flights. It's not just about comfort; it’s about managing wellness amidst disrupted routines, jet lag, and exhaustion. With the pressure to perform while dealing with travel's physical toll, wellness has become a critical focus. Both individuals and companies are finding new ways to stay fit, focused, and resilient on the road.
Wellness extends beyond physical health, also encompassing mental performance. Time zone changes, poor sleep, and back-to-back meetings can affect cognitive function and productivity. Dr. Mark Fischer, Regional Medical Director for International SOS, notes, “Insufficient sleep can impair focus, productivity, and cognitive performance, especially for business travellers with demanding schedules.”
Prioritising sleep for peak performance
The key to success while travelling? Sleep. When travelling across multiple time zones, disruptions to your circadian rhythm can wreak havoc on your sleep schedule.To combat this, make sleep a priority. Whether it’s carving out time for short naps or creating an optimal sleep environment, it’s essential to help your body recover. “For frequent travellers, especially those who often take long-haul flights, disruptions to the body’s natural rhythms can worsen jet lag, making sleep even more important,” says Amanda Al-Masri, Vice President of Wellness at Hilton.
Tools like noise-cancelling headphones, eye masks, and neck pillows can make a world of difference in ensuring a more restful sleep during flights. Furthermore, sleep apps—offering guided meditations, white noise, and sleep tracking—can enhance your ability to relax and recharge.
Maintaining nutrition while on the move
Staying nourished while travelling is another key aspect of maintaining wellness. Food allergies, irregular meal times, and limited healthy food options can make it difficult to stay on track with nutrition while on the road.“More urban destinations are now offering diet-friendly options, which can be a real game-changer for travellers,” says Matt Burdette, VP of Business Development at The ASA Group, a leading travel security firm. “It’s always a good idea to research potential dining spots ahead of time and plan accordingly to avoid any nutritional setbacks.”
It’s also helpful to keep snacks on hand, particularly for long layovers or delays. Protein-packed snacks, fresh fruit, and even small meal prep can ensure that you're eating well while navigating tight schedules.
Staying active while travelling
Staying active while travelling might seem daunting, but it’s essential for maintaining energy and reducing stress. Health risks such as blood clots or asthma attacks due to changes in air quality are real concerns. “During long-haul flights, passengers can reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis by staying hydrated, changing positions frequently, or walking around the aircraft,” advises Dr. Fischer.
With your Priority Pass membership, you can also enjoy exclusive access to WithU fitness content, helping you stay on track with your fitness goals while travelling. Whether it’s a quick yoga session or a high-energy workout, WithU’s virtual classes provide the perfect way to keep fit during your trips.
The savvy traveller
The wellness movement has redefined business travel. In a post-pandemic world, business travellers now prioritise health, mental well-being, and self-care as essential parts of the travel experience.“Today, wellness is everywhere,” says Cathy Feliciano-Chon, Managing Partner of Finn Partners’ Global Travel Practice. With wellness tourism valued at £830 billion, it's clear that travel preferences are evolving.
Frequent flyer Kimberly Evans, CEO of Purposed Consulting, shares, “I try to stick to a routine when I travel. My vitamins, water intake, and sleep schedule don’t change just because I’m on the road.”
Many hospitality companies are making it easier to maintain wellness. Jodi Fernandez, Director of Global Sales at Hyatt’s Wellbeing Collective, explains that hotels now offer everything from in-room Peloton content to mindfulness sessions via Headspace for winding down.
Airports, too, are embracing wellness-focused designs, with designated quiet areas, calming music, and green spaces. These features are part of a broader trend towards travel that prioritises well-being and comfort.
When it comes to reducing travel stress, don’t forget about your Priority Pass membership. With access to over 1,700+ lounges worldwide, you can relax in peace before your flight, catch up on sleep in a sleep pod, or enjoy some quiet time away from the crowds. Plus, lounges offer comfortable seating, refreshing showers, and nutritious snacks to fuel you through your journey.
The future of business travel
The future of corporate travel is looking brighter than ever for wellness. According to the Global Business Travel Association, 52% of corporate travel buyers expect an increase in their travel budgets to support wellness initiatives, including more options for self-care and recovery.Before the pandemic, business travellers often had to rely on their own efforts—whether it was packing gluten-free snacks or fitting in a yoga class. Today, companies are recognising the value of healthy, well-rested employees, leading to more flexible travel policies and better support for traveller well-being.
This shift benefits both individual travellers and companies by making business trips more manageable and less disruptive to personal life, ultimately enhancing job satisfaction.
The future is bright
Remote work policies, digital nomadism, and a renewed focus on sustainability are all changing the way we approach business travel. As wellness becomes a priority, there’s a greater focus on balanced, mindful approaches to working while on the move.Airports are incorporating wellness features like smart lighting, biophilic designs, and green spaces. With your Priority Pass, you can make the most of these innovations—whether that’s by using Sleep 'n Fly pods for a power nap or unwinding at BeRelax Spas in select airports.
As more companies adopt wellness-focused practices, they’re recognising that healthier travellers lead to better performance.
Navigating the new business travel landscape
Looking ahead, 52% of corporate travel buyers predict an increase in their travel budgets to support wellness initiatives. Before the pandemic, travellers often had to rely on their own efforts to maintain wellness during business trips. But as wellness becomes a priority, corporate policies are evolving to support the well-being of employees.
In this new era, business travel isn't just about the destination—it's about how to travel smarter and with a greater focus on well-being, so you can perform at your best, wherever you go.