The Great T&E Tug-of-War: What 1,798 Travelers and Managers Actually Want in 2026

The world of work is changing fast. Many people are back on the road for work trips. Companies are looking at how they spend money on these trips. A recent study of 1,798 travelers and managers shows some interesting trends. It reveals what makes people happy and what makes them frustrated. Travel and expense rules are not just about money anymore. They are about how people feel when they are away from home. Understanding these views helps companies make better choices for their teams.

What Travelers Like About Modern Trips

Many people enjoy the chance to see new places. They like meeting clients in person again. Technology has made some parts of the trip much smoother than before.

• Travelers love using mobile apps to track their receipts. It stops them from losing small bits of paper. This makes doing expenses much faster when they get back home.
• Many people enjoy the rise of flexible booking options. Being able to change a flight without a big fee is a huge plus. It takes away a lot of stress.
• The chance to earn loyalty points is a big win for employees. They feel like they get a small reward for their hard work. It builds a sense of loyalty.
• Most staff like when they can choose their own hotels. Having a choice makes them feel more in control. It helps them stay in places where they feel safe.
• High-quality internet in hotels is a top priority for everyone. It allows them to stay in touch with family. It also makes finishing work in the evening much easier.

When it comes to business travel, the goal is to be productive. People want to get their work done without any tech issues. Simple tools help them focus on their goals.

The Biggest Frustrations for Employees

Not everything is perfect on the road. Many workers feel that the rules are too strict. They often run into problems that make their lives harder.

• Long wait times for getting money back is a top complaint. No one likes waiting weeks for a refund. It can cause money stress for the employees.
• Complicated expense software is another big issue for many. If a system is hard to use, people will avoid it. This leads to late reports and messy data.
• Hidden fees often pop up during the trip. This can include high costs for parking or resort fees. These small costs add up and cause stress for the traveler.
• A lack of support during an emergency is a major worry. Travelers need to know who to call if a flight is canceled. They feel lost without help.
• Feeling forced to stay in cheap hotels is a common dislike. Poor sleep makes it hard to work well the next day. Safety and comfort should always come first.

Is cost the only thing that matters? Most workers would say no. They believe that their well-being is worth more than a few saved dollars. Finding a balance is key for any company. Using a professional travel agent for business can solve many of these support issues.

How Managers View the T&E Process

Managers have a different set of worries. They have to keep an eye on the budget. They also need to make sure everyone is following the rules.

• Managers like having all the data in one place. It helps them see where the money is going. This makes it easier to plan for the next year.
• They appreciate when employees book within the company policy. It saves the manager from having to have hard talks. Clear rules help everyone stay on track.
• Automated alerts for overspending are very helpful for busy bosses. They do not have to check every single line. The system does the hard work for them.
• Managers value reports that show the return on investment. They want to know if the trip helped the company grow. This justifies the cost of the travel.
• Reducing the risk of fraud is a high priority for finance teams. Digital receipts make it much harder for mistakes to happen. It keeps the company's money very safe.

Efficient booking corporate travel is vital for a smooth operation. It ensures that the company gets the best rates while keeping staff happy. This is where SKIL Travel helps many companies find the right balance between cost and comfort.

The Importance of Safety and Sustainability

Data from the Global Business Travel Association shows a shift in focus. More people care about the planet and their safety than they did five years ago.

• Many travelers now look for eco-friendly hotel options. They want to reduce their carbon footprint while they work. Companies are starting to support these green choices.
• Safety tracking is a must-have for modern managers. They need to know where their team is at all times. This is especially true during bad weather or strikes.
• Sustainable transport options like trains are becoming more popular. Short flights are being replaced by rail travel in many regions. It is often seen as a more relaxed way to travel.
• Health and wellness programs are being added to many travel plans. This includes access to gyms or healthy food options. A healthy traveler is a happy worker.
• Training for safe travel is now offered by many large firms. It teaches staff how to stay safe in new cities. This builds trust between the boss and the worker.

According to a study by Cornell University, employee satisfaction is linked to how easy it is to travel. If the process is hard, people might quit their jobs. This shows that business travel is a tool for keeping talent.

Why Quality Support Matters

Do travelers prefer apps or people? The survey shows they want both. They want a good app for simple tasks but a human for big problems.

• A 24/7 help desk is worth its weight in gold. When a flight is delayed at midnight, an app is not enough. People need a real person to talk to.
• Expert advice on local customs can save a deal. Knowing how to act in a new country is very important. It shows respect to the local clients.
• Access to better rates through a partner is a huge plus. Small companies can save a lot of money this way. It levels the playing field for everyone.
• Streamlined billing saves the accounting team hours of work. Instead of many small bills, they get one clear invoice. This is a service provided by SKIL Travel.
• Customized travel plans fit the unique needs of each worker. Not every person wants the same type of room. Personal touches make a big difference in morale.

Suzanne Neufang of the GBTA once said, "The travel experience is no longer just a commodity; it is a vital part of the employee value proposition". This means that business travel must be handled with great care and respect.

Finding the Best Way Forward

The goal of T&E should be to make work easier. It should not be a chore that everyone hates. Modern tools and experts can help bridge the gap.

• Companies should ask their staff for feedback often. Learning what they dislike is the first step to fixing it. It makes the workers feel heard and valued.
• Investing in modern software pays off in the long run. It reduces errors and keeps everyone happy. Happy workers are more likely to do a great job.
• Clear communication of the rules is essential for success. If the policy is too long, no one will read it. Keep it simple and easy to find.
• Rewarding good travel behavior can encourage people to follow rules. This could be a small bonus or an extra day of rest. It creates a positive culture.
• Working with a trusted partner like SKIL Travel ensures you have the latest tools. They keep up with the trends so you do not have to.

What makes a manager happy? Usually, it is a mix of low costs and high compliance. When the system works, the manager can focus on bigger tasks. By focusing on the needs of the 1,798 people in the survey, any company can improve. Good business travel habits lead to a more successful and happy company.

References

• Global Business Travel Association. (2024). 2024 Business Travel Index Outlook. gbta.org
• Cornell Center for Hospitality Research. (2023). The Impact of Travel Policies on Employee Retention. hotelschool.cornell.edu
• Emburse. (2023). 2023-2024 Business Travel Survey of 1,798 Travelers and Managers. emburse.com

FAQs

1.What are the top challenges for business travelers in 2026?

Travelers often struggle with complex reimbursement rules and slow refund times. They also worry about safety during trips and lack of human support during flight disruptions or emergencies.

2.How does technology improve the expense reporting process?

Modern apps allow travelers to scan receipts instantly using their phones. This automation reduces manual data entry errors and helps employees submit reports faster, leading to quicker money returns.

3.Why is sustainability becoming a priority in T&E policies?

Many companies now have strict carbon goals to meet by 2026. Employees also prefer eco-friendly hotels and rail travel over short flights to reduce their personal impact on the planet.

4.What are the benefits of using a travel agent for business?

A professional partner provides 24/7 support that apps cannot match. They help negotiate better rates, ensure safety tracking, and give expert advice on local rules, making the entire journey much smoother.

5.How can managers improve travel policy compliance among staff?

Managers should use clear, simple language in their policies and provide regular training. Offering a user-friendly booking platform also encourages employees to stay within company rules without feeling restricted.