Americans say remote work can be really helpful when planning for trips during holiday season!
Remote work is giving Americans more opportunities to travel during the holiday season. According to Deloitte’s holiday travel survey, 49% of employed travelers are “laptop luggers” who plan to work at some point during their holiday trips, which is an increase compared to 34% last year.
This flexibility allows workers to take longer trips or visit places they might not have considered otherwise. Younger generations, particularly Gen Z (born between 1997 and 2012), and high earners are leading the trend, with 58% and 52%, respectively, working remotely during travel.
Eileen Crowley, Deloitte’s vice chair and U.S. transportation, hospitality, and services attest leader, noted that this shift is significant. “It’s almost across all income levels and age groups”, she added. Deloitte surveyed 4,074 American adults in September, with 2,005 of them identifying as holiday travelers.
Julia Pollak, chief economist at ZipRecruiter, highlighted how remote work has become a priority for job seekers since the pandemic. In the third quarter of 2024, 51% of surveyed job seekers listed the ability to work from anywhere as a top reason for seeking remote jobs, up from 40.8% in early 2022, according to ZipRecruiter data.
According to experts, this shift has allowed workers to adjust their travel plans. “People are willing to cut corners to save money, but they don’t want to skip the trip entirely”, said Ted Rossman, an industry analyst at Bankrate.
What’s Allowing People To Holiday Travel?
Despite economic challenges, 83% of holiday travelers are finding ways to save money, according to Bankrate. Strategies include driving instead of flying, cutting non-travel expenses, and hunting for discounts. Hopper’s 2024 Holiday Travel Outlook reveals that:
- 50% of respondents are reducing other expenses;
- 49% are using discounts or deals;
- 22% plan to travel on off-peak days;
- 21% are using credit card points or miles to cover costs.
For those planning to work remotely during trips, Julia Pollak advised reviewing company policies. Some organizations have strict rules requiring employees to work from home, within the company’s home state, or inside the U.S. unless otherwise authorized. Violating these policies could lead to penalties or even job termination.
Pollak also suggested discussing plans with a supervisor: “Some managers just care that you’re getting the job done and aren’t concerned how”. However, reliable Wi-Fi and electricity are essential to ensure work commitments are met while traveling.