Different Generations, Different Journeys: What SAP Concur’s Latest Global Business Travel Survey Reveals

✈️ On my recent trip from the New York area to Chicago with two colleagues—one in their 20s and another in their 40s—I couldn’t help but notice how differently each of us approached business travel. From preferred flight times to seat choices and even meal options, we all had our own routines. One of us liked early flights, another swore by the aisle seat, and I’ll admit—I'm a team window for those takeoff and landing views; however, on longer flights, say four hours or more, I’ll admit I switch to team aisle. At 6’3, I like having the freedom to stand and stretch every now and then. Interestingly, though, there’s one thing we could probably all agree on: after years of traveling (and plenty of conversations with friends and colleagues), I’ve yet to meet anyone who actually enjoys the middle seat. 😅

Between our shuttle rides, conversations, and even the evening cruise on Lake Michigan, I was surrounded by colleagues and travelers spanning from Gen Z to baby boomers—and I couldn’t have asked for better company. One of my favorite nights in Chicago was spent on that cruise, surrounded by great people, delicious food, and a mix of smooth jazz and timeless classics that had a few of us dancing and laughing beneath the city lights. 🌃 The reflection of Chicago’s skyline on the water created the perfect backdrop to unwind and take it all in after a day of meaningful conversations and connection. Moments like that remind me why I love to travel—it’s not just about where you go, but who you share the journey with.

Nevertheless, one of my colleagues tried Chicago’s famous deep dish pizza—and even the city’s pizza potpie—for the first time, while another was visiting the city altogether for the first time. And, of course, the age-old debate came up—New York vs. Chicago 🍕 pizza. 😅 Personally, I love both; it really depends on what I’m in the mood for. New York’s pizza is delicious and classic—easy to eat on the go—while Chicago’s deep-dish is rich, hearty, and built for slowing down to savor every bite.

That friendly debate reminded me how business travel works, too: everyone has their own taste, their own preferences, and their own style.

According to the seventh annual SAP Concur Global Business Travel Survey—which gathered responses from 3,750 business travelers across 24 markets—nearly everyone (97%) says they are somewhat or very willing to travel for business this year. However, not all travelers are satisfied with their travel frequency or experiences. Younger professionals (Gen Z and millennials) are far more likely than older colleagues to say their travel frequency feels misaligned—some feel they travel too much, others too little—while baby boomers tend to report a travel pace that fits their lifestyle.

When I think about the generational differences in business and leisure travel, I can’t help but reflect on my own family. My parents and grandparents came from an era where travel meant connection—with their loved ones, friends, and colleagues. There were no cell phones or digital check-ins—just face-to-face conversations, handwritten itineraries, and the occasional call from a 📞 telephone booth. Later came beepers—a small but exciting leap forward in communication at the time. That kind of technology felt revolutionary back then! So before the rise of cell phones, laptops, apps, automation, and instant access, travel required a more hands-on approach. It’s no surprise that, according to SAP Concur 's findings, “[o]lder business travelers prefer a hands-on approach to booking; younger business travelers are interested in recommendations.”

For my generation, travel looks—and feels—different. We’ve grown up in an age powered by innovation, creativity and ingenuity—an era where technology like SAP Concur solutions has redefined and simplified what once took hours—from booking travel to managing expense reports. Convenience, automation, and AI support are now built into nearly every step of our journeys. That’s why I appreciate Concur Request (with its Request Assistant feature, which uses generative AI to estimate trip costs and incorporate preferences like flight class, route options and hotel ratings) and how, when paired with Concur Travel and Concur Expense, those insights flow into booking and expense workflows—aligning with company travel policy while still giving employees freedom of choice. It’s a win-win: organizations maintain control and travelers can focus less on logistics and more on meaningful work and connection.

Even as companies rethink their travel budgets, employees across generations are discovering new ways to make every trip meaningful—finding that sweet spot between comfort and cost.

According to SAP Concur’s 2025 Global Business Travel Survey, here’s where each group is adjusting:

Where They Cut Back:

🍔 “Eating cheaper meals—or preparing meals—to save on the per diem or travel allowance.” (Most common among Gen Z (92%) and millennials (87%), compared with Gen X (73%) and baby boomers (64%).

💳 “Using their personal card or rewards programs to earn points or miles.” (Also led by younger travelers—Gen Z (92%) and millennials (87%)—who are more likely than Gen X (73%) or baby boomers (64%) to adopt cost-saving habits).

🧳 “Using business or premium class, staying overnight to avoid a long day of travel, or paying more to use more sustainable travel options.” (Areas where companies have scaled back allowances, reported most frequently by Gen Z (93%) and millennials (90%), followed by Gen X (78%) and baby boomers (72%).

Where They Invest:

🏙️ “Staying at higher-quality hotels or booking a premium room.” (A trend seen across all generations, led by millennials (37%) and Gen Z (35%).

✈️ “Booking direct flights, even if more expensive.” (Most common among millennials (36%), followed by Gen X (29%) and baby boomers (19%).

🍽️ “Dining out at higher-quality restaurants or spending more on food and drinks.” (Especially common among Gen Z (34%).

Takeaway:

What stands out to me in this data is how business travel keeps evolving across generations. Gen Z (92%) and millennials (87%) are redefining what it means to be well-traveled—striking a balance between cost and comfort while using technology to make every trip more effortless. They’re thoughtful about how they spend, yet still want each experience to feel high-caliber and purposeful. Gen X (73%) and baby boomers (64%), meanwhile, bring a steadier approach to the road—rooted in familiarity, wisdom, and years of travel know-how. Together, the findings tell a larger story: business travel today is more intentional, more human, and more about personal preferences.

And just like the 🍕New York vs. Chicago pizza debate, we all like different kinds of pizza—with our own favorite toppings–some prefer extra cheese, others love pepperoni, mushrooms, some prefer deep dish, and others like a classic thin crust. The same goes for business travel: everyone has their own mix of “toppings,” their own way of making each journey reflect their personal taste and preferences. The best organizations recognize that and design travel solutions with everyone in mind—seamless, intuitive, and built for real people.

Across generations, travelers are redefining what it means to be well-traveled—whether they rely on digital convenience or tradition, most share the same goal: to feel comfortable, connected, and supported along the way. That’s why I love having SAP Concur solutions by my side—making travel simpler and smoother while accommodating the many “toppings” and preferences that shape how we all travel through the world. To explore how SAP Concur helps travelers across generations simplify and personalize their journeys, click here.

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