More young professionals are enhancing their work trips and extending their time off using company resources.
By Eve Upton-Clark
November 20, 2025
Sarah LeMoine turned her work trip to a conference in Miami into a celebration by inviting a friend to join her for her 24th birthday. Similarly, when her job took her from Canada to Los Angeles, she added extra days for personal exploration and content creation for her 57,000 TikTok followers.
“You don’t need to rely on someone to treat you to a vacation. Just work in a corporate job with travel perks,” LeMoine shared in a recent TikTok. “I always maximize business trips because they mean free travel.”
While approaching work trips as opportunities for luxury isn’t new, Gen Z is increasingly blending business with leisure. Nearly two-thirds of Gen Z employees report mixing personal travel with work commitments, according to a Harris Poll survey for the business travel platform Engine. Hotels.com Business Trip Report also indicates that Gen Z travelers are more inclined than older generations to extend their trips.
Unlike the traditional road warriors of the past—who rushed to business meetings in uninspired locations—Zoomers are adept at making the most of their travel, often bringing friends along to share the experience.
“Younger generations prioritize experiences and are savvy travelers,” says Christie Hudson, a travel expert from Hotels.com. They’re eager to showcase their upgraded flights, stylish outfits, and hotel stays before attending conferences.
Zoomers, along with some millennials, are not just excited about work trips; they’re also more willing to invest their own money for a more enjoyable experience. Nearly 90% of Gen Z and 70% of millennials view work travel as an opportunity to enhance their lifestyles. They’re over twice as likely to pay out of pocket for flight upgrades and about two-thirds have opted for nicer hotel accommodations compared to 50% of older generations.
“If I find a good deal, around $300 to $500, I’d definitely go for it,” says LeMoine, who identifies as budget-conscious and sets a limit on paying for upgrades.
They are also more inclined to extend their stays at upscale hotels and utilize corporate discounts. Emily Nasser, 26, often finds herself traveling to luxury venues for work. Last November, she attended a conference at the luxurious Ojai Valley Inn and invited a friend to join her, taking advantage of the corporate rate that drastically reduced their hotel costs.
“It was incredible,” Nasser said. “I wouldn’t have been able to do that without my job.”
While many work trips may be to less exciting destinations, Nasser hopes for more exotic opportunities in the future. “Europe has always been a dream destination for me,” she noted.
Young professionals are more willing to undertake long journeys if it leads to a bucket-list location. For instance, while older colleagues might relish a trip to London, Tokyo tops the list for many Zoomers.
Additionally, the way credit card points work in today’s economy makes business travel an appealing opportunity to accumulate rewards. More than half of Gen Z rely on points for travel expenses, with nearly half making choices based on maximizing these rewards, according to a Qualtrics study for Intuit Credit Karma.
Scrolling through social media, it seems like business class is filled with 20-somethings enjoying luxury travel experiences. Having grown up watching influencers indulge in lavish trips, it’s natural for this new generation of business travelers to seek similar experiences, even if they have to pay out of pocket for upgrades.
However, with many in Gen Z also navigating personal debt, splurging on upgrades can lead to challenges if they’re living beyond their means. “Much of Gen Z’s understanding of the adult world comes from observation rather than direct experience,” says Grace McCarrick, a keynote speaker focused on professional culture.
“While social media creates a perception of normalcy, the reality is different—most people are still flying in economy.”
Nonetheless, attaching a vacation to a work trip can be a wise choice. In a world where side hustles and content creation are prevalent, extending business travel can even provide opportunities for sharing experiences.
Embracing the mindset of being the “main character” in their lives, Zoomers often post significantly more on social media during work trips. In fact, 75% of them splurge on upscale dining and entertainment to enrich their content.
“I aim to express gratitude rather than flaunt my experiences,” says Nasser, who promotes her corporate travels to over 100,000 TikTok followers. “If I’m in a beautiful location, why not share it?”
While Nasser’s company supports her TikTok endeavors, not every employer may feel the same. Frequent posting can complicate expense reporting, especially if it leads to upgrades that could raise eyebrows.
“When upgrading travel, be mindful,” advises McCarrick. “If everyone else is in economy, it might not be wise to be the only one flying business class; that can leave a bad impression.”
An attitude of entitlement can create friction among colleagues, she adds. Companies that discourage combining work and leisure might risk losing potential hires. For young professionals who value work-life balance, a solely business-focused trip could result in disengagement and a search for more flexible opportunities elsewhere.
“Young workers pay attention to employer flexibility,” Hudson says. “They’re drawn to companies that encourage experiences and prioritize a healthy work-life balance.”
Nasser agrees: “I love showcasing companies that embrace this approach. If you’re unhappy at your job, perhaps it’s time to consider a company that supports travel.