A new analysis by the business travel agency FCM Travel among 450 business travellers in the Nordic region reveals clear differences in travel behaviour between men and women. While men are more frequently on the road, the figures show that women place a higher priority on comfort, safety, and climate-friendly choices. The survey also points to interesting differences regarding planning, health priorities, and the use of so-called ”bleisure” – a combination of work and leisure.
Men travel more – women travel more smartly for the climate
Data shows that business travel is dominated by male travellers: 47 percent of men surveyed travel for work at least once a month, compared to 32 percent of women. However, women excel in several other areas – including their choice of transport.
A full 58 percent of women travel by train, compared to only 42 percent of men. Air travel is significantly more popular among men (74 percent), while only 26 percent of women choose flying as their primary mode of transport. The figures suggest that women are more likely to consider both the climate and travel comfort when planning their journeys.
This trend is further strengthened by women's planning habits. The survey shows that women are generally better at planning well in advance – the vast majority book their business trips at least two weeks in advance, which can contribute to more efficient and less stressful journeys.
Despite an increased global focus on sustainability, the analysis nevertheless shows that fewer than 5 percent of both men and women cite environmental impact as the most important factor when choosing transport for business travel.
”Bleisure is popular among women
Women are not only more climate-smart and structured in their planning – they also succeed to a greater extent in getting more out of their trips. According to the analysis, women are more likely than men to combine business trips with leisure, known as ”bleisure”.
This flexible form of travel allows employees to extend a business trip with private time. The survey also shows that 32 percent of women prefer to eat at the hotel rather than go out into the city – significantly more than the 21 percent of men who make the same choice.
Safety and health are prioritised differently
Women's travel habits are more influenced by the need for safety and well-being. A full 31 per cent of female respondents state that they have felt vulnerable during a business trip – a stark contrast to just 4 per cent of men.
The analysis also shows that health and physical activity are valued differently between the sexes. More than twice as many men as women state that they do not consider it important to remain active and healthy during business trips.
FCM Travel: Insights to drive change
– These insights are important because they show how travel policies can be adapted to different needs and behaviours. If we want to create safe, effective, and sustainable business travel, we must understand what motivates and worries travellers – regardless of gender, says Bodil Månsson, Managing Director for FCM Travel Nordics.
– We help companies use data like this in an active way. It's not about giving special treatment, but about offering flexible and inclusive solutions that reflect employees' actual needs. This ultimately leads to more satisfied travellers and better results – both for the individual and for the business, she adds.
About the survey
The analysis was carried out by FCM Travel in March 2025 and is based on responses from 450 business travellers in the Nordic countries.
According to the press release.
