A recent TripAdvisor(TM) survey revealed that people are traveling often for work and are surprisingly enjoying it. Fifty-five percent of respondents travel for business at least once per month and 13 percent travel at least five times a month. Despite the complaints you hear at the water cooler, 55 percent of respondents admitted to enjoying business travel, while 41 percent consider it a necessary evil. Only four percent said it's something they avoid at all costs. More than 500 travelers completed the survey.

Apparently, money is no object -- when it's company money. Fifty-three percent of respondents admitted they are likely to tip more generously when it's a business expense than when it's coming from their own bank account.

What's the best thing about traveling for work? Visiting new places, according to 44 percent of respondents. Only 17 percent chose frequent flier miles.

Business travelers appear to like road fare -- only eight percent cited having to eat out all the time as the worst thing about traveling for business. Forty-two percent said missing their significant other and family is the worst thing about business travel, while 25 percent said the worst thing is visiting new places but not having time to explore.

Business travelers revealed the biggest turn-offs about hotels when traveling for work. Topping the list were non-smoking rooms that reek of smoke and uncomfortable beds.

"This survey showed that business travelers like hitting the road for work and they are doing it frequently," said Michele Perry, TripAdvisor spokesperson. "While most business travelers are likely toting laptops, I found it interesting that only 36 percent of respondents were bothered by poor Internet access in hotels."

As far as rental cars go, it's the service not the product that annoys travelers. While only 12 percent are dissatisfied with the types of cars offered, 37 percent note that their greatest frustration is long lines due to limited service staff.

The biggest annoyance for business travelers flying for work: a kid kicking their seat on an airplane, according to 53 percent of respondents.

About TripAdvisor(TM)

TripAdvisor.com(TM) is the leading global travel information and advice destination, with more than 2.7 million unbiased reviews and opinions and covering 200,000+ hotels and attractions. With more than 18 million unique monthly visitors worldwide (source: comScore Media Metrix, July 2005), TripAdvisor(TM) features real advice from real travelers and easy access to major online travel sites, including Expedia.com(R), Orbitz, Hotels.com(TM) and American Airlines, for the best deals on the Web. TripAdvisor(TM) (http://www.tripadvisor.com/) offers travel suppliers a cost-per-click marketing platform, so customers pay only for leads, not impressions, with every campaign. Winner of dozens of awards, including PC Magazine's Top 100 Web Sites and Forbes Best of the Web, TripAdvisor is an operating company of Expedia, Inc. .

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SOURCE: TripAdvisor