• by Tanya Gazdik , October 18, 2016

Women do a better job than men disconnecting from work email when on vacation However, men return less stressed, according to Marriott Reward's Global Travel Tracker.

Rather than unplugging and recharging, travelers prefer to stay connected with work via email, with less than half those surveyed (47%) being able to completely disconnect while on vacation. While women do a better job than men (34% vs. 23%), men tend to return to work less stressed than women (44% vs. 36%). Travelers from Tokyo reported to be the most stressed after a vacation (35%) and those from Mexico City the least stressed (4%).

More than 6,600 travelers in 14 international cities including Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Washington, D.C., Toronto, London, Mexico City, Mumbai, Paris, Dubai, Tokyo, Shanghai and Munich participated in the online survey.

“It’s fascinating to see that the habits formed and stories gathered might be personal in nature, but universal in experience,” said Karin Timpone, global marketing officer, Marriott International, in a release. 

When it comes to favorite travel companions, 60% of all travelers would choose their spouse/significant other or their family. Washington, D.C., residents are the most likely to travel with their spouse (39%) while 17% of those from Mumbai travel with extended families most.

One-fourth (25%) of responders have had to share a guest room with a colleague. Travelers from Mumbai (38%) share rooms the most, while business travelers from Tokyo share the least (10%).

The findings also reveal that travelers in certain cities return to work less stressed that others, while some travelers prefer staying connected while away. Residents of Tokyo are most stressed returning to work after vacation, with 35% of respondents reporting some levels of stress. Residents of Mexico City reported the lowest levels of stress on return from vacation at just 4%. New York City logged in at 20%, the third most stressed post-vacation, while Chicago, Los Angeles tied for fifth with 17%.

Marriott deemed Oct. 14 “Global Travel Day,”  celebrating the merger of Marriott and Starwood and the linking of loyalty programs. The brand held a block party at Rockefeller Center. Marriott showcased its 5,700 properties across 30 brands, located in more than 110 countries, through an interactive 4,140 square-foot map. 

The walkable map features 30 large push pins fitted with RFID chips that members of Marriott Rewards, SPG or The Ritz-Carlton Rewards loyalty programs can swipe with a provided key-card, for a chance to win exciting travel prizes. 

In addition to the map experience, Marriott will place 250 larger-than-life push pins in front of all Marriott properties in New York City, signifying the vast array of brands and properties available to travelers now that Starwood has merged with Marriott International.

Loyalty members in the U.S. will also have a chance to win one of 30 travel packages through a unique social media “emojistakes.” For the week beginning on Oct. 14, loyalty members will be able to enter by sharing their dream destination with @MarriottRewards and @SPG on Twitter or Instagram, along with the push pin emoji and #YouAreHere #Sweepstakes.