An international business trip used to have a relatively simple structure: arrive, attend meetings, complete the work and return home.
That pattern is changing.
Mastercard's 2026 Travel Trendline, developed in partnership with The Harris Poll, surveyed more than 15,000 consumers across 10 countries. One of its findings was particularly interesting: 81% of business travellers said they had extended an international business trip for non-work purposes.
Instead of returning immediately after a meeting or conference, travellers may spend additional days exploring the destination, enjoying personal activities or meeting family and friends. The business trip and the personal holiday are becoming part of the same itinerary.
Wellness and family time are popular additions
Mastercard found that two of the most popular additions to extended business trips were:
25% chose wellness activities.
25% added time with family or friends at the destination.
These figures show that international travel can serve several purposes within one journey.
A business traveller may attend meetings in Paris, spend a weekend with family in the south of France and then continue to another destination. Another may add a wellness experience after a demanding conference.
For companies serving international travellers, this creates a wider range of requirements than a standard airport-to-hotel booking.
Travelling alone does not mean travelling without support
Mastercard's research also found that 39% of international travellers had already taken a trip alone.
Among international leisure travellers, interest in solo experiences is also growing. The report found that seven in ten were interested in experiences designed to connect them with like-minded people.
This is a useful distinction. Travelling alone can mean having more control over an itinerary, not necessarily avoiding organised services or local experiences.
Some travellers may prefer independent plans while still arranging private transportation, accommodation, local assistance or other services in advance.
More varied journeys create different service requirements
When a single trip combines business, leisure and family time, the arrangements can become more varied.
A business itinerary may involve executive transportation and event transfers. The personal part may require family transportation, hotel arrangements or selected lifestyle services.
If the journey crosses several destinations, different local providers may be needed.
This is where an established service relationship can be useful. Instead of treating every requirement as an unrelated booking, travellers can have their needs reviewed through one membership relationship, with each provider responsible for its own agreed service.
How Sterling supports different types of travel
Sterling Protection Partners offers individual and Family Office Membership arrangements for members who may have different travel and service requirements.
Depending on the request, Sterling can coordinate suitable services through its network, including close protection, luxury chauffeur services, travel assistance and selected lifestyle arrangements.
For family offices, the model can also support authorised members whose requirements may differ from those of the principal.
Membership and service charges are handled separately. The annual membership fee establishes the relationship, while individual services are assessed and charged according to the agreed scope. Eligible services may qualify for the Deferred Settlement Privilege, subject to the applicable terms and limits.
A business trip that becomes a family holiday may involve different requests, different providers and different costs. Sterling's approach is to review those requirements rather than assume that one fixed package will suit every journey.
Contact Sterling Protection Partners to discuss your destination, travel dates, transportation requirements and any additional protection arrangements. Alternatively, contact Sterling through WhatsApp: +33 7 56 97 66 87
Discover the story behind our 30-year journey and learn more about Sterling's history and experience. Sterling Protection Partners - Prepared Before You Need Us. Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information. Card issuance, validity, suspension, replacement and verification are subject to Sterling's membership terms and applicable procedures.*