Business trips vs. Zoom calls: How remote work changed business travel
Business travel used to be the backbone of corporate relationships—until Zoom replaced it almost overnight during the pandemic. Virtual meetings proved efficient and cost-effective, but something was missing. Now, with hybrid work reshaping the landscape, companies are rethinking when—and why—business travel matters.
So, where do in-person corporate travel trips fit in today’s virtual world? Let’s dig in.
Zoom Calls: The pandemic’s quick fix
During the pandemic, everyone became an expert in video conferencing overnight. Virtual meetings weren’t just convenient; they were the only option. Teams adapted quickly, clients accepted the change, and for a while, it seemed like business travel might become a thing of the past.
The shift made sense. Why pay for a flight and hotel to meet a client when a Zoom call could handle it? We cut out all the fluff—the handshakes, small talk, and expense reports. Zoom calls were efficient. If a client needed an update, you could do it in 30 minutes without leaving your house.
But there’s a catch. Virtual meetings lack a certain something. You can’t read body language through a screen and build trust over pixelated faces and glitchy audio? It’s great for getting work done, but terrible for building relationships. And after months (or years) of nothing but virtual interactions, people started craving real connection again.
Business travel isn’t dead—it’s just more intentional
The thing about business travel is that it wasn’t just about getting work done; it was about relationships, reading the room, and making real connections. When you meet someone in person, the dynamic shifts. There’s an energy, a trust that can’t be replicated in a video call.
That’s why, even though Zoom has a permanent place in our work lives, business travel is still very much alive. A business travel company can now help organizations streamline their travel plans, ensuring that every trip is targeted and valuable. It’s just more focused now. Companies are getting smarter about how and when they send people on the road.
Instead of flying across the country for routine updates or a single meeting, travel is now reserved for situations where being there really matters. Think of high-stakes negotiations, key client introductions, or events where networking is essential. The trips are fewer, but they carry more weight.
Hybrid work: Shaping the future of business travel
Hybrid work is a huge driver behind the shift in how we approach travel. With more companies offering flexible work arrangements, face-to-face meetings have become a bit of a luxury. For many teams, especially those working remotely, business trips are the only chance to connect in person.
These aren’t the old, mundane trips we were used to. Now, corporate travel is about culture-building, collaboration, and creating moments that matter. Teams come together for offsite strategy sessions, retreats, or big project kickoffs. It’s no longer just about a client meeting or trade show; it’s about creating space for the human side of work.
For remote teams, these trips are a way to foster relationships that otherwise exist entirely online. Employees, who may have only interacted through Slack or Zoom, get to meet, share meals, and build a real rapport. These moments, while expensive, are invaluable.
The new normal: Balancing business travel with virtual work
So, where does business travel fit in now? It’s all about balance. Zoom calls will still be the go-to for most routine meetings. They save time, they save money, and they make life easier for everyone. But there are times when showing up in person is worth the investment.
Companies need to evaluate their travel policies with a more strategic eye. Instead of defaulting to either virtual or in-person meetings, the question becomes: what’s the most effective way to make this connection? Does it need face-to-face interaction, or can we handle it virtually?
In the end, it’s not about choosing one over the other. It’s about using the right tool for the right job. Zoom calls aren’t going anywhere, but neither is business travel. The key is finding the sweet spot—where remote work saves time and money, but business trips build relationships and drive growth.
The bottom line
The days of endless flights and routine trips may be over, but business travel isn’t going away. It’s evolving. Companies are getting smarter about when to send their teams on the road, making those trips more meaningful.
We’re in a new era of business travel—one where every trip has a purpose. It’s no longer about showing up just for the sake of it. Now, it’s about making the most of every meeting, every connection, and every opportunity to build something real.