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5 minutes readContent
- What is bleisure?
- Benefits of bleisure travel
- How to plan a successful bleisure trip
- Why bleisure is shaping the future of corporate travel
- Final thoughts
What is bleisure?
Bleisure (pronounced “blee-zher”) is a growing trend in corporate travel, it’s the practice of blending business travel with leisure time—either before or after work commitments. By extending a business trip into the weekend, employees can have time to explore the city, visit museums, or unwind in local parks. A 2021 global survey of business travelers revealed that 89% of respondents sought to incorporate unused vacation days into their business trips. A National Car Rental study found that 79% of employees would be more willing to travel for work if they could extend the trip for leisure, allowing them more time to stay in the city and relax.
By extending a business trip into the weekend, employees can have time to explore the city, visit museums, or unwind in local parks.
Photo by lookstudio on Freepik
Benefits of bleisure travel
Bleisure helps employees return from business trips feeling more refreshed, not more exhausted. It breaks routine, supports wellbeing, and boosts productivity. Employees who plan a bleisure trip often come back happier and more refreshed than those returning from traditional business trips. The bleisure format helps break up the daily office routines and encourages employees to explore new destinations. This approach is also an effective HR tool for boosting employee motivation and long-term productivity.
How to plan a successful bleisure trip
1. Plan ahead: Proper planning is crucial when combining business and leisure. Research your destination early. Identify must-see sights, dining options, or wellness activities that fit around work commitments.
2. Schedule wisely: Aim to schedule meetings and business-related activities at the beginning of a trip or group them efficiently to free up more time towards the end of the stay. That way, the rest can be used for leisure without disruption.
3. Leverage business contacts: Use local contacts to discover hidden gems and authentic experiences in the area. Ask colleagues or partners for restaurant recommendations, scenic locations, and cultural events you can enjoy during your downtime.
Use local contacts to discover hidden gems and authentic experiences in the area.
Photo by PeopleImages on Shutterstock
4. Pack smart: Packing with a dual purpose in mind can streamline transition between business and leisure. Opt for outfits that work for both meetings and personal outings. Don’t forget leisure essentials — like walking shoes or a book for downtime.
5. Book bleisure-friendly accommodations: Choose hotels that cater to both business and leisure travelers. Many hotels offer specific amenities like spas, concierge services, guided tours, or rooftop pools — all perfect for unwinding after work hours.
6. Build in wellness activities: Long meetings and intensive work schedules can be draining, so schedule in time to decompress. Whether that’s for fitness and wellness activities. Use business trips as an opportunity to visit local yoga studios, indulge in a spa treatment, or explore nature trails to rejuvenate both mind and body.
7. Set a well-defined budget: Establish a clear budget that differentiates between company expenses and personal costs. Use expense tracking tools to maintain compliance and transparency.
Use expense tracking tools to maintain compliance and transparency.
Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash
Why bleisure is shaping the future of corporate travel
The boundaries between business and personal travel are blurring. As hybrid work and flexible scheduling become more common, travel policies are evolving to accommodate this shift. Here’s a look at emerging trends in bleisure travel that are set to flourish in the coming years.
1. Work-from-anywhere flexibility: The rise of remote working post-pandemic means that employees are not necessarily required to adhere to strict business trip itineraries. This flexibility allows for more integrated bleisure trips where work and play can happen seamlessly.
2. Sustainable travel practices: With increasing awareness of the environmental impact of travel, both employers and employees are incorporating sustainable practices into bleisure trips. This includes choosing eco-friendly accommodations, utilizing public transportation, and planning trips that support local communities.
Employers and employees are incorporating sustainable practices into bleisure trips.
Photo by Eder Paisan on Shutterstock
3. Digital nomadism: Bleisure is paving the way for more people to adopt a digital nomad lifestyle. With WiFi available almost everywhere, professionals can work from exotic locations and immerse themselves in new cultures without the limitations of a typical office setup.
4. Safety-first travel: Post-pandemic travel prioritizes health and safety, and bleisure trips are no different. Employers are more aware of their duty of care when employees travel, implementing comprehensive travel safety measures that enhance both business and leisure experiences.
5. Personalized travel experiences: Technology is enabling more personalized travel itineraries that match individual preferences and interests. From customized city tours to tailored culinary experiences, even short bleisure trips can be deeply enriched through personalization.
Technology is enabling more personalized travel itineraries that match individual preferences and interests.
Photo by Thanakorn.P on Shutterstock
Final thoughts
Bleisure isn’t just a buzzword—it’s an opportunity. When done right, it supports employee wellbeing, makes business travel more fulfilling, and optimises travel budgets. As more companies recognize the intrinsic value of blending business with leisure, the landscape of corporate travel will continue to evolve, creating richer experiences for employees while fostering stronger workplace relations and a happier, more motivated workforce overall.
Cover image: Photo by Max Whitehead on Unsplash
