Bleisure Travel: The Perfect Blend of Business and Leisure
Bleisure, a recent trend that effortlessly merges business with leisure, is reshaping how professionals travel.
As the work landscape evolves with more flexible work arrangements, bleisure travel is becoming increasingly popular. Indeed, statistics reveal a telling trend: nearly half of the global employees (46%) plan to engage in business or bleisure travel in 2024.
Furthermore, a significant portion of younger professionals — more than a third of Gen Z and Millennial business travelers — intend to extend business trips for leisure. This emerging travel trend caters to a modern workforce that values efficiency and well-being in equal measure. But what exactly is bleisure travel?
Let's explore the definition and why it's becoming a favored choice among today's professionals.
What is Bleisure Travel?
Bleisure travel is a dynamic concept that combines business travel with leisure time, allowing professionals to extend their work trips with personal vacations. This hybrid travel mode enhances the travel experience and supports work-life balance, making business trips less of a chore and more of an opportunity.
Jeanne Liu of the Global Business Travel Association highlights the significance of this trend in a BBC post. "Travel wellbeing relates to job satisfaction, which means people stay productive and stay longer in their jobs,” she notes. “Being able to take your kids or your family, to add some fun elements to a trip, makes that trip much less stressful."
This approach to travel reflects a broader shift towards prioritizing employee well-being. It shows that bleisure travel can positively contribute to job satisfaction and productivity.
The Benefits of Bleisure Travel
Discover the benefits of bleisure travel, from increased job satisfaction and personal enrichment to better mental health for employees.
Benefits for Employees
Bleisure travel offers a range of advantages that can enhance employees' work-life balance, fostering both personal growth and professional fulfillment.
- Reduces Stress: Combining work travel with leisure activities allows employees to unwind and recharge, reducing burnout and stress.
- Increases Job Satisfaction: Employees who engage in bleisure travel often feel more valued by their employers, leading to higher job satisfaction.
- Cost-Effective: Extending a business trip for leisure can be more economical than planning a separate vacation.
- Earns Loyalty Points: Many travel programs offer points that can be accumulated during business travel and used for future personal vacations.
- Boosts Creativity: Exposure to new environments and cultures can enhance creativity and inspire new ideas.
Embracing bleisure travel can transform a routine business trip into a rejuvenating experience, contributing positively to an employee's well-being and career satisfaction.
Benefits for Employers
For employers, bleisure travel presents a strategic opportunity to boost workplace morale and enhance team productivity.
- Encourages Willingness to Travel: Employees are more likely to accept business trips if they can incorporate leisure time.
- Boosts Morale: Offering bleisure opportunities can improve overall morale and employee retention.
- Improves Productivity: Refreshed and recharged employees are more productive and engaged.
- Attractive Employee Perk: Bleisure travel is a desirable perk that can help attract and retain talent.
Incorporating bleisure travel into company culture can help organizations improve employees' work experiences.
Top Bleisure Travel Destinations
Exploring new cities and cultures can significantly enhance a business trip, making it an enriching experience. Here are some top destinations where you can maximize both your work and play:
New York City, New York
Known as the city that never sleeps, New York City offers an exhilarating mix of business opportunities and iconic attractions, from Times Square to Central Park. It’s a city where industry meets art in every borough, providing endless possibilities for extending a business trip into a memorable vacation.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco is a prime spot for bleisure travelers with its booming tech scene and picturesque landscapes. After your Silicon Valley meetings, why not walk across the Golden Gate Bridge or explore the historic Fisherman's Wharf?
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago offers a vibrant cultural scene alongside its significant commercial centers. Business travelers can enjoy architectural river cruises, world-class museums like The Art Institute of Chicago, and culinary delights such as deep-dish pizza, all within the same trip.
Miami, Florida
Miami is the place to be for those looking to mix business with a bit of sun and sand. This city serves as a hub for international business and offers tropical beaches, lively nightlife, and a vibrant arts scene.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is not just a leisure destination; it's also a major hub for conventions and business conferences. Beyond the casino floors, the city offers spectacular shows, top-notch restaurants, and a chance to explore natural wonders like the Red Rock Canyon.
Whether you're closing deals or exploring new sights, these cities ensure that every trip is as productive as it is pleasurable.
Tips for Planning a Bleisure Trip
Explore these practical tips for planning a bleisure trip that perfectly balances work demands with pleasures.
Check Company Policies
Before embarking on a bleisure trip, it's crucial to understand your company's travel policies. Some organizations have specific guidelines for combining business and leisure travel. Knowing these rules can help you plan effectively and avoid any misunderstandings about what expenses the company will cover.
Utilize Weekends and Holidays
Aligning your travel plans with weekends or public holidays allows you to maximize your leisure time without extending your trip unnecessarily. This strategy will enable you to enjoy extended time at your destination without using up additional vacation days, making the most of your time away from home.
Pack Versatile Clothing
When packing for a bleisure trip, choose clothing adaptable for business meetings and leisure activities. Opt for pieces that can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. This not only saves luggage space but also prepares you for various activities without the need for multiple outfits.
Book Strategic Hotel Reservations
Select a hotel that caters to both business and leisure needs. Look for properties that offer amenities such as meeting rooms, free Wi-Fi, and proximity to major tourist attractions. Booking a hotel in a central location minimizes travel time during business engagements and maximizes leisure opportunities.
These tips can ensure that your bleisure travel is as seamless and enjoyable as possible, blending work commitments with leisure experiences.
Hotels Catering to Bleisure Travelers
Hotels play a pivotal role in the bleisure travel experience, as they serve as the base for both the business and leisure segments of a trip.
"Most bleisure travelers stay at the same place for the work and leisure parts of their trips," notes an industry expert. “This trend presents an opportunity for hotels traditionally favored by business travelers to highlight their more relaxing amenities and provide enriching experiences that could turn first-time guests into loyal patrons.”
That’s where WoodSpring Suites® extended-stay hotels come in.
WoodSpring Suites® locations are uniquely positioned to cater to bleisure travelers. Your stay will be effortless and enjoyable with well-equipped kitchens and complimentary Wi-Fi. Whether on a business trip or a leisurely vacation, we have everything you need to make your stay comfortable. Guests can enjoy better deals for longer stays with extended stay weekly and hotels with monthly rates.
Ready for Your Next Bleisure Adventure?
As the lines between professional and personal life continue to blur, bleisure travel offers an innovative way for today's workforce to maximize their travel experiences.
Combining business obligations with leisure activities can help travelers enjoy a richer, more balanced journey. Accommodations that cater to both aspects are pivotal, enhancing the overall experience and potentially fostering greater loyalty among guests.
Embracing bleisure travel can lead to increased job satisfaction, creativity, and well-being, proving that it is a beneficial model for employees and employers.
Consider WoodSpring Suites® extended-stay hotels for a comfortable stay that meets all your business and leisure needs. Contact us to learn more about our accommodations and services.
