Bleisure Travel: Blending Business with Leisure for a Balanced Life

In today’s fast-paced world, the lines between work and personal life are increasingly blurred, and bleisure travel is at the forefront of this transformation. Combining business trips with leisure activities, bleisure travel offers a unique opportunity to balance professional commitments with the enjoyment of exploring new destinations.
In this blog, we’ll delve into how bleisure travel can enhance your work trips, provide practical tips for integrating leisure into your business schedule, and highlight some of the best destinations for the ultimate work-leisure blend.

Bleisure Travel - The Growing Trend in Modern Business Travel

Let’s face it. Life has become a rat race today. We are so involved in work that we hardly have time for ourselves. This often leads to undue troubles in our personal lives. From excess stress due to a lack of breaks from work to the guilt of missing out on family moments. But thanks to the emergence of this whole new bleisure culture, you can now sit back with yourself even while you run the world. Wouldn’t that be revolutionary?

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What is Bleisure Travel? - Definition

Bleisure is a modern term that describes the growing trend of travellers who mix business with leisure activities during the same trip. It refers to the practice of combining a work trip with leisure activities or an extended stay for personal enjoyment.
As it is self-explanatory, this concept presents an effective means of balancing work and personal life, even while on a business trip. In other words, it allows you to combine business trips with leisure vacations. 
Note: China has become the trendsetter in normalizing this travel concept. Their total travel expenditure exceeds $360 billion. It revolves around the bleisure mode of travel. Followed closely by the United States. They showcase a wider global preference for it. 

How Bleisure Travel Differs from Traditional Business Travel

In the past, business activities were mostly confined to office parameters. Even if individuals travelled, their engagement was strictly professional, resulting in limited opportunities for exploration beyond hotel rooms, onsite offices, or conference venues. However, with the advent of remote work culture, the boundaries have expanded and the work setting has expanded exponentially. Today, professionals can work from a variety of locations—whether scenic destinations, vibrant cities, or secluded retreats.
Bleisure travel now allows individuals to seamlessly integrate work commitments with the opportunity to explore new destinations. Travellers can enjoy the benefits of both business and leisure by extending their stay or arriving a few days early.
Typically, bleisure trips last for approximately 2 nights and 2 days. While 3-4 nights tours take the 2nd and 3rd spot respectively. One-night stays are the least possible choice in a bleisure trip.

The COVID-19 Effect

Technical advancements are a predominant factor behind this change. Advancement emerges from the necessity and inspires changes. However, the COVID-19 pandemic plays a significant role in this major transformation.
The pandemic which brought global activities to a standstill, has blurred the line between professional and personal lives. This disruption allowed for a more integrated approach to work and leisure, giving rise to the concept of bleisure—where business and leisure travel converge.

Benefits of Bleisure Travel

Changes are good but not all changes are beneficial. Fortunately, bleisure is proving to be a valuable development. This concept not only supports employees by enhancing their work-life balance but also aligns with their interests and well-being.

Let’s explore how bleisure benefits both employees and employers:

1. From Employee Front:
 

Reduced stress
Traditional business has its advantages but the schedule is demanding Employees have to manage long working hours alongside travelling. The time to rest becomes limited. Being away from home contributes to the stress level.
In contrast, professionals get to indulge in leisure activities on a bleisure trip. This offers a much-needed break from constant work and makes business trips more enjoyable and engaging.
 

Chance to explore new tourist destinations
Tight-scheduled individuals often struggle to find time for family, let alone go on a vacation. However, due to the to the growing bleisure travel trend, it has opened new opportunities for combining work with pleasure. You not only get to work in beautiful locales. But also get a chance to experience the place and its local culture in its truest sense. 
 

Opportunity to bring your loved ones 
The best part of bleisure travel is you can extend your stays. By doing so, you can turn your work trip into a memorable vacation. Bring your family and friends with you and go sightseeing with them post work. This will make your travel experience more fun and enriching. As well as help you cherish uninterrupted family time. Something, that will strengthen your bonds with your loved ones. 
 

Enables cost savings
Bleisure travel can be cost-effective as the employers cover significant expenses. Including the lodging and the plane fares, which in general take up a substantial portion of the travel costs. And even if your firm is not covering the expenses for your family members, you can still access discounted corporate rates in many places. This reduces the expenses to a significant extent.  
 

Increased job satisfaction
Combining work with pleasure makes a corporate trip enjoyable and lets you make the most out of it. Or the much-needed unwinding time amidst work, bleisure alleviates the mental status. This in turn boosts your morale and keeps you content in your job. 
 

Garner loyalty points
Many travel programs provide loyalty points. This can benefit you on your trips. In other words, you can accumulate them during your work travel. Then apply them while vacationing with family. 
Info:  We reward our loyal customers. With every £50 spent on the TheSqua.re serviced apartments, you earn 1 Squ.air Mile. Gather them to save on your next booking. 

From Employer Front:
 

Employees are more willing to travel
Staying away from family is not everyone’s cup of tea. There may be many reasons, from restrictions at home to constant homesickness. But the fact that employees can infuse leisure with work changes the perspective. It is the perfect chance to balance work and life, which encourages many to travel. This helps employers cater to onsite needs easily.
 

Improved work environment
The employees getting time to relax while on a business trip keeps them satisfied. This fosters a happy vibe which not only brings an overall positive work air but also helps the employer retain their best assets. Not to forget, it also boosts the company's reputation.
 

Improved performance
Bleisure travel trend has helped organization keep their workers recharged and motivated. This doubles their productivity. Leading to quicker and more creative performances. 
 

Attractive employee perks
Quality employees are in high demand everywhere. And bleisure trips are the smartest way to lure them to join your firm.  
Fact: Accepting the bleisure travel trend narrows the gap between employees and employers. At the same time, it plays a social role by reducing the carbon footprint. Mixing work and leisure helps one avoid extra plane or car rides, which in turn, leads to fewer emissions. 

Tips for Effective Bleisure Travel

To gain the maximum advantages from a bleisure trip, strategic planning is important. Here’s how you can do it.
 

1. Plan well in advance
Unless it is a last-minute work trip, we highly recommend you start planning early. This will give you enough time to make a schedule that seamlessly blends leisure and work. Make a list of the sights you want to see and ensure they align with your office duties. 
 

2. Consider company policies
Before you get all excited about bleisure, do check your company’s policies. Especially when it comes to paying the expenses. It’s better to clear doubts before to avoid facing unpleasant surprises later.
 

3. Use the weekends and holidays
Effective utilization of public holidays and weekends is a great strategy. This gives you extra days for leisure activities without extending your stay unnecessarily. You can keep your leaves intact for other times. 
 

4. Carry multipurpose clothes
Another smart trick to a convenient bliesure trip is to pack adaptable attire. Those that can be dressed up or down and used both for meetings and leisure. A blazer, for instance. This will aid you in saving luggage space as well as keep you ever-ready for diverse activities.
 

5. Choose your accommodation properly
It’s best to book lodgings that will serve both your business and pleasure needs well. Look for amenities like Wi-Fi, business rooms, and work desks. At the same time, prioritize neighborhoods that are close to tourist hotspots. 
Note: Serviced apartments with their flexible offerings are a great pick. They are also located on prime sites favoring both corporate and pleasure trippers.      

Top Bleisure Destinations

With the wide array of possibilities in bleisure travel, you can choose any place to work. But some destinations have a special flair to make your bleisure trip perfect.
 

Singapore

Singapore is a buzzing country, with many features that make it ideal for bleisure. 
The Changi Airport is one of the best in the world. It is well-connected to major cities worldwide. So, travelling to Singapore is easy.
The country is booming with diverse industries. Manufacturing, banking, real estate, and loads more. This provides you with numerous opportunities for business growth.
It has the latest facilities like convention centres, conference areas, and exhibition spots. 
Recommended activities:
Sightseeing (ArtScience Museum, Singapore Zoo, Universal Studios etc.)
Shopping (Orchard Road, Mustafa Centre)

You might also like: Fun and Free Things to Do in Singapore 

 

Barcelona, Spain

This Spanish city is another major option to fulfil your bleisure dreams.  It provides visitors with some of the best workspaces with 93.86% rated 4 stars or more. This means you get to work under favourable circumstances without any unnecessary disturbances.
Barcelona’s tourism is world famous. Thanks to the wide range of architectural marvels for travel lovers.
It also offers diverse culinary choices to suit every taste.

Recommended activities:
Visit Camp Nou (the stadium for FC Barcelona)
Sightseeing (Park Güell, Casa Mila, etc.)
Attend street parties and festivals.

 

 

Tokyo, Japan

Ranked as the top international travel destination in 2024, Tokyo is tailor-made for bleisure.
Cutting-edge technology makes Tokyo a promising bleisure spot. The city offers the latest upgraded amenities that foster a natural blend of work and fun.
The city is also very grounded. It respects its ancient traditions. An aspect, that is very fascinating for a traveler who loves to learn about new cultures.  
Recommended activities:
Visit a cherry blossom festival.
Shop at Harajuku vintage stores.
Walk the streets in the Shibuya Crossing.

Also Read: A Business Guide to Tokyo: Top Businesses & Attractions

Sydney, Australia

The beautiful city of Sydney is an attractive place to mix business and leisure.
It is one of the largest Australian cities offering an easy and convenient day-to-day life.
Being the business capital, it houses several flourishing business districts. So, it is a great place for corporate meetups. 
There are ample tourist hotspots and landmarks to enrich your trip.
Recommended activities:
Beach fun
Sightseeing (Opera House, yacht-studded harbour, etc)

 

 

New York City, USA

This most populated USA city is a part of several trends including bleisure.
It is the home of various industries. Fashion, media, technology, and many more. 
New York is a smart pick to broaden your network. After all, it hosts many events and conferences.
You will find several business hotels. As well as corporate and leisure serviced apartments in every neighbourhood. 
It has several iconic landmarks to visit.
Recommended activities:
Sightseeing (Statue of Liberty, Central Park, World Trade Center, etc)
Dine at posh restaurants
Walk the colourful streets

Also Read: Things for Business Travellers to Do in New York

Final Thoughts

Bleisure travel trend has redefined the mode of travel. Catering to diverse present-day needs, it is a valuable asset for employees and employers alike. So, whether you are a tired officegoer wanting some refreshment in life. Or a firm owner looking to attract fresh talent, this is the ideal solution to embrace.
However, do remember that there is no single formula to a successful bleisure trip. What may be fun for someone else might be a burden for you. It is very subjective and we get it. So feel free to customize the tour as per your needs. And what better way to do that, other than booking TheSqua.re apartments? We offer bespoke abodes packed with diverse work and leisure amenities. The perfect recipe for a wholesome bleisure experience.
Interested in more bleisure travel tips? Comment below with your questions or suggestions, and we’ll be happy to help!