Have you heard of the popular term made of the words business and leisure—bleisure? Bleisure travel has become tremendously relevant in the last decades. Business travel is no longer reserved just for business executives and entrepreneurs. With the increase in remote workers, freelancers, and digital nomads, more and more people are looking to make the most of a bleisure trip. As much as 60% of business travelers extend their trips so they can enjoy the hotel amenities and destination’s activities. As business trips happen all year-round and do not depend on seasonality, both the traveler and the hotel industry can benefit from it.
Companies Benefit from Bleisure Travel as Well
If an employee reaches their destination a few days early, they’re better rested and adjusted to the time zone after their long flight. This way, they can make a better impression on clients as well. If, on the other hand, business travelers choose to extend their stay, the leisure portion of their trip is an excellent incentive for them to complete their work more efficiently.
Essential Tips for Bleisure Travelers
- If possible, plan your business obligations for later in the week so you can take advantage of the weekend. By doing this, you will not need to use your paid days off to enjoy the trip.
- To maximize time, take advantage of exploring your business destination right after your last morning meeting or after dinner on your first night. This way, you will know whether you want to explore more in the area or visit a nearby city for leisure instead. If you are in Europe, the US, or Japan, this type of city-hopping will be super convenient.
- Pack smart for your bleisure trip. If you need to pack suits for your meetings, focus on that primarily and add a few practical outfits for the sightseeing portion of the trip.
- Plan ahead of time which attractions, restaurants, and neighborhoods you want to. Since your time will be limited, you do not want to waste it on planning or getting lost while at the destination.
Make the most of a bleisure trip by city-hopping
The More Company, the Better
Perhaps you can bring your significant other with you on the trip. If not, try to contact friends or acquaintances in the city you’re visiting ahead of time. This way, you will have a local tour guide and company once you are done with work for the day. If you do not know anyone at the destination, you can still have a great time. Check with your business partners or the concierge what places are fun to visit alone. There might be sporting or music events that are great to check out when you’re on your own.
Which Business Trips Can Be Bleisure Trips as Well?
There is no need to make every trip into a bleisure trip. Some trips are better left as just business if the destination is close by or not very exciting. Choose carefully which business trips you want to add leisure to. Possible bleisure trips could be distant destinations or places you have never visited before. If you are traveling overseas or the flight is relatively long—make the most of it. Figure out a plan to incorporate some extra time into your itinerary. By doing so, you will be more rested and won’t think of the trip as just something you have to do. Going from the airport to the hotel and back cannot be very rewarding. Carving out this extra leisure time will get you more excited about the work, too.
Distant or first-time destinations should be a priority for bleisure trips
Research Hotspots
Researching different places before your trip is vital. Plan out your free time with a list of spots you’d like to explore so you won’t miss out. Download maps, go over restaurant reviews, and make a list of sites that appeal to you the most. This will help you make the most out of your downtime and help you have fun instead of running around in circles.
Take the Last Flight Back Home
Take the last flight back home to make the very best out of your bleisure trip. If you need to check out of your hotel, you can simply leave your luggage with the hotel staff. This will allow you to walk around carefree and use the very last moments of your time at the destination.
Make the Most of Your Bleisure Trip and Stay Fit
Sitting for a long time on the plane and then in business meetings can be brutal. If you like staying fit and taking care of your health, you should find time to exercise on your bleisure trip. This should not be too difficult, as most hotels have gyms and swimming pools. And even if there is no gym at the hotel, you can go for a run or do some exercises at a nearby park. Always check the hotel amenities before you leave so that you can pack accordingly.
Don’t forget to squeeze in an exercise while on your bleisure trip
Treat Yourself
Since your company covers your flights and hotel costs, you will have some extra money to spend at the destination. Investing in your leisure activities will help you get the most out of the trip. Treat yourself for all the hard work you have put in and indulge a little in the finer things. Splurge on a spa treatment or a little gift for yourself. Maybe it is only an extra dessert or a ticket to a museum, but it will make you feel more relaxed after a long day’s work.
Go Over Your Checklist
Before you go on your trip, go over a checklist to ensure you make the most of your bleisure trip:
- Give your boss a heads up that you are adding personal time to your business trip.
- Figure out if there are any weekends and public holidays close to your travel date.
- If the trip is a destination you are excited about, see if you want to use a few paid holidays to extend your stay.
- Look up places near your business destination that you want to visit.
- Find out if you can bring your partner with you.
- Make a list of the main sights and cultural activities at your destination.
Related article: 5 Sacred Places To Rediscover Your Spirit
Chillwall AI are creators of a superhuman concierge helping visitors to discover new travel experiences without searching.
Author bio:
Jazmin Pineda is a blogger and a traveler with years of business travel experience. She works as a freelancer and likes to help readers combine business and leisure whenever possible. When she is not writing, she loves spending time with her dogs and doing yoga.
