What’s bleisure, and is it right for your company?

Travel management

Jun 15

Travel management

What's bleisure, and is it right for your company?

BoomPop Team · 6/15/2023

More people are embracing the notion that work and play don't have to be mutually exclusive. This has given birth to the phenomenon known as "bleisure"—a fusion of business and leisure travel.

Gone are the days of jetting off to a new city solely focused on deadlines and boardroom presentations. Today's savvy travelers are seeking opportunities to explore new destinations, immerse themselves in local cultures, and squeeze every ounce of enjoyment out of their trips.

This paradigm shift is not just about adding an extra day or two at the end of a business excursion. It's about embracing the idea that blending work and leisure can enhance productivity, foster creativity, and inject a healthy dose of fun into our otherwise bustling lives.

Here’s what you need to know about bleisure, and how it can potentially benefit your team and business.

Combining business and leisure: what is ‘bleisure’?

Bleisure travel, a portmanteau of “business” and “leisure,” is a growing trend among business travelers. It allows them to combine work and pleasure by extending their business trips for leisure purposes.

According to a study by Expedia, more than 60% of business trips have become bleisure travel. This trend has been on the rise in recent years, with millennials being the most likely to add leisure time to their business trips.

One of the benefits of bleisure travel is that it allows business travelers to explore new destinations and experience different cultures. For example, a business traveler visiting New York City for the first time can extend their trip beyond its original purpose to visit landmarks, catch a Broadway show, or explore Central Park.

Bleisure

Definition: Combining business travel and leisure travel.

The benefits of bleisure travel

Traveling for business can be exhausting, and many professionals find themselves feeling burnt out as a result.

Not only does bleisure travel provide a chance to relax, but it also offers a unique opportunity to experience local cultures and cuisines. By exploring new destinations and trying new foods, you can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the places you visit. You may even discover a new hobby or interest that you never knew existed.

Pursuing personal hobbies and interests during bleisure travel can help to boost productivity and creativity in the workplace. Taking a break from the daily grind and engaging in activities that bring you joy can help to clear your mind and increase your focus when you return to work.

But that's not all—bleisure travel can also be a great way to save money. By extending your stay in a destination, you can cut out additional flights and enjoy a destination while still fulfilling your work duties.

What about workcations and flexcations?

Workcations and flexcations are variations of bleisure travel. A workcation involves working remotely from a vacation destination, while a flexcation involves taking a break from work to travel and explore a destination.

Both workcations and flexcations allow professionals to combine leisure with work. Workcations provide an opportunity to work in a relaxed environment while enjoying a vacation, while flexcations provide an opportunity to take a break from work and explore a destination at leisure.

Why bleisure might not be right for you

While bleisure travel offers plenty of benefits, it might not be suitable for everyone. Employees in certain industries, such as healthcare or emergency services, might not be able to extend their stay due to the nature of their work. Additionally, it’s important to make sure no company funds intended for business travel are part of leisure travel unless clearly stated in advance that this is permitted.

Bleisure travel also requires careful planning and organization. Business travelers must ensure that they have enough time to complete their work responsibilities and make sure that their travel itinerary is in sync with their business schedule. Miscalculations can lead to missed meetings or deadlines, which can reflect poorly on both the employee and the company.

How employers can make the most of bleisure

Policy Clarity and Communication

Establish clear guidelines and policies regarding bleisure travel. Communicate these policies effectively to ensure employees understand the parameters, eligibility criteria, and any specific requirements associated with combining business and leisure.

Flexible Scheduling

Encourage flexibility in scheduling to accommodate bleisure opportunities. Consider allowing employees to adjust their travel itineraries to include additional personal days before or after work-related activities. This flexibility can empower employees to explore new destinations and make the most of their travel experiences.

Expense Guidelines

Provide transparent guidelines regarding expense reimbursements for bleisure trips. Clearly outline what expenses will be covered by the company during the business portion of the trip and what expenses employees are responsible for during their leisure time. This clarity will help avoid confusion and ensure fairness.

Networking Opportunities

Encourage employees to network and connect with local professionals in their destination city. This can enhance business relationships and provide valuable insights into the local business landscape. Consider organizing networking events or facilitating introductions to local contacts who could be beneficial to both the employee and the company.

Wellness and Work-Life Balance

Promote employee well-being and work-life balance by encouraging self-care during bleisure trips. Provide resources and suggestions for wellness activities, such as recommending nearby fitness centers, yoga studios, or nature trails. Encourage employees to take time for themselves to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life integration.

Start incorporating blesiure into your workplace

Bleisure travel is an exciting trend that is rapidly gaining popularity among business travelers. By blending work and leisure, professionals can make the most of their time in a destination, reduce stress and burnout, and boost productivity. Encourage your team to give it a try—or create a bleisure trip for your whole team with an offsite or retreat.

Have questions? Get in touch with our event and travel experts.