Have you heard about bleisure? It’s an emerging travel trend that is become more mainstream and is a money saver for the savvy traveller. So what is bleisure and why it gaining in popularity?
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What is bleisure?
Bleisure is a blend of business and leisure travel. Normally, someone on a bleisure trip will add extra days to a business trip so they can relax and have a vacation. This saves money and there are a lot of other benefits too. So what are the advantages of a bleisure trip?
What are the advantages of a bleisure trip?
Some benefits of this type of trip include;
Cost savings
Your employer is sending you away to do business and if you choose, you can have a subsidised leisure trip as part of the deal. Remember, your employer only pays the business part of the trip and you need to cover personal expenses.
Work/life balance
These trips are an opportunity to blend work with relaxation. There is usually enough downtime after work where you can have that spa treatment, go shopping or do some sightseeing.
Exploration
You get to explore the world while working. What a wonderful way to travel! If you are offered this opportunity, grab it with both hands! It’s a chance to immerse yourself in the local environment and culture.
Personal growth
Travelling to a new, exciting place is a chance for personal growth. Travelling challenges you and is a wonderful learning experience. You learn more about yourself, others, and different cultures.
Good for relationships
When doing business face to face, you strengthen working relationships. If you have brought your family with you on the trip, it’s quality time to spend with each other. Because you’re travelling as a family, you get to enjoy all those wonderful moments together.
And there are many more benefits. So what are some disadvantages?
What are the disadvantage of a bleisure trip?
Some disadvantages of this type of trip include;
Business/leisure blur
You may need to do more work than you would normally do which can cut into your leisure time. You may find it harder to disconnect from work and fully relax.
Higher stress
Having to work and relax can cause you stress on the trip. You may question whether you really have time for that foot massage when you have an urgent report due tomorrow. But on the other hand, a little downtime away from work could actually make you more productive.
Dispute over expenses
This type of trip comes with rules. There may be a dispute about what expenses are business and what are personal. Your company will only reimburse you for business-related activities and you will need to pay for the leisure part.
Distractions
Having your family with you can be a blessing or maybe a distraction. If its a distraction, this could cause a loss of work productivity and focus.
Relationship problems
If you are away too often on business without your family, this can result in relationship problems.
According to the Global Business Travel Association, 40% of business trips are bleisure.
It’s also noted that the most bleisure trips are taken by:
- 48% of Millennials
- 33% of Gen Xers
- 23% of Baby Boomers
Global Business Travel Forecast
Why is bleisure popular?
Companies are eager to hold on to valuable workers and will offer the bleisure option to keep them. Workers who extend business trips for leisure often feel more valued and engaged in their jobs. This results in increased satisfaction and loyalty, benefiting both the company and worker.
Need to book accommodation for your leisure trip? Book with Booking.com
What do you think? Have you been on a bleisure trip before? Let me know your thoughts by commenting below.
Linda is an Amazon author, writer and blogger. Her website The Smart Travelista offers travel resources and tips for saving money on travel. Get a FREE travel planner for subscribing to the weekly newsletter.
