What is Bleisure Travel? It is nothing but a mix of business and leisure travel. Today’s world is getting more and more fast paced, as the competition keeps getting more severe. As a result of this, the need for travel has spirally increased for businesses to thrive and survive. Along with this, companies have begun to recognise the importance of work life balance. However, today, the thin line between work life and personal life is constantly blurring with time. This is quite significantly reflected with the emergence of Bleisure Travel, which is when a work trip is extended to get in some me-time.
For the discerning business traveller, a business meet, especially internationally, is no more just about pacing from the airport to the conference room and back at the earliest. It is now about taking some me-time post the conference and exploring the local culture on his own, and sometimes even inviting their family to join them. This extension of their business trips gets them back to work recharged and rejuvenated!
Understanding Bleisure Travel
“Bleisure" is nothing but a mix of "business" and "leisure," This concept started around 2009 and today it has become a trend in corporate travel. Business travellers extend their business trips for personal reasons as it helps maintain a more balanced lifestyle.
The Importance of Bleisure Travel
Bleisure Travel is gaining more and more importance not just because it brings enjoyment or fun but primarily because it has the following benefits to both employees and employers:
- Employee Well-being and Satisfaction: Several studies have revealed that it increases morale and job satisfaction.
- Enhanced Productivity: Employees who include travel leisure activities during their business trips have actually proven to be more focused and productive as it helps them unwind, reduces stress and prevents burnout.
- Talent Attraction and Retention: Companies that support Bleisure Travel can position themselves as progressive employers. It acts as a differentiator in the job market scene and they therefore are able to attract top talent who seek work-life balance.
- Cost Saving: When an employee travels to a destination for business trips and merely extends it after the completion of his work or professional obligation, for some me-time, he is saving on a significant amount on air tickets, etc. This is one of the key reasons why Bleisure is gaining popularity.
The Growing Popularity of Bleisure Travel
It is definitely the Millennials that are leading the way and causing the rise of Bleisure Travel:
- Millennial Influence: The younger lot of executives and professionals are more inclined towards combining work with a mini-vacation.
- Global Trends: The practice of combining business trips with leisure activities is gaining traction worldwide. For example, in Australia, Cairns was considered to be its "bleisure capital" last year.
Implications for the Travel Industry
The rise of Bleisure Travel offers significant opportunities for both, the travel and hospitality sectors:
- Customized Services: Travel agencies and hotels can develop tailored packages that meet both business and leisure needs.. Companies seeking the best travel agency for this purpose should connect with travel partners who have had adequate expertise in merging these two optimally.
- Marketing Strategies: Positioning places as “Bleisure Travel destinations” by promoting modern conference halls and hi-tech boardrooms along with cultural and recreational activities can attract this market.
- Partnership Opportunities: Collaborations between corporate travel planners and leisure service providers can create the perfect experience for this market..
Best Practices for Implementing Bleisure Travel
For companies and travelers considering Bleisure Travel, the following practices can ensure a smooth experience:
- Clear Policies: Organizations should establish guidelines that define the extent to which business trips can be extended for leisure. There should be unambiguous clauses on expenses, responsibilities, liabilities, etc.
- Transparent Communication: Employees should discuss their Bleisure Travel plans with employers, to ensure compliance with the company policies.
- Planning and Scheduling: Coordinating travel leisure activities around business commitments requires careful planning. While Bleisure Travel gives you the benefit of a leisure-escape, it is of paramount importance that this extension is planned around the business commitment. That is to make sure the work obligation is not compromised at all. It is crucial to keep work priorities in check. Only then can one enjoy the leisure aspect of the trip without feeling the pressure of incomplete or unfinished work.
- Travel Insurance: Securing appropriate travel insurance that covers both business and leisure activities is also vital during the trip.
- Work with a Corporate Travel Management Agency: Booking a business trip that blends work and leisure may require a certain amount of additional planning and this is where the expertise of the best travel agency becomes invaluable. These companies have expertise in offering and ensure smooth travel and accommodation arrangements. It also guarantees that accommodations are well-suited for both business and relaxation. That is, post your work obligation, you will have an array of leisurely activities to be involved in, either at the property itself, or in close proximity.
- Use Rewards and Loyalty Programs: Bleisure travellers many times, visit the same city or destination over and over again. This gives them the opportunity to enrol in loyalty programs and reap the benefits of the same. With this, they can get access to some good deals, discounts, upgrades and other perks.
- Maintain a Healthy Work-Life Balance: One of the main benefits of Bleisure Travel is that employees have some time to relax and recharge, even when they have gone on a business trip. Therefore, it is necessary to set an agenda to make sure both business obligations are completed thoroughly, as well as leisure activities are incorporated like a simple morning jog or a weekend excursion. The important thing is make time for activities that promote a healthier work-life balance and boost productivity in the long run, as well.
- Budget Wisely: Since Bleisure Travel involves personal expenses, set a clear budget. The employer will cover the business portion, but the leisure part will be required to be taken care of by the travelling employee himself. Budgeting carefully helps the travelling employee enjoy the trip without straining finances. Partnering with a corporate travel management agency can help reduce costs and streamline expenses.
For companies and travelling employees, partnering with the best travel agency to facilitate Bleisure Travel is crucial. At SKIL Travel, we specialize in curating seamless experiences that blend the best of work and travel leisure facilities. Ready to explore the world of Bleisure Travel? Let SKIL Travel be your partner in creating extraordinary journeys.
