Bleisure Travel Isn't a Trend, It's a Lifestyle: How to Make the Most of It
Bleisure travel is continuing its upward trend in the business community in 2018.
Just over a decade ago, mixing business with pleasure on a work trip was unthinkable. Many managers wanted the focus to be solely on the business purposes of a conference or meeting. However, over the last several years, more meeting planners are including team-building activities and implementing more flexible schedules, as well as providing information for pre- and post-conference activities. In addition, to turning conferencing into bleisure experiences, professionals are extending trips to include down time for themselves.
MIX BUSINESS & PLEASURE
The business of bleisure travel is booming. Surveys by Luth Research note that today leisure days outnumber business days during average business trips. In fact, according to Booking.com, “49 percent of business travelers already extend their trips to further enjoy the destination.” Because more people are on the road for business travel, the idea of transitioning a trip from business to pleasure and including their families and significant others is the norm.
If you’re one of the 75 percent of business travelers who plan to blur the lines and make the most of work travel, consider these tips for a successful bleisure trip. Bleisure travel does require more self-control, but thoughtful planning can help you stay on track for both
1. Do your work first! This may be the most difficult part of a bleisure trip, but it can be the most important, too. Don’t let work hang over your head. Schedule your meetings or conference at the beginning of your trip so you are more likely to unplug and enjoy your destination the remainder of the trip.
2. Plan your time. Two to three extra days tacked onto your work trip should be enough time to experience a few sites, relax and get back the office without taking a full vacation. For ideas on how to spend those extra days, read “How to Spend Three Days in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.”
3. Travel more often. It’s difficult, and sometimes impossible, to completely unplug or take an extended vacation. However, adding a few days here and there to work trips can help prevent burnout.
