They say you shouldn’t mix business with pleasure. But whoever said that obviously hasn’t heard of one of the fastest growing trends in travel; the bleisure movement. No, that’s not a misspelling. Like the name aptly suggests, it is the popular new way savvy travellers are trading the board room for the beach.
In this article, we’ll dive deeper into what bleisure travel is, what it means for the industry, and some must haves for your next bleisure trip!
Over the last few years, the term bleisure has quickly found its way into the lexicon of many travellers both young and old. And quite literally, the term describes the type of travel that is comprised of part business and part leisure. For example, attending a business conference in South Carolina, but extending your stay by a few days to play a couple rounds of golf at a popular course. Another type of bleisure travel is having a close friend or family member tag along during your business trip. Or it could just mean you’re conducting business while on a vacation to the beach.
Simply put, it is a way to exercise the kind of work-life balance that many companies encourage for their employees. And with the rise of remote work opportunities since the Pandemic, our ability to always be connected has helped the trend gain significant ground.
In addition to the convenience factor of working almost anywhere, there are also positive health aspects that have helped this trend grow in popularity. One of the most impactful is the reduction in employee burnout. “Travel wellbeing relates to job satisfaction, which means people stay productive and stay longer in their jobs,” says Jeanne Liu of the Global Business Travel Association. “Being able to take your kids or your family to add some fun elements to a trip, makes that trip much less stressful.”
The concept of reducing stress while increasing the enjoyment during a business trip could also help employees feel more confident and comfortable with the work they’re doing. And thus, more productive.
Packing for a bleisure trip requires careful planning to ensure you have everything needed for both business and leisure portions of your journey. Here are some must-have items:
- Versatile Clothing: Opt for clothes that can serve dual purposes. Choose business attire that can be dressed down for leisure activities. Pack mix-and-match outfits to maximize your wardrobe options.
- Comfortable Footwear: Bring shoes that are suitable for business meetings and comfortable enough for sightseeing. You want the type of footwear that is stylish but can also go the distance when you’re out and about.
- Gym Clothes: If you plan on hitting the gym, pack workout gear to maintain your fitness routine. Most hotels have robust fitness centers and may even offer free group classes like Yoga or Pilates. Exercising may also counteract future indulgences you may enjoy later during your trip.
- Tech Gear: Be sure to bring your laptop, chargers, and any other work-related gadgets. A portable power bank can be a lifesaver. This step is key to staying connected wherever you go.
- Travel Insurance: Another item to consider for your bleisure trip is a reliable travel insurance policy like the ones available through Allianz Global Assistance. As they may help protect you from unforeseen circumstances like trip interruptions or cancellations. They may even reimburse you for pre-paid expenses that you couldn’t experience. To find a plan that’s right for your next bleisure trip, visit us online.
Bleisure travel seamlessly blends business and leisure, providing professionals with the opportunity to maximize their work trips. By packing smart, planning ahead, and clearly separating work from play, you can ensure a more fulfilling and rejuvenating experience. Whether you're hitting the gym, exploring new cultures, or simply relaxing, bleisure travel can transform a typical business trip into an enriching adventure that boosts both productivity and personal well-being. Embrace the trend of bleisure to create memorable and balanced travel experiences that make every trip truly worthwhile.
Travel insurance is underwritten by CUMIS General Insurance Company, a member of The Co-operators Group of Companies, administered by Allianz Global Assistance, which is a registered business name of AZGA Service Canada Inc.