The clock is always ticking in business; time is a precious commodity. Annually, corporate travellers find themselves spending an average of 22 days on the move, crisscrossing the globe for meetings, sealing deals, and attending conferences.
Perhaps you’re on the verge of closing a pivotal deal with a major international client. In the most critical of meetings, the knight in shining armour is often none other than business travel.
In the wake of the business world’s recovery from the pandemic, the business travel industry has seen a resurgence, signalling its enduring importance. However, this resurrection is more than a return to the past. This calls for a new era.
Enter “bleisure travel.” No longer confined to boardrooms and hotel rooms, bleisure seamlessly integrates work and leisure. The focus on bleisure is about creating an experience that is not only productive but also rejuvenating, offering a more stress-free short-term stay for those who find themselves on the road.
Discover how the business travel landscape is undergoing a transformation, creating an environment that fosters success without sacrificing the joys of relaxation.
What is Bleisure Travel?
As the term implies, “bleisure” is the clever blending of business and leisure travel. This turns what might be a conventional business trip into an opportunity to add a dash of exploration and relaxation.
This emerging trend is gaining traction, with almost 42% of business travellers now preferring to infuse their work-related journeys with a bit of leisure time.
The concept of bleisure travel is extending business trips on either end to explore new destinations. It’s not just about the solo business traveller, either. This can also be done by bringing friends and family along for the journey, adding shared experiences that enrich the business travel experience.
The rise of bleisure travel is closely tied to the changing dynamics of work in the wake of the pandemic. With more people embracing remote work, individuals find themselves untethered from a fixed office location.
While digital nomads might choose to work from various destinations, bleisure travellers are motivated primarily by the business aspect of their trip. However, the desire to explore new places, reduce environmental impact, or simply savour the joys of a change of scenery drives them to extend their trips.
Source: Pexels
Factors Driving the Bleisure Trend
The rise of bleisure travel is a breath of fresh air. It’s a response to the changing dynamics of work and the quest for a more balanced lifestyle. The factors driving this trend reflect a collective desire to redefine the traditional boundaries of business trips.
Changing Attitudes of Business Travellers
The conventional perception of business travel often brings to mind images of packed schedules, back-to-back meetings, and minimal time for personal exploration. However, the tide is turning, and business travellers are adopting a more holistic approach.
Whether it’s extending a stay to explore local attractions, immerse in cultural experiences, or simply unwind in a new environment, the changing attitudes reflect a conscious effort to blend the lines between work and leisure.
Influence of Work-Life Balance Considerations
Work-life balance has become a cornerstone in discussions surrounding modern employment. Work-life balance is already important to 94% of employees.
The traditional notion of segregating work and personal life is gradually giving way to a more integrated approach. This cultural shift is especially pronounced in business travel, where professionals are seeking ways to infuse a sense of leisure into their work-related journeys.
The purpose of leisure travel is to break free from the monotony of conventional work models, allowing professionals to inject moments of relaxation and exploration into their busy schedules. Work-life balance considerations are driving the bleisure trend, which reflects a societal shift towards prioritizing well-being, both at work and at home.
Impact of Technological Advancements on Remote Work
Professionals are liberated from the constraints of mundane office setups thanks to advancements in technology. The advent of remote work, coupled with advanced communication tools, has redefined the very nature of work.
This major shift in the way work is conducted has a direct impact on the trends in business travel as well. Professionals now have the flexibility to seamlessly conduct business from anywhere, be it a bustling city or a serene coastal town.
It’s clear that bleisure travel is not just a shift in travel preferences, but a shift in mindset. The journey is no longer a linear progression from point A to point B. This type of travel offers a hybrid experience, combining work and leisure to enrich both professional and personal lives.
What Bleisure Travellers Look For
So, what exactly are bleisure travellers looking for? Some notable considerations include:
- Work-Life Balance: Bleisure travellers seek destinations that offer a blend of business amenities and leisure activities, allowing them to transition from boardrooms to local attractions seamlessly.
- Convenient Connectivity: Accessible airports, efficient public transportation, and reliable Wi-Fi are non-negotiables. These individuals want to stay connected to work while also being able to explore their surroundings hassle-free.
- Flexible Accommodations: Bleisure travellers have shifted away from standard hotels in favour of short-term rentals that cater to both work and relaxation. Short-term rentals offer well-equipped business centers, ergonomic workspaces, and comfortable lounging areas, making them highly appealing.
- Local Experiences: One of the main draws for bleisure travellers is the opportunity to experience the local culture. They seek destinations that offer unique attractions, dining experiences, and cultural insights.
- Networking Opportunities: Business doesn’t always stop after office hours. Bleisure travellers value destinations where networking opportunities extend beyond formal meetings. A vibrant business community and networking events contribute to the overall appeal of a location.
- Time Efficiency: Bleisure travellers are time-conscious. They appreciate destinations where they can efficiently manage their work obligations without spending excessive time in transit.
- Health and Wellness Options: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a priority for many bleisure travellers. Access to fitness facilities, wellness programs, and healthy dining options contribute to the overall appeal of a destination.
- Tech-Friendly Environment: Destinations that embrace technological advancements, from efficient transportation systems to smart hotel features, are likely to attract these tech-savvy travellers.
Offering the right combination of work amenities and leisure opportunities can help destinations position themselves as ideal choices for travellers seeking a seamless integration of work and relaxation.
Source: Pexels
Tips for a Successful Bleisure Trip
Embarking on a bleisure trip? Here are some quick tips to ensure your business-meets-leisure journey goes off without a hitch.
- Plan Ahead, But Stay Flexible: Start by outlining your work commitments and key deadlines. Plan your leisure activities around these, but leave some flexibility. Unexpected work issues can arise, so having a bit of wiggle room in your schedule can be a lifesaver.
- Choose Your Accommodations Wisely: Opt for furnished rentals that offer comfortable workspaces, reliable Wi-Fi, and amenities that cater to both business and leisure needs.
- Stay Connected on the Go: Having the right technology can enhance both your work and leisure experiences. Ensure you have the necessary tech tools to stay connected while on the move.
- Know Your Company’s Policies: Understand any limitations or guidelines to avoid any hiccups during your trip. Clear communication with your employer ensures a smooth and stress-free experience.
- Explore Transportation Options: Consider factors like proximity to your accommodations, convenience, and the opportunity to explore the destination during your commute.
- Prioritize Self-Care: Get enough rest, stay hydrated, and consider incorporating wellness activities into your itinerary. A balanced approach to your well-being contributes to a more enjoyable trip overall.
- Network Strategically: Leverage the networking opportunities your destination offers. Attend industry events, conferences, or local meetups to expand your professional circle.
The key to a successful and enriching bleisure trip is to combine thoughtful planning with a flexible mindset.
In Conclusion
A bleisure travel approach to business travel lets you view your next trip not just as a business trip but also as an opportunity for combining work and play.
Now, if you’re on the lookout for the perfect bleisure stay within the vibrant Greater Toronto Area (GTA), DelSuites is the perfect choice. Every stay with us is personalized, and the Canadian skyline outside your window becomes the backdrop to your unforgettable adventure.
So, whether you’re extending your business trip for leisure or seeking the perfect blend of work and travel, DelSuites leads you to a more fulfilling, balanced, and engaging travel experience.
Your journey across GTA awaits – redefine it with DelSuites!