Bleisure Travel – a fulfilling and blended travel experience
"Bleisure" is a term that combines "business" and "leisure" and refers to the practice of combining business travel with leisure activities.
It’s combining a work trip with an extended vacation before, during or after the work event. With more people working remotely because of the pandemic and a surge of people starting to travel again, bleisure has seen tremendous growth in recent months.
Many bleisure travelers are still working remotely and need a place to check-in. A growing number of hotels are adding flexible workspaces and meeting rooms. But travelers also need a place to unwind and unplug so they don’t feel the need to stay connected during their leisure travel.
"Bleisure" is a term that combines "business" and "leisure" and refers to the practice of combining business travel with leisure activities. There are several advantages to incorporating leisure into a business trip:
Work-life balance: Bleisure travel allows individuals to maintain a better work-life balance. It provides an opportunity to unwind and relax after work commitments, which can reduce stress and increase overall job satisfaction.
Maximizing travel opportunities: If you're already in a different city or country for work, taking advantage of the opportunity to explore a new place can be an efficient way to see more of the world without having to take additional time off from work.
Cost-effective: When you're already on a business trip, you may save money on transportation and accommodation costs by extending your stay for leisure purposes, as you've already covered the baseline expenses with your company's budget.
Relationship building: Bleisure travel can be an opportunity to strengthen relationships with clients, colleagues, or business partners outside of a formal work setting. Sharing leisure activities can help build rapport and trust.
Cultural experiences: Exploring a destination beyond the conference room or office can provide insights into local culture, history, and customs, enriching your travel experience and broadening your horizons.
Increased productivity: A well-rested and motivated employee is likely to be more productive at work. Taking time to relax and recharge during a bleisure trip can lead to better performance in business meetings or tasks.
Work flexibility: Depending on your job and industry, you may have the flexibility to mix work and leisure in a way that suits your schedule. This flexibility can be a significant advantage for those who can balance their responsibilities effectively.
Employee retention: Offering bleisure opportunities can be a way for companies to attract and retain top talent. Employees often appreciate the flexibility and added benefits of combining business and leisure travel.
Personal fulfillment: Combining work with leisure can lead to personal fulfillment, as it allows individuals to pursue their interests, hobbies, and passions while on the road.
Health and well-being: Leisure activities during business trips can promote physical and mental well-being, as they encourage exercise, relaxation, and stress reduction.
While there are numerous advantages to bleisure travel, it's important to strike a balance between work and leisure, ensuring that work commitments are met and that leisure activities do not negatively impact your professional responsibilities. Additionally, company policies and guidelines should be followed when considering bleisure travel to ensure compliance with expense reimbursement and other related rules.
Tips for a successful Bleisure trip
Plan in advance: Research your destination and create a detailed itinerary for both your work commitments and leisure activities.
Check company policies: Familiarise yourself with your company's policies regarding bleisure travel. Ensure you comply with any guidelines or requirements set by your employer.
Communicate with your employer: Discuss your intentions of incorporating leisure time into your business trip with your employer. Seek their approval and clarify any questions or concerns they may have.
Separate work and leisure: Maintain a clear boundary between work-related tasks and leisure activities. Dedicate specific time slots for each, ensuring you fulfill your professional responsibilities without compromising your leisure time.
Make the most of weekends: If your work commitments allow, consider extending your stay over the weekend to maximize your leisure experience. Use this time to explore the destination and attractions or engage in recreational activities.
Stay organized: Keep all necessary documents, such as travel itineraries, accommodation details, and important contacts, readily accessible. Utilize travel apps and digital tools to streamline your planning process.
In addition, leisure travel can serve as a fantastic source of inspiration and a means to maintain productivity when on work trips.
India is an ideal destination to visit while on a business vacation, with its stunning cities like Agra and the beaches of Goa.
India offers something for everyone, whether your goal is to unwind in the splendour of Udaipur or take in the energy of Mumbai. So go ahead and maximise your next work trip by organizing a leisure trip to India. Being home to many exciting cities and breathtaking sites. Agra, Jaipur, Mumbai, Udaipur, Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Kochi, Manali, Dharamshala, Kolkata, and many more lesser-known locations, India has always been an attraction for tourists and one of the most desirable business travel destinations.