Who said a business trip can't also be a getaway to enjoy ? Bleisure is a combination of the words business and leisure. It's a way of traveling that more and more professionals are embracing.
It originated over a decade ago, but it has only been in recent years that it’s truly taken off in popular vocabulary, especially after the pandemic. And trends in corporate housing point to more discussions around it in the future.
The fact 📊
The fact 📊
According to Precedence Research, the global bleisure travel market will reach
816.24 billion dollars by 2025 .
In this article, we’ll share the benefits that have catapulted bleisure into the spotlight, how to integrate it into your company’s travel policy , and what type of accommodations to look for to make the most of it.
Benefits of bleisure Bleisure is the perfect way to make the most of a work trip by discovering new cities, relaxing, and coming back home recharged. But the best part is that everyone wins , both the professionals traveling and the company sending them.
Employees turned travelers For employees on business trips , the benefits of bleisure are clear:
Higher satisfaction : Extra days to enjoy the destination make the trip feel less like "just work."Less stress : After ticking off all the tasks on a tight schedule, disconnecting for a bit helps avoid the dreaded burnout.More creativity : New experiences and environments inspire and motivate professionals.Companies that improve their employer brand Companies can also benefit from this work-leisure combination:
Attracting and retaining talent : Offering bleisure makes companies a more attractive option to work for compared to competitors.More productive teams : When employees return rested, they work better and are more motivated.Better reputation : Companies that offer such initiatives project a very positive image of flexibility and concern for their teams.How to integrate bleisure into your corporate travel policy Bleisure can provide all the benefits we've seen, as long as it's properly regulated. The key is to find a balance between flexibility for the employee and cost and risk control for the company.
Here are three tasks we recommend completing before finalizing a bleisure trip with your employees:
1. Define the scope of free time It’s important to establish how many days of leisure the employee can add and whether they are allowed before, after, or during the work trip. Additionally, it’s essential to specify if there are mileage or destination limits for the extension.
2. Create a cost policy To avoid misunderstandings, there should be a clear distinction between what the company covers (flights, accommodation during work days , and corporate meals) and what the employee is responsible for (extra nights, leisure activities, and non-work-related transportation).
It’s advisable to have separate payment systems for professional and personal expenses. This can be done through different cards or apps that allow the traveler to categorize each expense.
3. Ensure protection It’s important to review whether the travel policy also covers incidents during the leisure portion of the trip, in case the employee needs to purchase additional insurance. Additionally, if there is a protocol for emergency situations (such as flight changes, health issues, or lost luggage during the personal part of the trip), the better.
The ideal accommodation for a bleisure trip In a trip like this, accommodation is both the hub of operations and the refuge to unwind . Not just any place will do; it has to be designed for comfortable work... and enjoyable relaxation afterward. The must-have features are:
A comfortable workspace , with a desk, a good chair, and adequate lighting.High-speed interne t for meetings and calls without interruptions.A fully equipped kitchen to take a break during the day or prepare a private dinner .Flexibility in the booking , allowing for extra companions or changes to check-in and check-out dates for the second part of the trip.A strategic location : close to the work area, but also near the tourist attractions the traveler will visit.Apartool: the best accommodation for a bleisure trip Do you know a provider of apartments where you can attend a video call in the morning, cook something quick for lunch, and then head out to explore the city in the afternoon? It’s called Apartool , and here’s why it’s the best accommodation option for a bleisure trip.
Everything you need in one place At Apartool, you’ll find apartments equipped for working as if you were in the office : with fast internet and a comfortable space to focus.
But they’re also designed to make you feel at home , with a full kitchen, cleaning service, and accommodations equipped down to the last detail.
Exactly where you were looking Location is another strong point: Apartool offers apartments in areas that combine proximity to business centers with easy access to restaurants, museums, and historic areas. Ideal for switching from work to leisure in just minutes.
Additionally, they are located in the cities most frequently chosen by travelers for this type of trip. For example:
Flexibility as a mantra Need more than a month of accommodation? No problem. Is the employee’s family joining for the second part of the trip? No problem. Want to bring your pet along ? No problem. Just speak to your dedicated account manager , and they’ll arrange everything you need for you.
Bleisure is not just a buzzword: it's an intelligent way to travel that enhances the employee experience and adds value to the company . And Apartool makes it very easy to find the ideal accommodation for it.
Frequently asked questions about bleisure travel What is bleisure travel? Bleisure travel blends a business trip with personal leisure time, letting employees extend a work stay to explore a destination, relax, or spend time with family before or after their work obligations.
What are the benefits of bleisure travel for employees? It reduces travel fatigue, improves work-life balance, and gives employees a reason to look forward to business trips, which can boost morale and job satisfaction.
How does bleisure travel benefit companies? Companies that support bleisure often see better employee retention and travel policy compliance, since staff are more willing to travel when they can add personal time to a trip.
What kind of accommodation works best for bleisure travel? Corporate apartments are well suited to bleisure trips because they offer the space, kitchen, and home comforts needed for both a productive workweek and a relaxed extended stay.
How can companies integrate bleisure into their travel policy? Set clear guidelines on how many personal days can be added, who covers the extra accommodation cost, and confirm insurance coverage extends through the leisure portion of the trip.
