The Rise of 'Bleisure' Travel

'Bleisure' combines 'business' and 'leisure', and is a popular new type of travel that combines business trips with the personal. 

Post COVID when travel restrictions were lifted and business trips resumed, there was an increase in travellers mixing business with pleasure; the couple that stay an extra week after a work conference, the family who join their Dad on a trip to a new city, the foodie who uses their evenings to explore a new city. 

This travel trend has taken the industry by storm as more workers opt for flexible working holiday arrangements. Expedia Group has reported at least 60% of business travellers extend their trips for leisure purposes!

So, why is 'bleisure' travel so popular?

• Simply put, it makes financial sense; it’s more cost effective for travellers who will save money on flights and accommodations as the business picks up some of the expense.
• Bleisure travellers often bring their partner or family allowing them to commit to work commitments, and also enjoy travel with their loved ones.
• Preventing burnout and promoting wellbeing. Taking a few days off work while you’re already in a hot location allows travellers to jump straight to the good bits of their holiday - allowing them to return to work refreshed.
  

Bleisure travellers have unique accommodation needs that perfectly aligns with short-term rentals, meeting their requirements of flexibility, comfort, and extra space, accommodating work and leisure needs.

Business trips do require a work-conducive space as well as room to unwind after meetings. Short-term rentals offer larger living spaces than hotel rooms, often including separate areas for work, and relaxation, making it easier to balance business and leisure (especially if their family has joined the trip!). Additionally, many bleisure travellers require high-speed internet, reliable office space, and other business-friendly amenities to stay productive while on the road.

Since bleisure travellers tend to extend their stays beyond the business portion of their trip, short-term rentals provide a cost effective option for travellers to extend their stay beyond the original work schedule without the costs of traditional hotel bookings. This is especially helpful for families and partners joining the traveller on the trip, as they can easily adjust their accommodations to match everyone’s needs.

For travellers seeking an authentic local experience, short-term rentals do this really well. Staying in a local neighbourhood provides opportunities to explore local restaurants, shops, and attractions. For foodies, families, and solo adventurers alike, this immersion into local culture adds a unique layer to their travel experience, making it feel more like a vacation
than just a work trip.

Bleisure travel has revolutionised the way people work and travel. Short-term rentals are brilliantly equipped to meet the unique needs of this growing group of travellers and provide excellent flexibility, comfort, space and an authentic experience, enabling the bleisure traveller to seamlessly blend work and leisure.