Business travel has evolved.

It’s no longer just about flying in, attending meetings, and flying out. Today’s professionals are redefining work trips, blending productivity with exploration, and deadlines with downtime.

Whether you call it a bleisure, a workation, or a bizcation, one thing is clear: this shift isn’t a trend, it’s a new way of travelling.

According to the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), over 70% of business travellers now add personal leisure time to at least one work trip each year. Even more interesting? Industry insights suggest most bleisure extensions last 2-4 days, just enough time to experience a destination without disrupting work commitments.
So, if you’ve been flying in and out of cities without seeing them, consider this a sign.

Next time you travel for work, stay a little longer. Close the laptop and go explore.

Here’s how to plan a bleisure trip that actually feels worth it:

Plan Ahead (and Be Strategic About It)

If your company doesn’t have a formal bleisure policy, don’t assume it’s a no; start the conversation.

Speak to HR or your manager early and request to extend your trip using personal leave days. Most companies are increasingly open to this, especially when it doesn’t affect productivity or costs.

When booking your flights, be upfront about your extended stay. Adjusting your return date at the start is almost always cheaper than making last-minute changes.

Also, if your company uses a travel agency or has corporate rates, take advantage of them. You may be able to extend your stay at a reduced rate, especially for flights and accommodations.

Do Your Research (Don’t Just “Wing It”)

A bleisure trip without an intention can easily turn into wasted time.

Before you travel, research your destination.
•    What experiences are worth your time?
•    What can realistically fit into your schedule?
•    What kind of traveller are you on this trip: rest, adventure, culture?

The goal isn’t to do everything, it’s to do the right things.
Even a simple walking tour, a cultural site, or a well-chosen restaurant can completely transform your experience of a place.

Choose the Right Stay

Where you stay can make or break your bleisure experience.

Look for accommodation that supports both work and relaxation.
•    Reliable, high-speed Wi-Fi
•    Dedicated workspaces
•    Wellness amenities (gym, spa, or even just quiet spaces)

Business-friendly hotels are increasingly designed with this hybrid traveller in mind. So choose one that lets you transition seamlessly from meetings to downtime.

Set Boundaries Between Work and Leisure

This is where most people get it wrong.

Bleisure only works if you’re intentional about separating the two.

Prioritise your work first: Lock in meetings. Meet your deadlines. Communicate your availability clearly. Then schedule your leisure time around that.
When it’s time to switch off... actually switch off. That’s how you avoid turning your “leisure” into remote work in a different location.

Keep It Simple (Less Is More)

You don’t need a packed itinerary to make a bleisure trip meaningful.
In fact, trying to do too much often leads to burnout, the exact opposite of what you’re aiming for.

Pick 2–3 key experiences and do them well. Leave room to breathe, wander, and enjoy the destination without pressure.

Balancing business and leisure isn’t always easy, but it’s absolutely worth it.
With the right planning, a work trip can become more than just a professional obligation. It can be an opportunity to explore, recharge, and reconnect with why you love travelling in the first place.

So next time you’re booking a work trip, ask yourself: What would it look like if I stayed just a little longer?

Got a business trip coming up? Let’s help you turn it into something memorable.