Gone are the days when business trips meant all work and no play. Welcome to the era of “bleisure” travel – the art of mixing business with leisure – and hear us out when we say, it’s revolutionizing the way we think about work trips. If you’re still rushing home right after your last meeting, you’re missing out on one of the hottest travel trends of 2025.
Why Bleisure Travel is Booming
The pandemic changed how we work, and it’s also transformed how we travel for work. With remote work becoming more common, companies are becoming increasingly flexible about when employees need to return to home base. According to recent studies, over 60% of business travelers are now adding leisure days to their work trips, a significant jump from pre-pandemic numbers.
But here’s the really interesting part – it’s not just about having fun. Companies are actually seeing benefits from this trend. Happy employees, better work-life balance, and even cost savings when employees opt to stay over weekends (when flights are often cheaper) are making bleisure travel a win-win situation.
Making the Most of Your Bleisure Trip
Let’s break down how to turn your next business trip into an epic bleisure adventure without breaking the bank or losing your professional edge.
Plan Smart, Play Smarter
First things first – timing is everything. If you’re heading to a conference in Miami in January, wouldn’t it be crazy not to add a few beach days? Look at your business schedule and build your leisure time around it strategically. Pro tip: Many hotels offer better rates for extended stays, so those extra days might cost less than you think.
Talk to Your Boss
Here’s the part many people stress about, but it’s simpler than you think. Be upfront with your employer about your plans. Most companies are fine with employees extending their stays as long as the business portion of the trip isn’t compromised. Just make sure you’re clear about which expenses are on you versus the company card.
Master the Art of Packing
Packing for a bleisure trip is like playing Tetris with your suitcase. You need those power suits for meetings but also want room for your beach gear. The secret? Versatile pieces that can transition from business to casual. A black blazer can work for both boardroom presentations and dinner at that trendy restaurant you’ve been dying to try.
The Accommodation Puzzle
Here’s where things get interesting. You’ve got several options for handling the housing situation:
Stay Put or Switch It Up?
Many travelers choose to stay in their business hotel for the entire trip – it’s convenient and you might snag a better rate for the extended stay. But don’t be afraid to switch to a different spot for the leisure portion. Sometimes, moving from the financial district to a more vibrant neighborhood can make your vacation time feel more authentic.
Consider Alternative Accommodations
For the leisure portion, look into apartment rentals or boutique hotels. They often provide more space, kitchen facilities, and a more local experience. Plus, they can be more budget-friendly for longer stays.
The Transportation Game
Smart transportation planning can make or break your bleisure experience, especially when it comes to parking and getting around.
The Airport Parking Solution
Here’s a game-changer many bleisure travelers overlook: off-site airport parking. When you’re extending your trip, those airport parking fees can add up fast. Off-site parking facilities, like those available through OneStopParking, offer significant savings for longer stays. Plus, you can often find last-minute availability when airport lots are full – perfect for those spontaneous trip extensions.
For bleisure travelers, flexible and affordable airport parking is crucial. Here’s why off-site parking is often the best choice:
- Cost Savings: Off-site lots typically charge 40-60% less than official airport parking
- Flexibility: Easy to extend your stay without astronomical fees
- Security: Most facilities offer 24/7 surveillance and well-lit lots
- Convenience: Regular shuttle service to and from the terminal
- Last-minute Availability: Even when airport lots are full, you can usually find spots
Getting Around Your Destination
Research local transportation options before you go. Some cities offer weekly transit passes that can save you money compared to daily tickets or rideshares. Many bleisure travelers rent cars only for the leisure portion of their trip, saving on parking fees during the business days.
Making the Most of Your Extended Stay
Turn Business Connections into Local Insights
Use your business contacts for local recommendations. That colleague you’re meeting with? They probably know the best non-tourist spots in town. Don’t be shy about asking for suggestions – people usually love sharing their local knowledge.
Maximize Mornings and Evenings
Even during the business portion of your trip, make use of your free time. Early morning runs through a new city or evening walks to local restaurants can help you explore without cutting into work time.
The Financial Side of Bleisure
Smart Money Moves
Keep detailed records of personal versus business expenses. Use different credit cards for each to make expense reporting easier. Look for loyalty programs that let you earn points on both business and leisure spending – those points can fund future trips. You can even try some travel apps that help you keep tabs on your moves and spending.
Maximizing Travel Rewards
This is where bleisure really shines. You’re essentially doubling your opportunities to earn points and miles. Use a good travel rewards credit card for personal expenses, and make sure you’re enrolled in all relevant hotel and airline loyalty programs.
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Bleisure travel isn’t just a trend – it’s becoming a standard way to approach business travel. As companies continue to embrace flexible work arrangements and prioritize employee well-being, the opportunities for combining business and leisure travel will only grow.
The key to successful bleisure travel is planning ahead while remaining flexible enough to take advantage of opportunities as they arise. Whether it’s finding the perfect hotel that works for both business and pleasure, scoring great deals on extended parking, or discovering local gems that turn a business trip into an adventure, the possibilities are endless.
Remember, the goal isn’t just to add a few vacation days to your business trip – it’s about creating a richer, more fulfilling travel experience that benefits both your professional and personal life. So next time you’re booking a business trip, think bleisure – your career, your wallet, and your wanderlust will thank you.