Booking Travel — Published September 03, 2024 | 5 minute read
Let’s face it—business travel isn’t what it used to be.
For those who are constantly on the go, traveling for work has enabled them to mix business with unique pleasures, such as visiting family and friends or seeing a new place for the first time. It’s partly made possible by emerging technologies, including intuitive booking platforms, that make the travel experience more enjoyable—and seamless.
Bleusire, as it's called, has its benefits, not the least of which is saving money—or points—on traveling to a particular location. You’re already there, thanks to your job, so why not take full advantage of the opportunity?
Whether you’re trying to make new acquaintances, reconnect with old friends, make up for lost time with family, or simply re-charge, extended business trips present seemingly limitless possibilities. And if you’re part of a remote team, there’s less pressure to race back to your home base when returning to your professional duties is as easy as signing on from a hotel lounge or that must-visit coffee shop.
As experts on business travel—it’s in our name after all—we’re reminded that survey after survey shows how popular mixing leisure with business travel has become. It’s also increasingly seen as a positive by the business community, which acknowledges the strain a demanding career and schedule can have on employees. As long as employees and employers are on the same page, then blended travel should be top of mind for anyone with an upcoming work trip on their schedule. Especially when booking is as easy as ever.
It benefits you—the traveler—and the organization entrusting you with the responsibility of being their ambassador.
What Is Bleisure Travel?
By now, you probably know what we’re talking about.
But in the spirit of leaving no stone unturned, “bleisure” is when you combine business and leisure. Simple concept—we know—but there’s much more to it, including planning for such trips.
As our Business Travel City Guides underscore, there’s so much to do in any individual local, from networking at popular restaurants to grabbing drinks with friends or checking out museums or natural wonders.
In Los Angeles, travelers may want to:
- Go for a run in Griffith Park
- Hike Runyon Canyon
- Or just make sure you make the pilgrimage to In-N-Out Burger
Miami? Well, other than experiencing a sun-kissed afternoon at the beach or indulging in the city’s famed evening vibes, business travelers may also be interested in:
- Checking out Miami Beach’s Historic Art Deco District
- Feasting at Joe's Stone Crab
- Visiting Vizcaya Museum and Gardens in Coconut Grove
Heading on a business trip? Explore our City Guides
To be sure, bleisure is whatever you make of it: Some may prefer to get their fill after work hours. Others may opt to take a few days off so they can make the most of their time away without worrying about professional obligations. In other cases, organizations may incentivize a day (or two) of leisure as part of the business trip.
There are also finances to consider: Depending on the booking platform, you may get specific perks, such as discounted rates for flights, stays, and car rentals—all of which help employers save in the process. Some options may provide additional services to make your trip more enjoyable and stress-free, such as agent support, expense reports, and more.
It’s all about balancing the grind with some good times, making work travel feel less like, well, work. And perhaps most importantly, it’s a cost-efficient option for budget-conscious travel lovers.
Benefits of Business Travel
The top benefit of bleisure travel depends on what you value. If it’s sticking to a budget, then savings on cost would rank as the best perk. Flight rates change depending on departure times and dates. Prioritizing bleisure time gives you flexibility on spending. Flying in a day earlier or out a day later might be your cheapest option.
According to Deloitte’s 2024 study on corporate travel, 83% of respondents characterized business travel as “enjoyable.”
Interestingly, bleisure wasn’t the focus of the study but nevertheless was identified as a key element of what people find attractive about corporate travel: “Some take the opportunity to enjoy the travel without the business—two-thirds of corporate travelers say they extended a business trip for leisure in 2023,” the study found.
Among the top benefits listed: 51% cited networking opportunities while 47% enjoyed the opportunity to see a different city.
Beyond extending your stay, here are other reasons why corporate travel is still a big deal:
- Increased Focus and Productivity: Employees who travel for work step into environments designed to keep them focused. Away from everyday distractions, they can dedicate their energy to key tasks, whether it’s closing deals, attending conferences, or collaborating with teams.
- Building Stronger Relationships: The human element of business can’t be understated. Face-to-face meetings foster trust and deeper connections that are hard to replicate over digital platforms. Business travel enables these interactions, which are critical for long-term partnerships and successful collaborations.
- Enhanced Team Cohesion: In a world increasingly reliant on remote work, business travel brings teams together. Whether it’s for brainstorming sessions, strategic planning, or simply connecting on a personal level, these trips strengthen team bonds and reinforce company culture.
- Opportunities for Growth: Business travel exposes employees to new ideas, markets, and industries. It’s a chance for professional development that extends beyond the office walls. These experiences can inspire innovation and bring fresh perspectives back to the company.
- Employee Satisfaction and Retention: Offering opportunities for business travel can be a significant perk. It shows employees that the company is invested in their growth and willing to provide experiences that enrich both their professional and personal lives. This can lead to higher job satisfaction and better employee retention.
Take Off: How a User-Friendly Booking Engine Improves Business Travel
Business travel is becoming more dynamic, blending work with meaningful experiences that resonate on a deeper level. And in business travel, the rise of bleisure serves as a reflection of what modern professionals value—balance, connection, and the chance to make every trip count.
At Business Travel, our goal is to simplify and improve corporate travel, and to make extended trips more manageable for workers who choose to extend their stay.
Our user-friendly booking engine, accessible to individuals and businesses of varying sizes, makes securing reservations for lodging, flights, car rentals and more easier than ever. Among the additional perks: virtual company credit card integration, advanced reporting, expense reporting, and 24/7 agent support, among other exclusive features. Completely customizable, the platform also provides access to discounted leisure packages for tours, cruises, activities, and more to make your extended business trip.
Sign up today to be among the first to get access to our new and improved booking engine.
