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What is bleisure travel?

The next evolution of business travel

Published: November 1, 2023

The trend of bleisure travel has taken flight, and this practice is not merely a buzzword. It’s a reflection of shifting work paradigms and lifestyle choices. In 2022, a report from the American Hotel and Lodging Association cited this statistic: 89% of global business travelers wanted to include some vacation time in their next corporate trips.

The allure of bleisure travel is undeniable, but what does it mean in practical terms? How does it affect businesses and their employees, and, more importantly, how can you manage the concept effectively if it’s new to you?


What is bleisure travel?

The term “bleisure” combines “business” and “leisure” and refers to trips that incorporate business and personal time. This concept is also sometimes referred to as blended travel.

Imagine sending an employee to a conference or a client meeting. Yes, they may be there for work, but they could also be in a city known for its rich history, vibrant culture, or beautiful landscapes. Giving them the time to explore their interests can change their perception of you as an employer.

From an employee’s perspective, bleisure travel can be an exciting perk that enriches their work. They can return from the trip not only with professional accomplishments but also with the memories of a short personal trip.

Exploring the rise of bleisure travel

More and more people are embracing the concept of bleisure travel, but what does that actually mean for organizations? Let’s take a closer look.


The popularity of bleisure travel

Recent studies indicate that bleisure travel has gained significant momentum in recent years. Expedia’s 2023 Traveler Value Index shows that 76% of business travelers are planning to take a bleisure trip in the next year, compared with 60% in 2018.


Demographics of bleisure travelers

According to the State of Business Travel Survey by National Car Rental in 2019, 90% of millennials have engaged in bleisure travel, compared with 81% of Generation Xers and 80% of baby boomers. More than half of Gen Z adults are frequent travelers, which means bleisure is likely to be attractive to them too.

Most people across demographic groups place high value on experiences and work-life balance. They’re inclined to take advantage of opportunities to explore new destinations while traveling for business.

Comparing bleisure and traditional business travelers

Bleisure travelers tend to have different preferences and behaviors than traditional business travelers. For example, bleisure travelers may choose unique accommodations, like vacation rentals or boutique hotels. They’re also more likely to dine at local restaurants, visit local attractions, and participate in events or experiences. Additionally, they often extend their stays, allowing for more time to explore their destination and enjoy leisure activities.

Benefits of bleisure travel

For employees

  • Improved work-life balance: By combining work and leisure activities, employees can enjoy a more balanced and fulfilling travel experience, reducing stress and the risk of burnout.
  • Enhanced job satisfaction: Employees who have the opportunity to explore new destinations and engage in leisure activities during business trips are more likely to feel satisfied with their job, contributing to increased motivation.
  • Cost-effective travel: By extending a business trip for leisure purposes, employees can save on travel costs. This can result in more affordable and enjoyable personal travel experiences.

For employers

  • Better employee retention: Offering bleisure options can let your employees enjoy their travels beyond work, enhancing their overall experience. This can lead to higher employee retention rates. Many workers will value the fact that you care about their professional development and their personal growth.
  • Attracting top talent: Companies that support bleisure travel demonstrate a commitment to employee well-being and work-life balance, making them more attractive to prospective employees.
  • Increased productivity and creativity: Allowing employees to engage in leisure activities during business trips can help them feel more relaxed and refreshed. That can boost productivity and foster creative thinking.

Using Uber for work and leisure?

With over 170,000 organizations already using Uber for Business, your employer may already be on board.

Learn more

Bleisure challenges for companies

While a bleisure policy has many advantages, you also need to look out for pitfalls. Below are some of the challenges that your organization may run into.


Policy structuring

Crafting a comprehensive and fair bleisure policy can be a daunting task. When you’re defining the rules for business and leisure travel, you need to strike a balance. It’s essential to identify what expenses you’ll cover, who’s eligible, and what happens in the case of unforeseen circumstances like delays.

Budgeting and expense management

Managing the financial aspects of bleisure travel can be tricky. Once you have your policy, more questions arise. What happens when an employee chooses to upgrade their flight for more comfort or stay in a more luxurious hotel for the leisure part of their trip? This is where you need to establish boundaries. You should also have a clear and simple way for employees to log their expenses and categorize them.

Workload management

Bleisure travel can cause disruptions to your usual workflow. If an employee extends their business trip for leisure, other team members might need to manage their immediate responsibilities. Planning for this in advance is key to avoiding blockers and keeping projects moving.

Uber for Business helps take the work out of business travel

Uber for Business is a powerful tool that simplifies business travel and supports the growing trend of bleisure with features including:

  • Easy toggling between work and personal profiles: The Uber app allows users to seamlessly switch between their work and personal profiles, helping to ensure accurate expense tracking and reimbursement for work-related trips.
  • Streamlined expense management: Uber for Business integrates with popular expense management platforms, making it easy for employees to submit their trip expenses for reimbursement.
  • Customizable travel perks: Companies can create tailored travel benefits for their employees. This makes it possible to better set guidelines and limits that make sense for your particular needs and industry.

Frequently asked questions

  • Overall, embracing bleisure travel can lead to a happier and more productive workforce, while providing employees with valuable opportunities to explore new destinations and create lasting memories.

  • A bleisure policy is a set of guidelines that a company establishes to manage the blending of business and leisure travel. For example, the policy may state that employees can extend their business trips for personal leisure, but the extra days and related expenses are their responsibility. The policy should clearly define when the business trip ends and the personal leisure begins, to avoid any confusion.

  • By working together, employers and employees can create an environment where bleisure travel is a win-win situation. Employers must communicate the benefits and limitations of the policy and have a clear process in place for tracking coverage and reimbursements. Employees can plan ahead to make the most of their trip and leverage any travel-related partnerships their employer may have with other businesses.

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