What’s bleisure travel & why is it growing?

Efficiency is the golden rule of good business—maximize output, streamline internals, and make every minute of your day count. So why shouldn’t that same mindset apply to business travel? 

Bleisure is a way to squeeze more out of a work trip, blending boardrooms with hotel pools. Instead of jetting in for a conference and rushing straight back to the office, more professionals are extending their stays, turning necessary travel into an opportunity to explore, recharge, and make the most of their time.

Read on to learn why bleisure travel trends are on the rise, how work and play benefits employees and employers alike, and which destinations are perfect for mixing business with pleasure. 

What’s bleisure travel?

Traditionally, business travel was all work, no play—fly in, sit through meetings, grab dinner at the hotel bar, then head home. Bleisure travel, short for business and leisure, happens when professionals make the most of their time away by combining work obligations with leisure travel. That might mean adding a few vacation days before or after the trip or carving out time to relax, explore, and enjoy the destination. 

Bleisure is more than a travel industry buzzword. Here’s why it’s more popular than ever. 

Shifting professional priorities

The old idea of strict separation between work and personal life is fading. Flexibility and new experiences are essential to job satisfaction, and bleisure travel offers both. By turning a business trip into a mini getaway, corporate travel becomes more personally edifying. Plus, it feels like a vacation but doesn’t cut into your actual PTO.

Rise of remote work 

2020 fundamentally changed the way employees think about work. Remotely distributed teams are the new norm, and many professionals actively seek work arrangements outside the traditional office grind. With the ability to sign in virtually anywhere, business travel no longer has to be confined to rigid schedules. Instead of rushing home after a meeting or event, business travelers can take time to explore a new city and work from their hotel room.

Increased focus on employee well-being

Burnt-out employees aren’t good for business. They’re more likely to underperform, add strain to their teams, and search for greener pastures. Companies increasingly recognize that supporting employee well-being is an investment in productivity and engagement. And building leisure time into a corporate travel policy supports mental health while still meeting work obligations.

Benefits of business leisure travel

Sightseeing, hospitality, and entertainment aren’t the only benefits of bleisure travel. Here are some advantages of planning a bleisure trip.

Better work-life balance

Business travelers often face disruptions in their routines, making it hard to maintain a sense of work-life balance. Bleisure travel helps employees integrate downtime into their work trips without sacrificing personal days. Whether it’s a morning of sightseeing in a new city or an extra day to lounge around the hotel after a conference, a mix of work and leisure makes travel feel less draining and more sustainable.

Cost-effective personal travel

Flights and accommodations for business trips are covered by employers, making it easier (and cheaper) to tack on a few extra days for personal time. Since major travel costs are already handled, employees can extend their stay without breaking the bank—just a few extra nights at a hotel and some sightseeing expenses. It’s a budget-friendly way to visit new places, and an attractive perk for job seekers. 

Improved productivity and creativity

Bleisure allows corporate travelers to unwind, which can lead to deeper focus, fresh ideas, and increased productivity when they’re back in action. A change of scenery and new experiences encourages employees to return to work refreshed and inspired. 

Team building strategy

Business trips can bring coworkers together, but bleisure takes team bonding to the next level. Instead of just spending time in conference rooms, colleagues can explore a new city together, share meals, and enjoy group leisure activities outside of work hours. These shared experiences strengthen relationships and create a more connected team that lasts long after the business trip wraps up. 

How to take advantage of bleisure travel 

Turning a work trip into a short escape takes a little planning, but the payoff is well worth it. Here’s how to make the most of bleisure travel while keeping corporate travel smooth and cost-effective. 

Plan business trips around weekends

The easiest way to extend a work trip is to schedule it near a weekend. If a corporate traveler needs to work on a Friday, consider extending the stay through Sunday. Holidays and long weekends are also great bleisure opportunities, although corporate travelers should plan ahead to secure hotel accommodations and flights.

Research company policies on combining expenses

Before booking an extended stay, check your company’s corporate travel policy, particularly expenses. Employers cover work-related expenses—like flights, hotels, and meals during required travel—but leisure costs tend to be the traveler’s responsibility unless they’re included in a stipend. 

Some companies offer flexible working arrangements as long as there’s no additional cost, while others require employees to book separate reservations for personal days. Understanding how your accounting department tracks expenses and what qualifies for reimbursements avoids complicated expense reports. 

Use travel tools to find flexible accommodations

Many hotels offer frequent corporate travelers extra perks like late checkouts, extended stays, and loyalty rewards that make it easier to transition from work mode to vacation time. It’s even easier with Engine Flex, a type of booking protection that allows travelers to change plans, whether it’s arriving at your hotel early or tacking on a few extra days at the last minute. 

5 popular bleisure travel destinations

From global business travel hubs to hidden American gems, here are five cities perfect for leisure and business.

1. New York City

In New York City, there’s nothing you can’t do—including closing a big deal and then heading to a Broadway show. Wrap up your meeting at the legendary Ace Hotel in the Flatiron District, then take a stroll down fifth avenue to the West Village, full of endless unique dining options, as well as the storied Comedy Cellar. It’s the city that never sleeps, making it ideal for a long weekend or a destination with plenty of leisure activities during downtime. 

2. Tempe

With temperate winters, natural beauty, and a buzzing regional food scene, Tempe is a great place to do business. For leisure travelers who prefer nature to big city culture, a hike through the Sonoran landscape is just a quick drive away. After a quick desert hike, you can check out Sonoran cooking at open-fire restaurant Bacanora or traditional fry bread at James Beard’s award-winning Fry Bread House. 

3. London

London is a multicultural city full of Old World charm and modern energy, offering ample leisure options for every kind of business traveler. On your downtime, disconnect on a history tour through a centuries-old landmark, hit up a cutting-edge art gallery, or unwind in the tranquil green spaces of Regent’s Park. There's so much to discover, you'll want to extend your trip to a full week of vacation. 

4. Singapore

Futuristic skyscrapers, lush green cityscapes, and vibrant street culture come together to make Singapore a one-of-a-kind destination. Due to its open attitude toward foreign trade and its strategic location on the straits of Malacca, Singapore is known as a worldwide trade hub. After work, enjoy street food at an iconic hawker market like Lau Pa Sat or catch some tropical rays on the beach. 

5. Asheville

Asheville’s booming startup scene is turning the laid-back southern city into a regular destination for corporate travelers. Despite being a relatively new business hub, Asheville has a well-developed travel industry full of charming hotels and a thriving farm-to-table restaurant scene. Outside of good hospitality, you can take a hike in the Blue Ridge Mountains, kayak through French Broad Rivers, or enjoy a craft beer in the city’s diverse brewery scene. 

Combine business and leisure with Engine

If you’re ready to blend business with a little leisure, Engine makes it simple to plan a work trip with plenty of bleisure time. Book hotels, flights, and car rentals all in one place, and enjoy flexible options when you want to extend your trip. 

Visit Engine’s Personal Account page to customize your next business trip and explore all the ways to make business travel feel like mostly play, with just a bit of work.