At first blush, “bleisure” sounds like a nonsensical term – the kind of hollow buzzword you might expect from a PR firm. But “bleisure” isn’t as strange as it sounds. The term is a portmanteau of “business” and “leisure,” coined to describe the recent phenomenon of semi-remote work mixed with travel.
Here’s a brief history. After the pandemic, several employers acclimatized to a hybrid work schedule, allowing employees to do a portion (or all) of their work remotely. Some quick-thinking employees saw this as an opportunity to travel while working – or was it work while travelling? At any rate, the lines between work and leisure travel became increasingly blurry, leading us to bleisure travel.
Before long, companies got on board with the idea. If an employee wanted to travel, companies wondered, would it be possible to engage them in destination-specific work while abroad – taking meetings or attending conferences? It proved to be a win-win for everyone. Employees had their travel costs subsidized, while employers leveraged pre-existing vacations for commercial opportunities.
If this sounds interesting to you, you aren’t alone – the concept is catching on like wildfire. In this post, let’s review the three main steps to crafting a successful, balanced bleisure trip.
Coordinate and Communicate with Your Employer
The whole process starts with clear lines of communication. If you’re planning a vacation in,say, six months, then coordinate with your employer about the possibility of working for a portion of your trip.
At worst, your employer may allow you to extend your stay abroad while working remotely (maximizing your time in a new and exciting locale). At best, they may subsidize your trip to execute destination-specific jobs like meeting with distributors, holding client meetings or attending R&D seminars.
Pack for a Versatile Travel Experience
Packing for a bleisure trip requires some deft planning. Essentially, you are packing for two trips in one streamlined piece of luggage. If possible, leave the suit at home – it takes up excessive space in a bag. If you have to bring a suit, watch this tutorial on the best way to fold a suit for minimalist travel.
Otherwise, opt for travel clothing that you can dress up or down. For instance, this stylish merino wool polo shirt is the epitome of versatility. It looks sophisticated enough for a semi-formal meeting but casual enough for a poolside Mai Tai. Additionally, merino wool is a fantastic option because it’s odour-resistant, wrinkle-resistant and sweat-wicking – meaning you’ll always look and smell like you’re ready for business.
Choose Accommodation that Fits Both Your Aims
The last step in preparing for your bleisure trip is booking accommodation. Ideally, you have a say in the location and nature of your accommodation; however, if your company is fronting the bill, you might have little wiggle room.
If you can, choose accommodation situated to fit both the leisure and business aspects of the trip. Check out a hotel’s proximity to nearby attractions, restaurants, museums, etc. But also ensure that the hotel is either a) close to your business functions or b) fitted with fast, free WiFi and work-in-place amenities like a comfortable desk and chair. Most hotel chains are currently scrambling to accommodate bleisure travellers, so you shouldn’t have too much issue.
Experts in the hospitality industry indicate that bleisure travel is more than a passing trend – it’s a new paradigm in travel that’s here to stay. To put your bleisure plans in motion, follow the three straightforward steps above.
