Travelling for work doesn’t have to mean rushing from the airport to a meeting room with no time to enjoy the destination. More professionals are blending business and leisure travel, turning work trips into opportunities for exploration and relaxation. Whether adding a weekend to a conference or squeezing in a few hours of sightseeing between meetings, bleisure travel is changing how business travellers approach their trips.
Here’s everything you need to know about bleisure travel, from planning your itinerary to choosing the best destinations and making the most of corporate travel perks.
What is Bleisure Travel
Business and leisure travel is the sweet spot between work and play. It’s when a business trip extends beyond the meeting room, giving travellers time to explore, relax, or experience a destination in a more meaningful way. Some people add a weekend before or after their work commitments, while others plan their schedule to include downtime between meetings.
This approach has gained traction as businesses embrace flexibility and employees seek better work-life balance. No longer just a buzzword, bleisure travel is a common part of corporate travel planning.
Evolution of Business Travel
Business travel has changed a lot over the years. It wasn’t long ago that corporate trips were strictly scheduled—land, work, leave. Long layovers, packed schedules, and little to no time for leisure were standard. But travel priorities are shifting. Today, employees and employers see the value in making work trips more enjoyable and productive.
Many professionals now take advantage of remote work opportunities, turning short trips into longer stays. Some companies even encourage bleisure travel as a way to boost employee wellbeing and job satisfaction.
Difference Between Business & Bleisure Travel
Traditional Business Travel
Traditional work trips are focused on efficiency. The goal is to complete tasks with minimal disruption to daily business operations
Bleisure travel
Bleisure travel blends work with personal time, offering a chance to experience a new city or unwind before heading home.
This might mean extending a work trip for sightseeing, staying at a hotel that caters to business and leisure travellers, or simply choosing flights that allow for a little more flexibility. The key difference is mindset—business travel is about obligations, while business and leisure travel allows room for personal enjoyment.
Growth & Market Trends in Australia
Post-Pandemic Travel Trends
Business travel is bouncing back, but it looks a little different. Many companies have adopted hybrid work models, giving employees greater control over where and when they work. With fewer restrictions, professionals are choosing to blend work trips with personal getaways.
Another trend shaping business leisure trips is sustainability. Companies are becoming more mindful of travel’s environmental impact, opting for direct flights, eco-friendly accommodations, and carbon offset programs.
Rise of Remote Work & Digital Nomadism
Remote work has made bleisure travel more accessible than ever. Some professionals now plan extended stays in locations with strong business infrastructure, comfortable co-working spaces, and plenty of recreational activities. Destinations like Bali, Thailand, and Portugal have become hotspots for digital nomads looking to combine work with adventure.
Benefits of Bleisure Travel
Employee Wellbeing & Productivity
A work trip doesn’t have to be exhausting. Adding leisure time to the itinerary gives employees a chance to reset before diving back into their regular workload. Many report higher job satisfaction and reduced stress when balancing work commitments with personal time.
Cost Savings for Companies
Businesses benefit, too. Flights are often cheaper when booked outside peak times, and corporate travel deals can apply to extended stays. By allowing employees to incorporate leisure into their trips, companies can improve morale without increasing costs.
Top Australian Cities for Bleisure Travel
Post-Pandemic Travel Trends
Some destinations naturally lend themselves to business and leisure travel. Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane are top picks, offering corporate facilities alongside world-class dining, beaches, and cultural experiences. Perth and Adelaide provide more laid-back settings with stunning nature escapes just outside the city.
Partnering with an experienced corporate travel agent in Sydney, corporate travel agent in Melbourne, or corporate travel agent in Brisbane , Perth and Adelaide can help your company save time and money, while ensuring seamless travel management across multiple locations.
International Bleisure Destinations from Australia
Asia-Pacific Business Hubs
Singapore, Hong Kong, and Tokyo are common work-trip destinations for Australian professionals. Each city is built for business but offers plenty to explore—think rooftop bars, street markets, and cultural sites just a short distance from corporate centres.
Long-Haul Destinations for Extended Bleisure Trips
For those travelling further, cities like London, New York, and Los Angeles are perfect for extended business leisure trips. Each offers a mix of work opportunities, iconic sights, and endless ways to relax once business is wrapped up.
Weekend & Short Bleisure Trips
Not every bleisure travel experience needs to be a week-long stay. A few extra days in a scenic destination can make all the difference. A short escape to the Blue Mountains after meetings in Sydney or a weekend in Margaret River after work in Perth gives professionals a chance to recharge before heading back.
Bleisure Travel Essentials
Corporate Travel Management
Proper planning makes all the difference. A well-organised itinerary reduces stress, saves money, and ensures smooth transitions between meetings and leisure activities.
Booking Flights & Hotels
Flexible fares and business-friendly hotels make business and leisure travel easier. Corporate travel providers like Spencer Travel negotiate rates catering to work and personal travel needs.
Corporate Travel Insurance
A standard work trip policy might not cover leisure activities. Comprehensive travel insurance ensures travellers are protected for both business commitments and personal experiences.
Packing Tips for Bleisure Travellers
Smart Luggage Choices
Lightweight, multi-functional luggage is the way to go. A suitcase with a built-in charger and organised compartments makes switching between work and leisure seamless.
Essentials for Business & Casual Travel
Packing neutral outfits that can be dressed up or down saves space. A blazer works for boardroom meetings and dinners out, while comfortable shoes transition from work events to exploring the city.
Cost-Saving Strategies for Businesses
Corporate Travel Discounts
Businesses booking travel frequently can take advantage of loyalty programs and negotiated rates, saving money on flights, hotels, and transport.
Expense Management & Reimbursement Policies
Clear guidelines help companies and employees navigate the blend of work and leisure expenses. Many businesses set spending limits and reimbursement policies to keep everything transparent.
Accommodation & Hospitality
Best Hotels for Bleisure Travellers
Some hotels are designed with business and leisure travel in mind, offering workspaces, high-speed Wi-Fi, and wellness facilities all in one place.
Hotels with Business & Leisure Amenities
Look for properties with meeting rooms, gym access, and convenient locations. A great hotel makes both work and relaxation easier.
Serviced Apartments vs. Hotels
For longer business leisure trips, serviced apartments provide more space and flexibility, making extended stays feel more like home.
Loyalty Programs & Corporate Deals
Frequent travellers benefit from airline and hotel rewards programs. Companies encouraging bleisure travel can negotiate better rates and perks for employees.
Transportation & Logistics
Flights & Travel Routes
Direct Flights from Australia to Key Business Hubs
Non-stop routes to major cities like Singapore, Los Angeles, and London make bleisure travel more convenient.
Budget Airlines vs. Premium Carriers
Budget airlines offer affordability, while premium carriers provide added comfort for long-haul flights.
Local Transportation in Business Cities
Public Transit for Business Travellers
In cities with efficient transport systems, public transit can be the best way to get around. Tokyo, Singapore, and London all offer seamless travel options.
Rideshare & Rental Car Services
For flexibility, rideshare services and rental cars make it easy to explore beyond business districts.
Technology & Connectivity
Essential Travel Apps for Bleisure Travellers
Apps for flight booking, expense tracking, and local navigation simplify business and leisure travel.
Business Connectivity on the Road
Portable Wi-Fi devices and international SIM cards help professionals stay connected.
Cybersecurity & Data Protection While Traveling
Using a VPN keeps sensitive business data secure while working from hotels, cafes, or public Wi-Fi hotspots.
Why Bleisure Travel is the Future of Corporate Travel
Bleisure travel is no longer a trend—it’s becoming the new standard. More professionals are blending work with leisure, making business trips more fulfilling while maintaining productivity. Companies are also seeing the benefits, from improved employee wellbeing to cost savings on travel expenses. When managed well, a business leisure trip can be a win-win for businesses and travellers.
Planning ahead is key to making bleisure travel seamless. Choosing the right flights, booking business-friendly accommodations, and ensuring smooth transport can make all the difference. That’s where expert corporate travel management comes in.
Spencer Travel takes the stress out of business and leisure travel, offering tailored solutions for flights, hotels, transport, and itinerary planning. Whether you’re looking to extend a work trip for personal time or want to integrate corporate travel perks with leisure benefits, we can help.
Contact Spencer Travel today to discover how we can make your next bleisure travel experience effortless, cost-effective, and rewarding.
