How to turn business travel into bleisure when traveling to popular trade fair cities

What is bleisure travel, and why is it notable? Bleisure is a global market totalling $513 billion with an annual growth rate of 10%. It is a sector that has been progressively growing due to an ongoing trend. Over 83% of them are currently executing such processes. Why are they completing such processes? And how can they turn business travel into bleisure when travelling to popular trade fair cities?

What is bleisure and why is it popular?

As mentioned, bleisure combines business and leisure. It represents mixing a business trip with a personal vacation. An example is to request several additional days off before or after the event to sightsee, rest, or bring family along.

Types of Bleisure

As a result, there are several types of bleisure. One example is extending a business trip. It can take place by adding a weekend or a few extra days to the end of a work trip to explore a city such as Milan, Barcelona, Frankfurt, or Shanghai.

Another type of bleisure is the family tag-along. It comprises travelling with a spouse, partner, or children to sightsee at a destination after work. There is also the option for remote blending. It is done by working remotely from a destination before shifting into vacation mode. One example is working from the hotel and then going out to experience the city.

Why is it popular?

Why is bleisure popular? There are several reasons for the trend being popular.

Among them are causes such as:

• Optimised work-life balance;
• Reduced costs;
• Improved work performance via remote work growth.

What should you do to implement this trend?

How to turn business travel into bleisure when travelling to popular trade fair cities? There are several steps to take when opting for such an approach. To begin with:

Don’t overlook your homework

To ensure an optimised bleisure experience, always begin by doing your homework. This includes examining company policies and ensuring that your company is informed. Additionally, do not overlook asking for permission to extend your business trip. When possible, ensure your business trip coincides with a bank/public holiday in the country, right before or after the weekend. In this regard, one should opt to research their destination as early as possible. These include public transport options, available leisure activities, best neighbourhoods, and so on.

Proceed with selecting the accommodation. Always book as early as possible to avoid high hotel and transport costs. When choosing accommodations, opt for ones that feature leisure options such as a pool, spa, gym, or sports grounds. Do not overlook having high-quality Wi-Fi, dedicated workspaces, and a convenient location. One example is near your primary business site and primary leisure attractions.

Prepare your wardrobe and pack smartly

Once you have done your homework, prepare thoroughly for your packing. For the task, opt for a medium-sized case and a carry-on bag. Opt for clothes that are simultaneously business and casual. These include items that can be dressed up with smart shoes or heels and dressed down with sneakers, for example, when exploring the city streets.

Examples include:

• Blazers;
• Casual, lightweight, crewneck sweaters;
• Relaxed-fit pants;
• Neutral-style blouses or shirts made from light, breathable materials;
• A versatile bag;
• Three pairs of shoes, including a pair of loafers, comfortable sneakers for the leisure aspect, and heels or dress shoes.

Do not overlook your vital accessories

A vital step in turning business travel into bleisure when travelling to popular trade fair cities is packing all the essentials. These include accessories for your workstation, such as a laptop, phone, and other essential devices. Examples include chargers, adapters, and a business eSIM. It enables you to maintain a remote connection while avoiding increased costs from roaming.

In this regard, there are several means to remain productive during a bleisure trip. These include front-loading your work when possible. Thus, you can more effectively focus on the leisure component. You should also uphold office hours and create a dedicated workspace in your hotel room. Always ensure that your connectivity is optimal in advance.

How to make the most of your leisure time?

How to turn business travel into bleisure when travelling to popular trade fair cities? Several steps can turn corporate travel into such an experience. It applies particularly to the leisure aspect. For the task, consider the following:

Consider travelling further afield

Popular trade fair cities, such as Milan, offer ample bleisure opportunities. Yet, they are frequently packed with tourists, which can cause delays in travelling to or visiting certain attractions. To avoid such options, consider travelling further afield. For the task, opt to explore cities around such large areas. This will allow you to deepen your cultural understanding while also avoiding unnecessary stress because of dense crowds.

For example, opt to travel to a more compact city where you can explore a local festival or sample local cuisine. Additionally, consider visiting local art or historical museums. Alternatively, you can explore local markets to see if you can find something unique. You can also opt for investing in local businesses. For the task, dine at locally-owned restaurants, shop in independent boutiques, and engage with the community.

Opt for spending some quality time

If travelling to other cities and examining the community is unavailable for one reason or another, opt for spending a day of relaxation. These include hiking to a nearby natural attraction such as a mountain or a waterfall. Alternatively, you can opt to spend time in a local park or at the beach.

Alternatively, spend quality time with close ones. Examples include playing sports, playing board games, or swimming together at the pool or in the sea. There is also the option, for instance, to visit a spa or a local concert.

Conclusion

Bleisure is a growing trend that can improve work-life balance while also aiding corporate travel. If you would like to learn about it, contact Travel 2 Fairs Ltd.