INTRODUCTION
There’s no two ways about it, ‘Bleisure’ trips are on the rise. And whilst the term itself may send a slight shiver down your spine, this emerging concept is red hot. ‘Bleisure’ trips blur the conflicted line between business and leisure.
When it comes to work travel trips, combining elements of both business and pleasure can be fantastic way to achieve a truly fulfilling experience without feeling as though you’ve compromised on nurturing relationships, self care, or seeing a new destination.
So, just how can you successfully combine business and personal travel for a truly memorable break?
With many business owners and senior professionals spending a large portion of their time travelling for business, it can sometimes be difficult to find the joy in personal travel. With this in mind, it really does make sense to combine a work trip with personal activities wherever possible.
ORGANISATION IS KEY
So you’ve decided to embark on a ‘bleisure trip’ – perhaps you’re bringing your partner or family along? Or you want to make sure you see some of those iconic landmarks. Obviously, you know when you’ll be required to work, so use this as a starting point and map out which times or days work best for leisure time.
At what point do you need to ensure that you have ample time to prepare, execute and debrief on your meeting? And what time frames or days look more accessible for leisure time? It all seems pretty obvious, but when your head is in business mode, it can be hard to share the headspace between each aspect of your trip.
CONSULT YOUR CORPORATE TRAVEL POLICY
If your company has an established corporate travel policy already in place, it is worth checking the guidelines regarding combining personal travel with business travel – It may be that you are able to get better rates and discounts on hotels.
A travel management company can help you to identify areas where a ‘bleisure’ trip can be justified by examining any savings made from an extended trip, or travelling on less popular dates and times. Creating a hybrid trip combining business with leisure is particularly useful for corporate clients who are travelling from the UK to Asia, America and beyond. When you’re travelling that far, it’s worth spending some extra time exploring and recharging your batteries.
When you’re away for business frequently, ‘Bleisure’ trips can be the ideal way to involve your family or friends in your life – you never know, they might help you to relax after a heavy day of meetings or negotiations.
ALLEVIATE STRESS WITH A TRAVEL MANAGEMENT COMPANY
Travel management companies like us here at Gray Dawes Travel offer end-to-end travel management, so you’ve always got peace of mind that your trip will be well organised and handled according to plan.
By allowing us to take the pressure off your trip, you’re immediately allowing for more leisure time, as you don’t have to concern yourself with the finer details of travel such as crisis management, transfer planning and flight/hotel management. We will even manage all extra bookings for hotels and flights to make sure your trip runs seamlessly and you return well rested and as relaxed as possible.
If you feel your business is ready to invest in a TMC, or you simply want to find out more on how we could help you with end-to-end travel arrangements for your business, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
MORE BLOGS
Work Stays Made Easy
As winter fades and brighter days arrive, it’s the perfect time to plan ahead for a successful season of business travel. With over 800 Premier Inn hotels across the UK, you’re always close to your next meeting, conference, or event. From city centres to business hubs, enjoy convenient locations, comfy beds, blackout curtains for great sleep, and the option to upgrade to Premier Plus for extra comfort. Start your day with an unlimited breakfast, wind down with delicious on-site dining, and save with meal deals. Book early for the best value, flexibility, and stress-free stays wherever work takes you.
What to Do if Your TMC is Acquired
When your travel management company is acquired, the impact goes far beyond industry headlines. From technology changes and service disruptions to pricing uncertainty and contract implications, a merger can fundamentally reshape your corporate travel programme. This guide helps travel managers understand what’s really changing, the critical questions to ask their TMC, and how to assess whether staying or exploring alternatives makes the most strategic sense. With a clear framework for evaluating technology, service, costs, and stakeholder needs, you’ll be better equipped to protect programme value and move forward with confidence.
Travel Talks – Corporate Travel Trends in 2026
In this episode of out award-winning webinar show, our Chief Operating Officer, David Bishop, and Group Marketing Director, John Cooper, discuss their predictions for what will influence corporate travel management in 2026.
START YOUR NEXT
JOURNEY NOW…
ALWAYS AVAILABLE
seven days a week, 24 hours a day
HEAD OFFICE
The Octagon, 27 Middleborough
Colchester, CO1 1TG