Mixing business and leisure is nothing new, but bleisure travel (or “bizcationing”) is becoming more and more mainstream as corporate travellers seek to integrate downtime into their business trips.
What is bleisure travel and where should you go?
Mixing business and leisure is nothing new, but bleisure travel (or “bizcationing”) is becoming more and more mainstream as corporate travellers seek to integrate downtime into their business trips. There are now hotels named after the trend (like the Ars Magna Bleisure Hotel in Spain), dedicated bleisure blogs and even a bleisure baggage line.
Private jet and group charters are at the forefront of this growing movement, giving bleisure travellers the convenience and flexibility to really make the most of their time on the ground. Contact one of our specialists today to charter a private jet for your next bleisure getaway.
If you’ve ever tagged a couple of leisure days onto a business trip, you’ve already had a taste of “bleisure” travel. Back in the day, business was business and, other than evening meals and drinks, leisure was reserved for getaways with the family. In recent years, however, a growing travel trend has seen it become more acceptable to add a couple of vacation days to a business trip.
This marriage of business and leisure travel is driven by a perfect storm of contributing factors, including our desire to maintain a healthy work-life balance, curiosity about the world around us and an urge to explore. Some savvy companies now use bleisure as an incentive to get top execs in the air, arranging corporate jets to fly them and their partners on business trips with a couple of days’ vacation time built into the itinerary.
Flying by private jet or group charter is the best way to start a bleisure trip, allowing you to skip the queues and delays associated with commercial air travel. You can also take off and land closer to your destination, giving you more time on the ground to enjoy your downtime.
With research suggesting more of us want to explore new destinations, bleisure travel could help encourage economic growth. But where are the best bleisure destinations?
Well, cities are a natural choice, thanks to their good transportation, strong connectivity, cultural landmarks and leisure activities. Many urban hotel chains are also tapping into the shift towards remote working, with ‘work anywhere’ campaigns including add-on work areas and facilities for working families with children.
Here are the Economist Intelligence Unit’s top five bleisure destinations:
1. Tokyo
Tokyo tops the list with its fantastic transport and countless restaurants. This diverse Japanese city is a thrilling blend of ancient heritage sites and futuristic skyscrapers. When you’re not busy doing business, look out over its famous five-way intersection from Shibuya Station’s upper level and discover Ueno Park’s incense-scented shrines before dining at one of the city’s numerous Michelin-starred restaurants.
2. Singapore
Runner-up Singapore is also in Asia. A major financial hub in the Asia-Pacific with fabulous dining and shopping, this island country is perfect for bleisure travel and a convenient stop-off for those continuing to Australia or further into Asia. Shopaholics can browse countless malls linked by underground walkways, while buzzing Marina Bay is home to hotels, restaurants, bars and a casino.
3. Sydney
This culturally diverse Australian harbour city has something for everyone, from iconic sites like Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge to legendary Bondi Beach and sprawling national parks. After your meetings, scale the Harbour Bridge for spectacular vistas over the city from its summit. Sydney is packed with places to eat, drink and shop during your downtime, with everything from trendy boutiques to hip coffee houses.
4. Hong Kong
Embodying the phrase ‘where east meets west’, Hong Kong seamlessly blends its Chinese traditions with British colonial influences. Offering plenty to do once business is over, the landscapes of this vibrant city range from an urban centre buzzing with high-rise hotels, restaurants and nightlife to tranquil beaches, hills and mountains. Hong Kong is also the perfect stopover on a wider journey to China and beyond.
5. Melbourne
One of the most livable cities on the planet is also a top choice for bleisure travel. Loved for its dynamic, cosmopolitan atmosphere, Melbourne is split into neighbourhoods that offer different experiences of the city, from trendy Fitzroy to the beaches of St Kilda. When hunger strikes, choose from a range of eateries including casual street vendors and fancy Michelin-starred restaurants.