Bleisure Travel: How to Turn Business Trips into Mini-Vacations

by | Nov 20, 2024 | For Organizers

It takes a creative approach in today’s market to make company events exciting and valuable to attendees. A great way to improve event satisfaction is to provide interesting and exciting perks along with the event. That’s where “Bleisure” travel comes in.

Bleisure is the art of combining business trips with leisure activities. As more companies recognize the value of work-life balance and the importance of providing meaningful fringe benefits to their employees, bleisure will continue to grow.

Allowing your employees to turn business trips into mini-vacations isn’t just a perk; it’s a strategic tool to encourage satisfaction and boost retention.

 

The Emergence of Bleisure Travel

As a trend, bleisure travel reflects our evolving workplace culture, where the traditional boundaries between work and personal life continue to blur. From digital nomads working beachside to managers checking emails from ski lifts, technology has created new possibilities for combining productivity with pleasure.

The numbers tell a compelling story: more than one-third of business travelers now add a leisure component to at least one of their business trips annually, according to the Global Business Travel Association’s Jeanne Liu. This trend spans across all organizational levels, including entry-level workers and upper-level management, but not necessarily all ages. Millennials and younger employees are more likely to engage in this kind of travel than their Gen X and Baby Boomer counterparts.

Employees are most likely to participate in bleisure travel when the opportunity presents itself. If their business event takes them to a desirable location, employees will do what they can to extend their stay. By combining work with a mini-vacation, they get to enjoy travel that otherwise wouldn’t be an option!

Where to Go: Destination Deep Dives

So, when planning an event, where should you go to promote bleisure? Check out some of these locations around the globe for your next work retreat or conference. These locations will give your employees something to look forward to and be excited about.

Cancún, Mexico

Palisades Tahoe, California

Cancún, located in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, isn’t just for spring break – it’s a premier destination for corporate events that seamlessly blend business and pleasure. The Hotel Zone offers numerous all-inclusive resorts with sophisticated meeting facilities and endless entertainment options.

Best For: Sales kickoffs, annual conferences, incentive trips.

Meeting Spaces: Most major resorts offer multiple conference rooms with modern technology.

Leisure Activities:

  • Championship golf courses
  • Luxury spa treatments
  • Snorkeling and water sports
  • Day trips to Chichen Itza
  • Evening catamaran cruises

 

The Bahamas

Palisades Tahoe, California

With multiple islands to choose from, the Bahamas provides versatile options for corporate groups of any size. Paradise Island and Nassau offer excellent infrastructure for meetings while delivering the ultimate Caribbean experience.

Best For: Client appreciation events and incentive programs.

Meeting Spaces: World-class convention centers and resort facilities.

Leisure Activities:

  • Island hopping excursions
  • Swimming with dolphins
  • Casino entertainment
  • Deep-sea fishing
  • Golf tournaments

 

Tulum, Mexico

Palisades Tahoe, California

For companies seeking a more boutique experience, Tulum offers a perfect blend of luxury and authenticity. This destination works particularly well for smaller executive retreats and intimate team-building sessions.

Best For: Leadership retreats, wellness-focused meetings.

Meeting Spaces: Boutique hotels with unique indoor/outdoor venues.

Leisure Activities:

  • Yoga and meditation sessions
  • Visits to ancient Mayan ruins
  • Cenote swimming (natural swimming holes)
  • Sustainable cooking classes
  • Beach club relaxation

 

Dominican Republic

Palisades Tahoe, California

The Dominican Republic’s all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana and La Romana are perfectly suited for large corporate groups seeking comprehensive meeting packages with built-in entertainment.

Best For: Annual sales meetings and large conferences.

Meeting Spaces: Extensive conference centers with breakout rooms.

Leisure Activities:

  • Golf at world-famous courses
  • Catamaran trips
  • Zip-lining adventures
  • Caribbean cooking classes
  • Beach volleyball tournaments

 

Egypt

Palisades Tahoe, California

For a truly memorable incentive trip, Egypt offers an unmatched combination of historical wonders and modern meeting facilities. This destination works especially well for high-achieving sales teams or exclusive client groups.

Best For: Incentive travel and exclusive client events.

Meeting Spaces: Luxury hotels with Nile views and modern facilities.

Leisure Activities:

  • Pyramid tours
  • Nile River cruises
  • Desert safari adventures
  • Traditional markets exploration

 

Blackberry Farm, Tennessee

Palisades Tahoe, California

Blackberry Farm, a luxury mountain retreat in Tennessee, provides an intimate setting for high-level corporate gatherings. Its emphasis on farm-to-table dining and outdoor activities makes it perfect for groups seeking a unique domestic destination.

Best For: Executive retreats and board meetings.

Meeting Spaces: Intimate conference rooms and private dining venues.

Leisure Activities:

  • Farm tours and cooking demonstrations
  • Hiking and fly fishing
  • Wine tasting sessions
  • Spa treatments
  • Interactions with live animals

 

Barcelona, Spain

Palisades Tahoe, California

Barcelona is perfect for group travel with its vibrant blend of stunning architecture, rich cultural experiences, and bustling nightlife. It’s ideal for groups who like cultural festivals, art tours, and lively celebrations, thanks to its bustling arts scene and nightlife.

Best For: Product launches and creative team retreats.

Meeting Spaces: Renowned convention centers and luxury hotels with modern facilities.

Leisure Activities:

  • Gaudi architecture tours (Sagrada Familia, Park Güell)
  • Tapas tasting and culinary experiences
  • Mediterranean beach relaxation
  • Guided cycling and walking tours
  • Sailing trips along the coast

 

Cape Town, South Africa

Palisades Tahoe, California

Cape Town offers diverse adventures, from breathtaking mountain hikes to scenic coastal drives, along with a unique fusion of cultures and cuisine. Cape Town is perfect for adventure-filled retreats, destination weddings, or corporate team-building events, combining scenic beauty with activities like wine tours and wildlife safaris.

Best For: International conferences and adventure-focused incentive trips.

Meeting Spaces: Cape Town International Convention Centre and boutique venues.

Leisure Activities:

  • Table Mountain hiking or cable car rides
  • Wine tastings in nearby Stellenbosch and Franschhoek
  • Safari experiences just outside the city
  • Robben Island tours
  • Coastal whale watching

 

Kyoto, Japan

Palisades Tahoe, California

Kyoto captivates groups with its serene temples, traditional tea houses, and seasonal festivals that showcase Japan’s heritage. Kyoto is a great choice for wellness retreats, historical tours, and cultural workshops focused on traditional arts and crafts.

Best For: Culturally immersive leadership retreats and strategy meetings.

Meeting Spaces: Boutique hotels and traditional ryokan inns with modern meeting rooms.

Leisure Activities:

  • Traditional tea ceremonies and kimono experiences
  • Visits to temples, shrines, and Japanese gardens
  • Seasonal festivals (cherry blossom, fall leaves)
  • Culinary tours featuring Kyoto’s famed kaiseki dining
  • Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and monkey park tours

 

Lisbon, Portugal

Palisades Tahoe, California

Lisbon is great for group travel with its charming neighborhoods, historic tram rides, and flavorful food scene, all set against a backdrop of sun-soaked hills and waterfront views. Lisbon is perfect for food and wine tours, music festivals, and intimate group celebrations due to its vibrant street culture and picturesque settings.

Best For: Sales incentives and cultural exploration trips.

Meeting Spaces: Historic palaces and modern conference facilities.

Leisure Activities:

  • Fado music experiences in Alfama district
  • Day trips to Sintra’s castles and palaces
  • Sailing or kayaking along the Tagus River
  • Tram tours through historic neighborhoods
  • Tasting Portugal’s famed pastéis de nata and wine

 

Sydney, Australia

Palisades Tahoe, California

Sydney offers a dynamic mix of iconic landmarks, beautiful beaches, and a lively arts scene ideal for group exploration. Sydney shines for beach events, large-scale music festivals, and international conferences with its mix of modern venues and outdoor spaces.

Best For: Global conferences and client appreciation events.

Meeting Spaces: Iconic Sydney Opera House and world-class convention centers.

Leisure Activities:

  • Climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge
  • Sydney Harbour cruises
  • Bondi Beach surfing and coastal walks
  • Wildlife tours at Taronga Zoo
  • Day trips to the Blue Mountains

 

What Types of Events are Perfect for Bleisure?

Blending business and leisure travel will create some of your employees’ best memories of your company.

Here are some events best suited to this type of travel:

Incentive Trips

Design programs that reward top performers with exclusive experiences. Consider adding unique touches like private tours, VIP access to local attractions, or special dining experiences. These trips serve as powerful motivators and create lasting memories that keep top talent engaged.

Client Appreciation Events

Focus on networking opportunities combined with memorable activities. Golf tournaments, cooking classes, or wine tastings can provide natural settings for relationship-building while creating an atmosphere that encourages genuine
connections.

Team-Building Retreats

Take your team offsite for focused development while incorporating leisure activities. Consider destinations that offer both meeting spaces and unique experiences – like Blackberry Farm’s cooking classes or Tulum’s wellness activities. These retreats help teams bond while accomplishing business objectives.

You can offer these retreats to the entire company or specific teams.

Annual Conferences with Extended Options

Transform traditional conferences into bleisure opportunities by building in free time and offering pre/post-conference activities. Provide group rates for extended stays and organize optional excursions that employees can join with their families.

Leadership Development Journeys

Combine executive education with cultural immersion. These programs might include morning strategy sessions followed by afternoon cultural activities, creating a holistic development experience that broadens perspectives.

Project Launch Celebrations

Kick-off major projects or celebrate their completion with team trips that mix strategic planning with team bonding. These events can energize teams while establishing strong working relationships.

Skills-Based Learning Trips

Organize trips that combine professional development with local experiences. For example, a sales team might attend training in wine country, combining sales techniques with wine appreciation classes.

Cross-Office Cultural Exchange

For companies with multiple locations, create programs that allow employees to work from different offices while exploring new cities. This promotes company culture while providing valuable travel experiences.

Start Planning Your Bleisure Event Today

Ready to start planning your bleisure event? Here’s your action plan:

  1. Use GroupSync’s amenity filters to identify properties that match your specific needs.
  2. Compare different destinations based on your group’s preferences and budget.
  3. Check for shoulder date availability and group rate extensions.
  4. Consider seasonal factors and local events that might impact your gathering.
  5. Plan a mix of structured and free time to allow for individual exploration.

Remember, successful bleisure trips require a delicate balance between productive work time and enjoyable leisure activities. With careful planning and the right destination, you can create an event that achieves your business objectives while providing a memorable experience for all attendees.

 

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