1. What is Bleisure Travel?
1.1. Definition
The term “Bleisure” is a combination of two words: “Business” and “Leisure”. It refers to a style of business trip that merges work with leisure activities. Recently, this trend has gained significant popularity among both travelers and businesses. 1.2. Examples
- A business traveler can combine leisure activities like swimming at the local beach, using the hotel spa, or simply visiting the local library after working hours.
- Professionals travel to different cities for extended stays after their business trips.
1.3. Benefits
- Enhance work-life balance: By adding leisure activities to their business trips, professionals can recharge both mentally and physically.
- Increase productivity and satisfaction: Travelling brings workers a refreshed mind, which leads to better focus and work performance.
- Travel sustainably: Utilizing the time and transport of both business trips and traveling can help save carbon footage and sustain the environment.
- Support personal growth: Experience new culture fosters creativity, adaptability, and cultural knowledge, creating new achievements for workers.
- Save time and money: Combining trips reduces travel costs and the need for separate vacations.
2. Trends in Bleisure Travel
A study by Booking.com reveals that 46% of business travelers now incorporate leisure activities into their work trips. This trend is especially popular among young professionals, with 70% of them are Millennials and Gen Z, who prioritize unique and fulfilling experiences.
Vietnam has become a hotspot for bleisure travelers in recent years. The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism reported that the country received 12.6 million international visitors in 2023, including 1.5 million business travelers. Companies are increasingly choosing Vietnam for international conferences and meetings, providing employees with unique opportunities to extend their stays and explore. Big cities, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Hoi An, are ideal destinations for bleisure travel, with great culture, cuisine, natural landmarks, and a business-friendly environment. Some common trends of bleisure travel in Vietnam recently are: - Short-term weekend getaways: Bleisure travelers in Vietnam favor 2-3 day weekend trips to destinations close to their business locations.
- Emphasis on ecotourism and relaxation: Ecotourism, wellness retreats, and outdoor activities are increasingly popular among leisure travelers seeking rest and healing experiences.
- Preference for tech-savvy solutions: Bleisure travelers in Vietnam prefer online platforms to arrange travel, accommodations, and activities, valuing convenience and personalized experiences.
Tips for Business Travellers on Bleisure Travel
3.1. Plan your trip time-wisely
Plan your business trip directly next to the weekend or public holidays. This way, you can maximize your bleisure travel time by 1-2 days minimum without costing your paid leave. If you travel on an international holiday, you can also experience the local celebration.3.2. Go further than your business location
While your work might keep you in a city, you can still travel to nearby attractions during your free time. Step into the rhythm of the locals and create deeper connections with the local culture and cuisine for meaningful travel experiences. For example, if you’re in Hanoi, consider visiting Sapa, Ninh Binh, or Mai Chau for a quick getaway!3.3. Do your research: Business First
Of course, while bleisure travel is fun, always do research to prioritize your professional obligations first. Choose appropriate accommodations with reliable workstations and proximity to your meetings or business partners. These accommodations usually lie at the center of the city, like cafes with free wifi, working spaces, or libraries. Look for good restaurants and nearby landmarks as a leisure spot after working hours as well.3.4. Pack efficiently
Bring essentials for both your work and your travel. Prioritize clothes that can fit both, like formal shirts, pants, or elegant dresses that can go with leather shoes or your trainers. If you want to bring another family member, ask them to join your pack with them too!3.5. Ask for help from locals
When going on business trips, you can ask for advice from your local business partners for where to eat or visit in the city. Or, you can also seek help from your accommodation’s employees, who are more likely to help especially if you speak a different language. This is a great way to travel authentically and to make new friends on your bleisure trip.4. YESD Travel – Your Bleisure Companion in Vietnam
At YESD Travel, we focus on personalized itineraries for travelers. From arranging eco-friendly accommodations to curating authentic cultural experiences with the local community, our team ensures that your Vietnam bleisure trip is seamless and memorable. Not only do we have tours around Vietnam in cities such as Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh, Hoi An, Ninh Binh, etc., but we also provide customized options that suit your preferences and needs. Let us handle the logistics while you focus on both work and leisure.