CheapOair recently examined the growing trend of “bleisure” travel—combining business trips with leisure time—and found the practice is increasing, especially among millennials. As business travelers tack on extra days to explore, summer destinations that might otherwise be overlooked are seeing renewed interest.
The study identified top bleisure destinations for summer 2019, including Orlando, Denver, Las Vegas, Houston, New York City, Boston and Los Angeles. These cities offer a mix of convenient business services and leisure attractions, making them ideal for short extensions that blend work and play.
“The summer months are always a popular time for leisure travel, but as more and more millennials look for a quick weekend reprieve, the rise of bleisure travel gives way to an increase in bookings as well,” said Tom Spagnola, senior vice president, supplier relations, CheapOair. Many travelers are choosing to turn a business trip into an affordable mini-vacation without the cost and planning of a full traditional holiday.
Spagnola added that business travelers extending their work trips are helping reposition cities like Denver and Boston as cultural destinations. “This trend allows new locales to rise to the top, which is wonderful for travelers seeking fresh experiences without the heavy price tag of more traditional vacation spots. Cities such as Denver and Boston are being rediscovered as cultural hubs that have even more to offer during the warmer months.”
For those considering bleisure travel, these summer hotspots offer a variety of activities: vibrant dining and nightlife, outdoor recreation, museums and cultural events, and family-friendly attractions. Extending a business trip by a day or two can turn a routine work week into an opportunity to sample a city’s highlights, relax before returning home, and make the most of travel time—often at minimal extra cost.
As bleisure continues to grow, travelers and travel providers alike may see shifts in booking patterns, accommodations, and amenities geared toward guests who split their time between meetings and sightseeing. For professionals balancing work obligations with a desire to explore, the listed cities present accessible options for mixing productivity with leisure during the summer season.