How to Turn Your Work Trip Into a Mini Vacation

In today’s world of hybrid and remote work, business trips no longer need to be just about meetings, quick dinners, and early flights home.

More travelers are turning their work trips into short getaways through bleisure travel: a blend of business and leisure that lets you explore a destination without planning an entirely separate vacation.

With a bit of preparation, you can make a work trip both productive and personally rewarding.

Bleisure travel is the practice of adding vacation days or leisure activities to a business trip. This concept has surged in popularity, with many travelers reporting that they extended at least one work trip in 2024 to include personal time.

Flexible work schedules allow you to stay an extra day or two without taking significant time off. Companies have become more open to the idea, recognizing that allowing employees to unwind can improve morale and retention.

And the cost difference between flying home immediately versus a day or two later is often small, making it easy for employees to justify the extension.

Before you add any extra days to your trip, review your company’s travel policy. Some organizations allow employees to extend their trips for leisure as long as the business portion is not affected.

You may need approval from a manager or travel department, particularly if your hotel stay will overlap with business and personal days.

Knowing which costs sill be reimbursed, like flights, hotel nights during the work portion, and transportation, will help you avoid surprises.

Clarifying these details early ensures a smooth approval process and prevents expense report confusion later.

Most travelers prefer to add their leisure time after the work portion ends. This allows you to fully switch into vacation mode without worrying about deadlines or last-minute preparation.

However, adding a day before your work commitments can help you adjust to a new time zone, reduce stress, and even scout the meeting location ahead of time. The key is to plan in a way that supports a work-play balance.

If possible, schedule work travel during a week that allows you to stay through a weekend.

For example, if meetings are midweek, remaining in the city until Sunday gives you two full days to explore without using extra vacation time. When public holidays fall near your business trip, take advantage by aligning your travel dates to extend your stay.

This gives you more time off with minimal impact on your work schedule or paid time off balance.

Your hotel choice can make a major difference in how seamless your trip feels. If the company is paying for the work portion of the stay, it often makes sense to remain in the same hotel for the leisure days and simply cover the extra nights yourself.

Plus, remaining in the same hotel can be cheaper because hotels sometimes offer discounts for longer stays. This eliminates the hassle of packing up and moving. Look for lodging with strong Wi-Fi, comfortable workspaces, and amenities that encourage relaxation, such as fitness centers, spas, or rooftop lounges.

If you are planning to work a little during the leisure portion, co-working spaces or late checkout options can be helpful. Booking flexible flights and accommodations is wise in case your meeting schedule changes at the last minute.

One of the biggest challenges of bleisure travel is that work can easily spill over into personal time. Decide in advance when your work responsibilities will end and communicate that to colleagues or clients.

Many travelers choose to front-load tasks so they can unplug during the leisure portion of the trip. When it is time for your mini vacation, try not to check your emails or take work calls unless absolutely necessary.

Treat the leisure portion as true downtime so you return refreshed rather than burnt out.

The real benefit of bleisure travel is the chance to enjoy a place you might never have visited otherwise.

Research restaurants, cultural sites, and neighborhoods you want to experience and plan your schedule around them. Even a few hours of exploring can turn a work trip into a fun experience.

Consider inviting a partner, friend, or family member to join you for the leisure portion so you can share the adventure. Day trips beyond the immediate city can also add variety.

When thoughtfully planned, bleisure trips offer significant benefits. Employees return more motivated and less stressed after combining work with rest and exploration.

Because flights and many logistics are already covered, adding leisure days is more affordable than planning a separate vacation. Employers also benefit from happier, more engaged employees who may be less likely to experience burnout.

As travel becomes a key part of professional life for many, bleisure helps strike a balance between productivity and personal fulfillment.