{"id":2291,"date":"2017-12-15T18:05:34","date_gmt":"2017-12-15T23:05:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gtitravel.com\/?p=2291"},"modified":"2018-01-17T18:12:46","modified_gmt":"2018-01-17T23:12:46","slug":"bleisure-travel-fun-business-trip","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gtitravel.com\/bleisure-travel-fun-business-trip\/","title":{"rendered":"Bleisure Travel: Have a Little Fun on your Business Trip!"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Bleisure, the practice of combining business and leisure travel, is a way for corporate travelers to reap the benefits of some of the more affordable or free perks business travel provides. Mixing business with pleasure can be an exciting adventure, and if you\u2019re in a city you\u2019ve always wanted to visit, why not explore?<\/p>\n

Whether you\u2019re planning an extended stay or just taking a few days off, knowing you have some downtime after you\u2019re done with a bunch of stressful meetings or a conference gives you something to look forward to. Since your employer most likely picked up the tab for your airfare, you\u2019re saving some cash that can be spent on doing things you love after work is done. Bleisure can be complicated though, so it\u2019s good to keep a few things in mind before you plan your trip.<\/p>\n

Plan Ahead<\/strong><\/p>\n

Many organizations use business travel planning companies<\/a> to take care of travel arrangements for their employees. Business travel agents<\/a> will help you find the flights that fit your needs and can often get you a deep discount on accommodations, even if you\u2019re staying after your business duties are over.<\/p>\n

Another advantage of Bleisure is being able to use some of the perks of airline frequent flyer miles and car and hotel loyalty programs. Many people who travel frequently for business quickly accumulate these points, and you can use them for special perks like free upgrades, free hotel stays, tickets to shows and more.<\/p>\n

If you want to bring your family or a friend who will enjoy the sights while you work, corporate travel services companies<\/a> are also well-versed in the travel policies of the organizations they work with; and can advise on your company\u2019s travel policy when it comes to combining business with personal travel. This can make it much easier to plan your trip and ensure that you\u2019re not violating any of your employer\u2019s rules or procedures regarding corporate travel.<\/p>\n

Timing is Everything<\/strong><\/p>\n

If possible, schedule meetings or other work-related activities on Mondays and Fridays; that way you can plan a weekend getaway for the price of a couple of hotel nights without having to take any days off. The company that provides corporate travel services<\/a> for your organization may also be able to help you secure corporate discounts for those nights as well.<\/p>\n

If you can\u2019t stay an extra day or two, there are plenty of ways to blend leisure time into your corporate travel.<\/p>\n