Remote and hybrid work models have drastically altered the landscape of various industries, with one of the most significant impacts seen in the way people travel. With fewer office attendance requirements, many workers are embracing a new trend that merges business with leisure—coined as “bleisure travel.” This trend is reshaping travel habits and has the potential to redefine the boundaries between work and relaxation.
The Bleisure Travel Phenomenon
Bleisure travel, sometimes referred to as “workations” or “laptop lugging,” is characterized by individuals extending their work trips to include leisure activities or integrating work into their leisure vacations. This blending of work and personal time is becoming more popular, challenging the traditional distinctions between business and leisure travel.
Changing Needs in the Lodging Industry
As the bleisure travel trend gains traction, it is having a noticeable impact on the lodging industry. Traditional hotels, designed primarily for short-term stays, often fall short of meeting the unique needs of bleisure travelers. This gap is being increasingly filled by short-term vacation rentals, which offer greater flexibility and amenities tailored to longer stays.
Recent industry reports indicate that the demand for short-term rentals has been growing at a faster pace than that for hotels. This shift reflects the changing preferences of travelers who now seek accommodations that can seamlessly support both their work and leisure activities. The ability of short-term rental providers to quickly adapt to these changing needs has given them a competitive edge over traditional hotels.
Extended Stays and Flexible Schedules
The rise of remote work has allowed employees to enjoy more flexible schedules, making it easier to combine work with travel. Unlike the traditional vacation model, which often involved squeezing in trips between work commitments, many workers are now planning longer stays that accommodate both work and leisure. This flexibility is particularly appealing, allowing for extended trips that would have previously been cut short by the need to return to the office.
Survey data shows that a significant number of employees are now planning to work during their holiday trips, with many extending their stays by several days. This trend is leading to an increase in longer bookings, especially in short-term rentals, which are more conducive to extended stays due to their home-like amenities.
Shifting Travel Destinations
The blending of work and leisure is not only changing the type of accommodations travelers seek but also their preferred destinations. While business travel has traditionally centered around major urban hubs, bleisure travelers are increasingly looking towards more tranquil and scenic locations. Mountains, beaches, and rural areas are seeing a surge in demand, as these environments offer a more relaxing backdrop for both work and play.
In response to this trend, the supply of short-term rentals in these areas has grown significantly. This increase in supply is meeting the rising demand from travelers who prefer larger, more comfortable accommodations that can support longer stays.
The Future of Bleisure Travel
The trend towards bleisure travel shows no signs of slowing down. Economic factors are expected to further slow the development of new hotels, while the number of homeowners listing their properties as short-term rentals continues to rise. This dynamic is set to support the ongoing growth of the bleisure travel market.
As remote work becomes more ingrained in our professional lives, the way we travel is evolving. The merging of work and leisure is creating new opportunities and challenges for the travel industry, and those who can adapt to these changes will be well-positioned to thrive in this new era of travel. Bleisure travel is not just a passing trend but a fundamental shift in how we approach our work-life balance, offering a glimpse into the future of travel.
Barb is the president of NASTRA and has spent her professional career in hospitality and real estate. After acquiring her first short-term rental in 2018, Barb moved her focus to legal advocacy after she sued the city of Nashville over a permit issue. Over the last three years, she has mentored more than 2,800 new STR hosts and is the Community Leader for Airbnb in Nashville, as well as an Airbnb “Ask a Superhost” Ambassador. Barb has appeared on numerous radio broadcasts, television shows, and podcasts to talk about her love of hosting. She also manages and co-hosts a number of short term rentals across Tennessee and Arkansas. Barb and her husband Pat own a hotel brokerage, development and consulting company. Look for her upcoming podcast series, “Women of Airbnb.”