Extend a work trip, stretch a vacation: Hello, bleisure travel
June 14, 2023
If you are like most folks, there never seems to be enough time. Whether it is getting all of your work done, or enjoying every minute of vacation, the clock seems to run out before everything you have planned is achieved. “Workation,” also known as “bleisure,” is a way to combine vacation and work, maximizing your time for both.
Bleisure travel basically means extending a business trip with a few days off before or after. Combining business and leisure trips provides travelers with the opportunity to get the most out of a travel investment without sacrificing either productivity or enjoyment. With more people working remotely (as advances in technology allow people to take jobs on the road), it’s a way to experience a destination more thoroughly and for a longer time.
However, it is important to be aware of potential security risks. For instance, connecting to publicly available Wi-Fi networks may make your data vulnerable while abroad. Travelers should also make sure they have the right insurance in place in case of any unexpected costs, trip cancellations, delays or health needs that may arise during their extended trip. Before embarking on your journey, make sure you get a quote for travel protection so that you can enjoy your trip worry-free.
Why indulge in a bleisure trip?
Experienced travelers love workcation trips because they represent an opportunity to enjoy a longer-term visit in a destination than a limited-time vacation would allow. Whether extending a work trip by a few days or settling in for an extended amount of time, a workcation lets you live like a local, taking a deeper dive into the culture of an area, sampling delicious cuisine and trying out different activities such as hiking or cycling at a more relaxed pace. It also offers a great way for busy workers to take advantage of business trips without having to sacrifice too much precious vacation time.
For vacationers, adding in the capacity and time to work means travel can be extended, with evenings and weekends being enjoyed in a new area. Scheduling meetings around cultural events such as festivals or exhibitions provides an opportunity to make the most out the effort it takes to get to a far-off destination. This type of travel also provides valuable insight into a specific part of the world, which could prove useful if the plan is to pursue business in the area in the future.
Before you go
It’s important for travelers to do their research before embarking on a bleisure trip, particularly researching local customs, laws, transportation options, currency exchange rates, and other relevant details that may affect longer-term stays. Create a backup plan for any unexpected delays or cancellations and choose accommodations that fit your itinerary. Also be sure you know what to expect in terms of finding health care if you need it, setting up additional medical travel insurance, particularly on international trips. Make sure your policy includes 24/7 support, like SafeTrip.
Planning activities in advance can help ensure you will be able to take full advantage of your time away from home, as well as create an itinerary that allows for both business-related tasks and leisure activities.
According to Statista, 45% of U.S. travelers prefer a business-and-leisure trip to last between 2–3 days, while 34% prefer 4–6 days. Depending on how many days you want to work while away, review your employer’s policies on working from other states or countries before booking your trip.
5 digital security tips
It’s important to keep your work devices secure while you enjoy the sights and sounds of your destination. Always be sure to check with your internal corporate security department for any recommendations or requirements regarding cyber security prior to travel. Here are five tips to help protect your data and technology while you’re away.
- Be sure to encrypt sensitive data before leaving for your trip. Any confidential emails or documents should be encrypted with strong passwords so that only authorized personnel can view the contents. Setting up two-factor authentication for as many of your accounts as possible adds another layer of security, allowing entry only to those with proper access credentials. Many government advisories suggest travelers use encrypted communication apps from their mobile devices, where permitted.
- Always use a secure Wi-Fi network when connecting to the internet. Make sure any public networks you use are password-protected and try to avoid using unencrypted connections. If you need to access sensitive information, consider using a virtual private network (VPN) for an extra layer of security.
- Make sure you are aware of local laws and regulations, especially if you are headed to a different country. The U.S. Department of State Traveler’s Checklist provides useful guidelines for travelers regarding safety precautions when visiting other countries. In addition, we have pulled together a helpful list of things to research before heading to a new destination.
- Take care to secure and keep track of your devices. Laptops and other electronic devices are often targeted due to their high value, meaning the information they contain could be stolen or used improperly as well. Take advantage of active and passive security systems, including cable-locks, alarms and tracking software.
While traveling to your destination, it’s a good idea to keep your laptop with you instead of checking it with your luggage. Be careful when you are using a phone—being distracted creates an opportunity for thieves.
If security personnel at an airport checkpoint request that you take part in additional screening, ask that they remove your items from the X-ray collection area so that you may keep an eye on your devices.
Once you are at your destination, never leave a laptop unattended for an extended period of time. If you must leave a device in a hotel, either place it in a safe or take it with you to be absolutely certain of its location. Another way to protect a valuable laptop is to always leave it in your room in a suitcase that has a lock.
- Public phone-charging stations, such as those found at airports, may expose users to the risk of malware being introduced onto devices. Travelers should carry their own charger and USB cord and use an electrical outlet instead.
4 ways to balance work and play
Finding the right mix of business and leisure activities during a bleisure trip can be a challenge. Too much of one can come at a cost to the other. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:
- Make time for yourself. While it is important to attend meetings, conferences or client events, make sure to also take time for yourself during the trip. Find ways to relax and unwind in between work commitments. Take a walk around the city, explore local culture, try different activities and sample the cuisine of the area.
- Set boundaries with colleagues and clients. Before leaving home, inform colleagues or clients about your availability throughout the trip to avoid any unnecessary misunderstandings later. Determine how much time you want to dedicate to work and leisure activities beforehand so that everyone is on the same page. Keep in mind time zones and adjust work schedules accordingly.
- Prioritize what is most important. Create an itinerary that allows you to achieve both business and leisure goals while on the trip.
- Plan ahead for unexpected changes. During your trip, unexpected changes can occur at any time due to weather delays, flight cancellations or illness, so always have a plan B ready. Pack backups of all essential documents, such as a copy of your passport, important phone numbers, and travel protection policies.
Health care
Because you are staying longer than you might otherwise, if you have an ongoing health issue or simply have medications you take regularly, be sure to know how to access care in case your condition worsens, and don’t forget to take the appropriate amount of your medicine with you.
Purchasing travel medical or travel protection plans in case you experience a medical emergency or an itinerary change, is an essential element of a bleisure trip. Not only can it cover medical emergencies while abroad, it may also offer protection against flight cancellations.
UnitedHealthcare Global SafeTrip offers a range of coverage for any type of trip, from the International Travel Medical Plus plan that provides coverage for both trip cancellations and medical emergencies abroad, to International Travel Medical coverage that will take care of an accident or unexpected illness. Traveling within the U.S.? Busy travel seasons can sometimes result in cancellations or delays. Get a Travel Protection plan to help cover costs related to unused and non-refundable travel expenses.
An insurance policy allows travelers to relax and enjoy their journey, confident in the knowledge that if something goes wrong during the trip (such as losing their passport or wallet) there is someone available to help 24/7 at our Emergency Response Center. All you need to do is dial a toll-free number to get assistance — and then get back to enjoying your workcation.
This article is intended as general information and some recommendations may not be appropriate for all situations.
Sources:
UnitedHealthcare Global Intelligence Center
https://www.travelperk.com/blog/bleisure-travel-statistics/
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/fbi-warns-against-juice-jacking-what-is-it/