Why Bleisure Travel is the New Millennial Craze
Millennials are known for their creative spin. They turn avocado toast into a craze and social media addictions into influencer income. So, it’s not surprising they’ve now turned a work trip into a lavish vacation. The best part? They do it without overspending on travel. With a number of businesses big and small trying to reach the millennial generation, travel companies may have found their ‘in’.
Bleisure is the Newest Travel Craze
Like most millennial crazes, bleisure is efficient. It involves taking a work trip, and then staying a few extra days to enjoy the local attractions. Maybe meeting up with friends you haven’t seen in awhile, or having a significant other join you.
Business + leisure, the perfect mix of forced travel and needed time off.
- 49% of millennials who travel for business say that saving money on their vacation is a big motivator for extending their business trip.
- For non-millennials, only 34% would extend a business trip for the money saving benefits.
- 50% of millennials are now booking a personal trip around a business trip.
- 76% are much more likely to travel for business if they have the option to extend their trip.
Bleisure travel is not the only major difference between millennials and other generations. Millennials are more likely to bring their spouse along and share photos of their trip on social media as well.
Better Work/Life Balance through Bleisure
National Car Rental recently released its 2nd annual State of Business Travel Survey. The survey examines the behaviors, emotions, and perceptions of business travelers.
“National’s new research shows that workers in general, and millennials in particular, are increasingly blending business travel with leisure activities, with nearly a third citing their desire to explore specific destinations as the number one reason to do so,” said Frank Thurman, Vice President of marketing for National Car Rental.
He went on to say that the birth of bleisure helps to create a better work/life balance for all generations. Regardless of generation, people who partake in bleisure travel are much more likely to be satisfied with their quality of life, as well as their work/life balance, compared to non-bleisure travelers. Millenials have got it right, afterall, if you’re already going traveling with a hotel and plane ticket paid for, why not utilize your time and stay a few extra days?
The State of Business Travel Survey found that 85% of business travelers are typically expected to maintain their daily work load in addition to the tasks of their trip. So, not only will they not be able to take in any sites while traveling for work, they’ll likely need some vacation days afterward.
The Right Technology Makes Traveling More Seamless
Our Gadgets and apps can make business traveling a bit easier. When traveling, millennials rely quite a bit on their technology to get their work done. Ninety three percent of travelers prefer travel brands with technology that simplifies their trip. Business travelers use an average of 3.1 travel apps when they travel for business.
Millennials are more likely than Gen Xers and Baby Boomers to be brand-loyal to travel brands based on the technology they offer. Travel brand take note: technology matters to your bleisure travelers!