If you’re already headed to a work conference, why not add a beach day? Bleisure is the blend of business and leisure travel, and it’s on the rise.
According to Forbes, it’s now a $600 billion industry and continues to grow. Travel platform Routespring cites an Expedia Group Media Solutions survey that suggests 60% of work trips now include some sort of leisure activity.
Travel expert Clint Henderson of The Points Guy said the logic is simple.
“This is even better, right? Because your company’s paying for it,” Henderson told Straight Arrow News. “Maybe your company pays for two nights, and you’re just picking up one extra night for the hotel.”
Stretch your time — and your budget
While microcations, or short trips lasting two to four days, are popular for maximizing time, travelers are also looking to stretch their wallets.
The term “microcation” was coined in 2019 when younger generations began prioritizing work-life balance. But it truly took off during the COVID-19 pandemic, when burnout skyrocketed and remote workers sought creative ways to recharge.
Now, they’re back. A recent report by insurance company Allianz Partners found that 31% of Americans are increasingly likely to take one or two-night trips in 2025.
And that starts with how you get there. AAA Club Alliance highlights that driving offers more flexibility, the option to travel together, and the ability to split costs — especially for families or friend groups.
Credit cards can help, if used wisely
For those who are flying, travel credit cards can be powerful tools.
“If I just get my finances in order, I can open credit cards, get big sign-up bonuses, and book those flights or hotels for free,” Henderson said.
But there’s a caveat.
If you’re paying overdraft or late fees, this strategy might backfire. Credit card companies make money from interest on carried debt. While some travelers consistently pay off their balances, those who don’t can end up spending more than they save. In rare cases, card issuers have even closed accounts when customers never carry a balance.
It’s not just flights and hotels that credit companies will discount. There are certain credit cards that pay for a portion or all of your TSA PreCheck application fee, which currently costs $85 for a five-year membership.
More than perks: experiences matter
Not everyone is chasing miles and points. Henderson said younger travelers are prioritizing experiences over luxury.
“Experiences have become such a trend over… having the five-star hotel or flying first class,” he said.
Mastercard supports this trend, reporting that nearly 12% of tourism spending now goes toward culture, adventure and local experiences.
Skipping the crowds, traveling with purpose
Travel influencer Georgia Fowkes agrees — and said the Instagram-perfect vacation isn’t the vibe anymore. Instead, she’s focused on planning trips with meaning.
“I want to go to Uganda to go gorilla trekking. That’s a purpose-driven trip. I’m going for an adventure,” Fowkes said.
Beyond social media and photo ops, Fowkes said her biggest takeaway came from spending time in Tanzania.
“In America, we’re always craving the next thing,” she said. “In Tanzania, people are just happy with where they are and what they’re doing. They taught me how to be present.”
When’s the best time to travel internationally?
If you’re flexible on travel dates, going during the off-season can save hundreds of dollars on flights and lodging. Travel magazine “Days to Come” recommends these windows for international destinations:
- Europe: November to March
- Southeast Asia: June to October
- Japan, China and Taiwan: November to March
- India and Sri Lanka: May to September
- North America: November to March/April
For Africa or South America, the best time to travel depends on the region. For example, Egypt is best between June and August, while Kenya’s prime season is October to December.
