What is bleisure and how could it level-up your travel and life?

Have you ever felt like you’re constantly hustling, saving up all your energy (and leave days) for that one big holiday you’ve got planned months down the line?

This is the “work, work, work, then maybe you get to play” mindset, and it’s the way we’ve been conditioned to operate. But here’s the thing: life’s way too short to keep waiting for “someday”.

After a few life-changing moments — like breaking my back in a snowboarding accident — I realised I didn’t want to put my dreams on hold. That’s when I started to embrace something different, something I call the bleisure life. It’s not about quitting your job, becoming a digital nomad, or waiting for retirement to live fully. It’s about blending business with leisure now, so you can infuse more joy into your everyday life.

Why wait until retirement to live the life you want? The truth is, we don’t know how much time we have. So let’s stop saving our happiness for later and start living the life we dream of — today.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make your work trips more fulfilling or find more pockets of joy in your daily grind, then keep reading. Let’s explore how bleisure can help you level-up your travel (and your life) in the coming year.

What is bleisure?

Bleisure is the art of combining business with leisure. It’s about integrating moments of joy, travel, and relaxation into your work life, so you’re not just living for that once-a-year holiday.

This lifestyle isn’t reserved for digital nomads or freelancers who can jet off to Bali for months at a time. Instead, it’s about finding ways to add pockets of adventure and self-care into your existing schedule — whether that means extending a work trip by a day or taking advantage of flexible work arrangements to sneak in more travel throughout the year.

My definition of bleisure is about creating a life where business, travel, and self-care coexist in harmony.

How bleisure can transform your travel

The pandemic has shifted our perspectives on work, pushing many companies to embrace remote and hybrid setups. This change opens up incredible opportunities for integrating more leisure into our lives without compromising our careers.

As we move into another year, the concept of bleisure will continue to gain traction, offering women like you a chance to redefine what success looks like on your own terms.

Here’s how embracing bleisure can level up your travel next year:

1. Turn business trips into mini getaways

Instead of rushing home after your next conference or client meeting, why not add an extra day or two to unwind and explore? Whether it’s a solo spa day or exploring a new city, turning business trips into mini vacations can help you recharge.

Travel doesn’t have to be reserved for when you’ve earned it. You can sprinkle moments of leisure into your work life now and come back even more energised and inspired.

2. Leverage remote work to travel more

With an increase in flexible work arrangements, many of us are no longer tied to a physical office. This means you can work from that cosy cafe in London or by the beach on the Gold Coast. It’s about creating a rhythm that suits you.

I’ve run my business from a balcony in India, an onsen bath house in New Zealand, and even on long-haul flights. It’s about finding ways to keep the work flowing while still soaking up the beauty of where you are.

3. Prioritise self-care while travelling

Bleisure isn’t just about adding fun to your work trips — it’s also about taking care of yourself. Whether it’s scheduling a massage after a busy workday or waking up early for a morning swim, integrating wellness into your travel can help you avoid burnout.

Self-care doesn’t need to be extravagant. Sometimes, it’s just about carving out those small moments of joy and relaxation wherever you are.

Practical tips for embracing the bleisure lifestyle

If you’re ready to add more bleisure to your life, here are a few tips to get started:

• Plan ahead: When booking a work trip, consider adding an extra day or two. Look for local experiences that align with your interests, whether it’s a museum visit, a yoga class, or simply wandering through a new neighbourhood.
• Use travel loyalty programs: Take advantage of points and miles to extend your stay or upgrade your accommodation without breaking the bank.
• Create a portable office: Invest in the tools you need to work efficiently from anywhere, whether it’s a lightweight laptop, adding international roaming to your phone plan, noise-cancelling headphones, or a reliable hotspot. Keep it simple and take your office with you when working remotely.
• Schedule time for rest: Just because you’re on a work trip doesn’t mean you have to be ‘on’ all the time. Block off time in your calendar for breaks, leisure activities, or even a quick nap. Rest makes you more productive and it’s essential to sustainably implement the bleisure life.
• Communicate with your employer: If you work for a company, talk to your manager about the possibility of working remotely while travelling. Highlight how this flexibility can boost your productivity and wellbeing.

Remember, it’s not about always being on holiday. It’s about blending business and leisure so that your life feels more balanced, fulfilled, and aligned with what truly matters to you.

Why it’s the perfect time to embrace bleisure

The past few years have shown us that life is unpredictable, and waiting for the ‘perfect time’ to enjoy ourselves might mean missing out altogether. Bleisure is about bringing your dreams forward, making space for joy, and living life fully now — not waiting until you’re 65 and retired to finally relax.

Whether you’re planning your next work trip or simply looking for ways to add more joy into your routine, bleisure can help you live a life that feels more aligned, purposeful, and fun. Here’s to creating more moments of joy, no matter where you are.