Around 22 million employed adults in the United States work from home full-time. That’s approximately 14% of the workforce. 71% of those who work from home some or most of the time say it has a significant impact on their ability to balance their work and personal lives.
Thanks to this rise of remote work culture, a new trend blurs the lines between work and leisure. Forget the days of choosing between taking that dream vacation and meeting deadlines. The workcation, also known as “bleisure,” allows professionals to integrate their work schedules with travel adventures seamlessly.
The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the workplace, and remote or hybrid work models seem here to stay. Teleworkers see one clear advantage — and relatively few disadvantages — to this model.
Hotels and travel agents are taking notice.
“As the lines between work and personal life begin to blur, more people are looking to blend their business trips with extended vacations and family time. Bleisure travel has taken the business and travel world by storm,” says Alex Weinstein, Founder of ASAP Tickets.
The Rise of ‘Workcations’
Americans make more than 405 million long-distance business trips annually, with roughly 60% of these turning into leisure trips. About 67% of these workcations begin as conferences.
“Hotels not only understand that remote work isn’t going anywhere, but at least 10% of workers are taking these trips without even letting employers know they’re on vacation,” says Carli Brinkman, Founder and Principal of Carli PR.
Ideal Workcation Locations
Many regions are capitalizing on increased traffic from business travelers, offering amenities that boost work efficiency and incorporate elements of luxury and leisure.
With this traveler in mind, Florida’s AC Hotel Clearwater Beach launched the Hush Trip Haven program. The Tampa Bay area is one of the fastest-growing markets for meetings and conventions, and the AC Hotel responded to its burgeoning popularity by offering remote travelers unique incentives.
Upon arrival, guests receive welcome packets with portable charging docks, printing credits, and webcam covers. They can also access dedicated coworking spaces in the business center and media salon. Each room features a custom door hanger bearing “working from home” on one side, ensuring discretion from housekeeping.
The signature benefit awaiting guests is the world-class beach just one block away. Tampa’s renowned food scene lets remote workers indulge in tacos along the boardwalk between virtual meetings, making the area an ideal workcation destination.
The Las Vegas Convention Center is one of the busiest facilities in the world, making the entertainment capital another top workcation destination.
The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas, steps from the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, sees approximately 30% of weekday business guests extending their visit into the weekend.
Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas General Manager and Regional VP Konrad Gstrein says, “My favorite part about the Las Vegas Four Seasons is that we have the pleasure of serving a guest who arrives for business and then transforms into a luxury leisure traveler. We offer the ultimate work-life balance. Just steps away from the Four Seasons modern oasis, guests have access to the finest world-class entertainment, exceptional dining, retail, and professional sports.”
Beaches Lead “Bleisure” Destination List
The ideal workcation blends productivity and paradise. More than half of respondents to a 2022 survey said beaches make great “bleisure,” or “business leisure,” destinations.
The allure of crystal-clear waters and soft sand isn’t just for relaxation. End the workday with a poolside margarita and a basket of chips and salsa, or unwind with a book on the beach as the sun sets.
“My favorite vacation is always a mix of work and leisure,” says Adriana Copaceanu of Backyard Garden Lover. “My husband and I go to an all-inclusive in the Caribbeans twice a year, and we both get a lot done while also enjoying some downtime. The resorts offer us everything we need (delicious food, luxurious arrangements, and fun activities), and we made a habit of enjoying the beach and the pools in the early morning and late afternoon and working between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. the sun is too hot anyway: a win-win.”
Casa Chameleon at Las Catalinas offers remote packages for both individuals and companies working remotely. Both options include personal assistant access, which allows guests to simplify mundane office tasks like gathering supplies, making copies, and scheduling conference calls. Skilled assistants also assist in arranging complimentary adventures, spa treatments, and all-inclusive meal plans.
Martin Gasparian, an attorney at Maison Law, enjoys the surging bleisure trend to enhance his work-life balance. Gasparian says, “I always do some of my legal work while on vacation as a way to reduce my workload. I have stayed at Marriot International in the Caribbean and Mexico regions, and I felt comfortable working for two weeks.”
The Mountains Are Calling
Just under two hours from Manhattan lies the Blue Fox Motel, a 1950s midcentury boutique property offering its signature workcation package.
Digital nomads and those with flexible work schedules can escape for five nights at only $100 per night, along with a $100 dining voucher. Or, stay three nights during the week and receive a $50 voucher.
For work-from-home individuals looking to swap noisy, cramped NYC apartments for the Catskills, this option promises impeccable Wi-Fi alongside a quiet night’s sleep.
Airbnb Workcations
Short-term vacation rentals used to be popular alternatives to hotels; however, in the past few years, along with the increase in property prices and new regulations for rentals in various parts of the world, this option has become less common. A February 2024 ASAP Tickets survey on consumer travel habits found that only 9% of survey participants preferred a rented apartment while traveling.
Not all travelers agree. Will Hatton, Founder and CEO of The Broke Backpacker, prefers to stay in Airbnb and boutique-style properties. Hatton says, “Much like working from home, if you have to work from an Airbnb, you’re often surrounded by a home-like environment, which can alleviate stress and put you in a productive mindset.”
For work travelers attending endless Zoom meetings, a cozy Airbnb background won’t tip off colleagues that you aren’t home, like a hotel room may.
Hatton continues, “The line between business and leisure is becoming increasingly blurred, especially if you have a remote or hybrid job, but I don’t believe this is necessarily a bad thing. It’s delightful to mix business and leisure, and I believe that hosts and companies can profit greatly from it.”
