Bleisure trips have gotten increasingly popular in recent years as more people seek opportunities to travel without compromising too many vacation days. The word “bleisure” combines leisure and business, meaning employees are using their work trips as getaways, tacking on extra days or time away from their job for pleasurable activities.
Using a lunch break to hike in Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park while in town for work or unwinding at the hotel spa after hours makes a work trip something employees look forward to and offers some much-needed R&R that they might not be able to get at home. According to a July 2024 Forbes article, nearly half of American workers are taking advantage of bleisure trips, with many even bringing their families along, creating the ideal work- life balance.
However, some destinations are more desirable than others for bleisure travel, which is apparent in a recent study by Booking.com for Business. The free booking platform explored the best U.S. cities for bleisure, taking into account the areas with the most museums, arts and culture attractions, nature and outdoor activities, sightseeing, dining, and 4+ star amenities.
Below are the 10 locations ranked the highest, plus some helpful tips for preparing for your next bleisure trip.
New Orleans, Louisiana
We could’ve guessed that New Orleans, Louisiana, would be first on the list, given the high traffic it attracts for Mardi Gras and its many other attractions. According to Road Genius, the city attracted a whopping 17.8 million domestic tourists in 2023, a dip from pre-pandemic years, when it saw more than 20 million visitors per year. Tourist numbers might be significantly higher this year due to New Orleans hosting the Super Bowl LIX in February, which brought more than 100,000 visitors to the town, as per the New Orleans Saints website.
Putting these major events aside, New Orleans is also known for its jazz-filled streets, the New Orleans Museum of Art, and the Historic Voodoo Museum. On top of that, the town is home to many four-star-rated or higher restaurants, not to mention its signature fluffy beignets for dessert. The city’s overall ranked score via Booking.com for Business is 8.84, the highest of any other vacation spot on the list.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Generally, employees aren’t too thrilled to hear they have to go to a days-long mandatory conference, but when the trip is to Las Vegas, Nevada, they’re more eager to attend. Las Vegas is often the hub for business meetings and important work events, as its hotels and casinos usually have multiple conference rooms and networking opportunities. The city also has a lively entertainment scene, making the hours outside of work an enjoyable experience.
There are endless things to do along the famed Las Vegas Strip, but for those looking for more of an adventure, it’s also a close ride to Red Rock Canyon. The town’s 24/7 entertainment is a big reason so many people are drawn to it each year — an impressive 40 million visitors, as per Road Genius. So, it’s no wonder Las Vegas scored second on this list with a 7.59 overall ranking.
Orlando, Florida
Remember when we said many people are bringing their families on business trips? A classic example of a prominent bleisure spot for those with little ones is Orlando, Florida. The Sunshine State is known for its abundance of kid-friendly attractions, including Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and numerous waterparks, making it the perfect place to have the family tag along.
Orlando has a bustling tourist scene, as Road Genius calculated that over 74 million people traveled to the area in 2023, and it holds the title of the country’s most visited destination, garnering millions of international tourists as well. The bottom line is that Orlando is the place to go if you’re looking for family fun after your business meetings, especially with its 6.84 overall rating.
Boston, Massachusetts
There are many reasons to get hyped about taking a business trip to Boston, Massachusetts. Not only is it the location of the legendary Fenway Park where the Boston Red Sox play, but there are also a ton of unique tours, speakeasies, historic buildings, an incredible music scene, and many other attractions, as listed on the Meet Boston website.
Some other notable facts about Boston: It’s the setting for the beloved 1980s sitcom Cheers, the neighboring city of the Ivy League Harvard University, and has the world’s oldest marathon, the Boston Marathon, which has been continuously held for nearly 130 years. Having Boston on your work itinerary should be exciting, and if anything, you can enjoy some clam chowder or Boston creme pie. As per Booking.com for Business‘ findings, the city received a 6.81 overall ranking, making it the fourth best destination for bleisure.
Washington, D.C.
If you’re a sports fan, visiting Washington, D.C. for work might mean venturing to a Washington Nationals game after hours or seeing the area’s oldest active professional sports team, the Washington Commanders, play at Commanders Field in nearby Landover, Maryland. Or maybe you’re more interested in the food and nightlife in the city, and you’d rather check out the many restaurants and cocktail bars downtown. (Note: there are a bunch of dining options on the Washington D.C. website here.)
Washington D.C. rounds out the Top 5 of the most sought-after bleisure travel spots, mainly for its museums, arts, and culture, which scored the second highest on this list under New Orleans. However, those in town for work are interested in all the city has to offer, giving it a 6.62 overall rating.
Other cities that Booking.com for Business found to be the most enticing travel locations for bleisure activities are Nashville, Tennessee (6.07 overall ranking), Denver, Colorado (5.68 overall ranking), San Diego, California (5.57 overall ranking), Miami, Florida (5.35 overall ranking), and San Francisco, California (5.15 overall ranking).
Tips for Planning Your Next Bleisure Trip
In addition to sharing the top cities for bleisure travel, experts at Booking.com for Business also revealed some essential tips for travelers upon planning their next work/leisure getaway. While we’ve already noted the benefits to bleisure trips (extra relaxation time, networking, making a family vacation out of it), the company also provided insights into saving for the trip.
For many work trips, employees aren’t responsible for their own travel expenses. However, they are expected to pay for their own after-work activities. To stay within a budget, they recommend booking downtime activities in advance to secure discounts and avoid last-minute price raises. They also suggest seeking things to do near the hotel or where you’ll be working to save on transportation costs.
Lastly, get the most out of your time away by arranging with your employer to extend your stay after the business trip ends. Getting a few extra nights at the company’s corporate rate is a lot better than paying a separate fee, plus it ensures you’d get the room before the hotel books up.
As we said, bleisure travel has skyrocketed since travel restrictions lightened up following the COVID-19 pandemic. But it’s a phenomenon we don’t expect to go away anytime soon, given its attractive benefits. If you’re new to the concept, consider taking a bleisure trip this summer, as you’ll actually be excited your next work trip.