Chipped away at your 2024 leave days already? No sweat! We’ve got the insider tips on mixing business trips with leisure to spice up your year. Think less all-work-no-play, more globetrotting with perks – and even your boss will be on board. After all, bleisure is the trick to a better work-life balance, beating burnout and increased productivity.
Get ready to balance those spreadsheets with some fun – it's time to plan your bleisure business trips like a pro.
Here’s how to hack the 2024 calendar for the best bleisure travel:
Make public holidays work for you
Wave goodbye to last-minute scrambles and say hello to smart 'holiday hacking'. In 2024, your calendar is the key to blending business with pleasure. With 12 public holidays at your disposal, it’s time to unlock all those glorious long weekends to make more of your business trips. How about a seven-day break from 28 March to 3 April over Easter?
Or seize a nine-day escape by adding 29 April to 3 May to your travel plans. September’s Heritage Day? Turn it into a five-day retreat by taking the Monday off. And December's a goldmine – 16 days of festive fun potential. Grab your calendar and get planning.
Get the ultimate score: tag on a sports event
Imagine aligning your August business meetings in Europe with the gees of the Paris Summer Olympics, rooting for Team SA. With some clever corporate travel planning you could make it happen. If France is on your itinerary in mid-August, experience the high-octane Tour de France Femmes.
For football aficionados, Germany's Euro Cup Football in June and July is a must-see. And for those who crave speed, the Monaco Grand Prix in May is your call to action.
Top bleisure destinations for 2024
The Q3 2023 Business Travel Trends Report showcased the top African business travel destinations for South Africans, showing how you can easily spice up any regional business trip. Picture this: business in Botswana, then a wild detour to the Khutse Game Reserve near Gaborone. Or, swap boardroom talks in Harare for the awe of Victoria Falls. And if Mali's on your itinerary, add the historic City of Djenne to your travel tales.
A tip for the perfect bleisure blend? When booking consider swapping a business class ticket for two economy ones, bringing a partner along. Just remember to ensure you still arrive refreshed and ready to tackle the business head-on. When blending work and leisure, don’t forget to discuss any extra costs with your company and keep your expense tracking sharp – business only, of course!