The concept of ‘blended travel,’ where business trips are seamlessly combined with leisure activities, is gaining momentum in the UK. A recent survey by Censuswide for the spend management platform Pleo revealed that over one-third (34%) of UK employees opted for blended trips in the past year, a significant increase from the previous year’s 17%. This trend demonstrates the growing appeal of workcations, where productivity and relaxation merge seamlessly.
The research highlights the increasing importance of extending business trips to include leisure activities. Nearly two-thirds (62%) of UK workers find it crucial to incorporate relaxation into their work trips. Moreover, close to half (48%) of these employees have come to depend on business trips as a means to enjoy leisure travel, especially in the current cost-of-living crisis.
Financial savings are a major advantage of blended travel, with almost half of respondents acknowledging this benefit. Additionally, 40% appreciate the opportunity to explore new destinations, while 35% value the reduced need to use annual leave. The survey found that over a quarter of employees (23%) reported saving over £1,000 by incorporating leisure time into their business trips, with average savings per trip amounting to £788.
This financial incentive, along with the chance to explore new locations and avoid using precious vacation days, is driving the trend of blended travel in the UK. As blended travel continues to gain popularity, it is becoming a preferred choice for many UK workers who seek to maximize both their work commitments and personal enjoyment during their travels. This shift reflects a broader change in how employees approach work-life balance in a challenging economic climate. The research emphasizes the increasing reliance on business trips for leisure purposes, driven by the financial and experiential benefits of combining work with pleasure.
