Workation vs Bleisure
What is a Workation?
A workation is essentially a vacation where you take your work with you, either for a short or long period of time. This is also referred to as working remotely since you’re not actually working from home.
Workation Benefits :
- Increased Productivity: A change of scenery from your usual office space can help to boost creativity and motivation which increases productivity.
- No loss of vacation days: Since you are still working, there’s no need to use up any of your vacation days, so save them for a special “normal” vacation!
- Taste of a new city: Workations allow you to somewhat live as the locals do by spending your business hours focused on your work and then having the freedom to explore the city in your personal down time. This can also give you a feel of what it could be like to live in another city you have had your eye on as you can spend extended amounts of time on workations (tax regulations allowing).
Workation vs Bleisure
Workation vs Bleisure: Understanding the difference & benefits
These days, it’s often possible to work from home or from wherever you can find a stable Wi-Fi connection. The work-from-home model has evolved into a work-from-anywhere approach and as a result, the words “Workation” and “Bleisure” have emerged. Both these words relate to the general idea of combining work and travel but there are some key differences. Understanding these will help you plan your next trip more effectively.
At Accor, with our wide variety of hotels of all sizes, for all budgets, and located in nearly every pocket of the globe, we provide the ideal base for both bleisure and workation trips, ensuring you achieve the perfect balance between productivity and relaxation.
We even have our own coworking offering called Wojo which is one of Europe’s leaders in flexible offices and workspaces. Wojo is a friendly atmosphere for professionals and there is a wide range of services available for remote workers and companies alike.
A workation is essentially a vacation where you take your work with you, either for a short or long period of time. This is also referred to as working remotely since you’re not actually working from home.
Workation Benefits :
- Increased Productivity: A change of scenery from your usual office space can help to boost creativity and motivation which increases productivity.
- No loss of vacation days: Since you are still working, there’s no need to use up any of your vacation days, so save them for a special “normal” vacation!
- Taste of a new city: Workations allow you to somewhat live as the locals do by spending your business hours focused on your work and then having the freedom to explore the city in your personal down time. This can also give you a feel of what it could be like to live in another city you have had your eye on as you can spend extended amounts of time on workations (tax regulations allowing).
A bleisure trip is essentially a trip where your core purpose of going is for a business event or meeting but you choose to extend your trip by a few days either side of the event, to make the most of your time in a different city.
Bleisure Benefits :
- More time to explore: By extending your business trip and taking a few days before or after your event, you get more time to properly explore the destination and not have to squeeze all of your activities around your working hours.
- Networking Opportunities: Extending your stay can lead to valuable networking opportunities with local professionals and businesses that could lead to some great collaborations. If you are staying with colleagues, you get more time to bond with them and strengthen the relationships.
- Cost Savings: This is often one of the strongest pull factors for bleisure trips since they provide the ability to take advantage of the fact that often your company pays for your travel to and from the destination, plus they cover your accommodation expenses (usually also food) so then all you would need to pay for is however many extra days you choose to add on which works out significantly cheaper than a workation where you are paying for everything yourself.
When deciding between a workation or a bleisure trip, you need to consider first and foremost what it is that you are most strongly desiring.
Craving a few days off work to recharge the batteries and explore a new destination while not having to break the bank? Then a bleisure trip would suit you best.
Just needing a change of scenery and curious to experience a taste of daily life in another destination? Then a workation sounds like the one for you.
- Plan Ahead:
- Schedule Wisely: Align your work commitments with fun activities. Set specific times for work and play to keep a healthy balance.
- Research Destinations: Look for places that offer both great work environments and exciting leisure options.
- Choose the Right Accommodation:
- Find Flexible Spaces: Choose hotels that offer coworking spaces, like Accor’s , so you have a professional spot to get things done.
- Leisure Amenities: Pick accommodations with awesome amenities like gyms, spas, and family-friendly activities to make your stay even better.
- Blend Work and Leisure:
- Local Experiences: Mix in local attractions and cultural experiences with your schedule. Think about visiting museums, trying delicious local food, or exploring beautiful natural spots.
- Networking Opportunities: Attend local business events or meet up with local professionals to expand your network.
- Make the Most of Local Resources:
- Concierge Services: Use hotel concierge services for great recommendations on local attractions, dining options, and transportation.
- Local Insights: Chat with locals to find the best spots to visit and discover hidden gems in the area.
- Balance Work and Relaxation:
- Set Boundaries: Clearly define your work hours and personal time to avoid burnout and make sure you enjoy your trip.
- Unplug When Needed: Take breaks from technology and work to fully dive into the fun parts of your trip.
By following these tips, you can blend productivity and relaxation perfectly, making the most of your workation or bleisure trip. With the right planning and a positive mindset, you can achieve a great balance between work and leisure, creating a truly enjoyable and enriching experience.
To help you make the most of your bleisure or workation experience, here are some ideas for combining work and leisure at our Accor hotels:
- Paris, France: Attend your business meetings in the heart of the city, then explore iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. Stay at the Sofitel Paris Le Faubourg, where luxury meets convenience, and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Champs-Élysées.
- Barcelona, Spain: Host your corporate event at the Novotel Barcelona City, with its modern meeting facilities and stunning rooftop pool. After work, discover the architectural wonders of Gaudí, relax on the city’s beautiful beaches, or indulge in delicious tapas at local eateries.
- Berlin, Germany: Combine work and leisure at Pullman Berlin Schweizerhof, offering contemporary accommodations and excellent business amenities. After work, explore the Brandenburg Gate, visit the Berlin Wall Memorial, or enjoy the vibrant nightlife and diverse culinary scene.
At Accor, we pride ourselves on providing augmented hospitality, catering to every need, budget, and event format. Our hotel brands, such as Novotel, are perfectly suited for hosting large and small events, offering versatile meeting spaces and state-of-the-art facilities. Whether you’re planning a corporate conference, a team-building retreat, or a family-friendly event, our expert consultants are on hand to help you create a memorable and successful experience.
For bleisure travelers, our hotels offer a range of leisure amenities, including fitness centers, spas, and gourmet restaurants, ensuring you have everything you need to unwind after a busy day of meetings. Families are also well catered for, with kid-friendly activities and services available to keep everyone entertained.
For those on a workation, our WOJO coworking spaces provide a professional environment with high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and comfortable workstations, ensuring you stay connected and productive. With locations in major cities such as Barcelona, Lyon and Brussels, you can choose a workation destination of your dreams!
Conclusion
Whether you’re planning a bleisure trip or a workation, Accor hotels provide the perfect environment for combining work and leisure. Our strategic locations, world-class facilities, and commitment to augmented hospitality ensure you have everything you need for a successful and enjoyable trip. Embrace the future of business travel with Accor and discover the benefits of blending productivity with relaxation in some of the world’s most exciting destinations.