The 5 bleisure personas booking an Easter break

With March kicking off a run of public holidays that lasts all the way through June, there's a golden egg of an opportunity for business travellers hatching plans for a bleisure trip (aka business and leisure travel combined) in the first half of the year. One that not only works for them, but their company too.

While Human Rights Day (21 March) falls on a Saturday this year, the Easter long weekend is hot on its heels (3–6 April), opening up a prime window for extending business trips into something truly worthwhile.

There's a reason bleisure travel should be encouraged, says Herman Heunes, GM of Corporate Traveller. "Employees return with improved morale and reduced burnout, and employers gain a valuable tool for attracting and retaining top talent," he says.

What is bleisure travel? Simply put, it’s exploring how to combine business and leisure travel – by taking personal time onto a work travel itinerary to make the most of being somewhere new. But it does depend on your company’s approach to corporate travel management – and an open and honest relationship between travellers, travel managers and the leadership team.

"Travellers should be open with their travel managers about their personal needs and preferences when they travel,” says Heunes. “Travel management should be a two-way conversation, but it always starts with a flexible approach.”

Which bleisure persona are you? Read on!

The Leave Hoarder

Corporate Traveller South Africa Easter bleisure leave HW images

Do you hoard leave days like candy Easter eggs? You're the one constantly saving up holiday days, eagerly awaiting the chance to turn an extended business trip into a mini break. You're a slow traveller at heart, dreaming of living like a local – planning longer stays to immerse yourself in the culture and experience everything a destination offers.

To consider: If you've stashed your leave but don't want to spend it all at once, take the three days between Monday, 27 April (Freedom Day) and Friday, 1 May (Workers' Day) as official leave and enjoy nine full days away – counting the weekends.

"Don't forget to confirm all the details with your company before you leave," advises Heunes. "Are you paying for food and accommodation on leisure days? Will they cover it? Sort it all out before you go so there are no nasty surprises."

Make these travel policy tweaks: "Allow employees to tack on extra holiday time using accrued leave but set reasonable limits so you don't end up short-staffed. Be clear on which expenses are covered for the leisure portion. An approval process for extended stays is a good idea to ensure proper coverage," advises Heunes.

The Family Traveller

Corporate Traveller Easter Bleisure Family Traveller HW

If you're interested in family-friendly business travel that gives you the freedom to bring your brood along, the Easter school holidays may present the perfect opportunity to turn work travel into a well-deserved family break.

For you, travel planning has always centred around the chicks as much as the chief executives.

You love family-friendly destinations and accommodations that offer activities for all ages, and you prize corporate travel policies that recognise you have a role at home, not just at work.

To consider: Think of ways to bring your family along without expanding the company booking budget – for instance, swapping your business class ticket for economy. Make these travel policy tweaks: "Why not add the brood to the bleisure package? Offer discounted rates for extra guests or a bigger room to fit the whole family. See if you can negotiate family-friendly amenities like kids' clubs or hotel dining packages," says Heunes. "Ensure insurance covers them in case a family medical emergency pops up."

The Routine Lover

Corporate Traveller Easter Bleisure Routine Lover HW images

Nobody comes between you and your routine – even business travel. Your corporate travel itineraries must include your daily rituals, whether a 30-minute morning workout or an afternoon matcha tea ceremony.

You seek destinations that offer familiar comforts so you can maintain your lifestyle when away from home.

To consider: What amenities make you a happy bleisure bunny? Does your travel management team know your preferences?

Make these travel policy tweaks: Flexibility is, ironically, the name of the routine-lover game. "Let your travellers customise their stays," advises Heunes. "Reimburse for workout classes, healthy meals – whatever floats their boat. Smart booking choices, like airport lounge access, can also be a routine-saver. Nothing throws you off more than trying to work or catch some shut-eye on a grey airport bench."

The Cultural Connoisseur

Corporate Traveller South Africa Easter bleisure Cultural Connoisseur

You have nightmares about visiting a destination without experiencing its famed cultural offerings. For you, cultural business travel only counts if there's a museum, local eatery, or sightseeing tour on the itinerary.

You're drawn to destinations rich in history, art, and culture, and you actively seek opportunities to engage with local communities and traditions.

A business and leisure travel itinerary that doesn't allow you to stop by an art gallery? Not. Cool.

To consider: The insights into global markets and cultural diversity you gain are a real value-add for the company – worth pitching to your corporate travel management team when motivating for extra personal days.

Make these travel policy tweaks: Allow flexibility in daily work schedules during bleisure travel. This enables travellers to attend cultural events or tours in the mornings or evenings without impacting work commitments. "If you have local offices or staff, enable visiting employees to connect with them for insider tips and locally-guided cultural outings," says Heunes.

The Adventure Collector

Corporate Traveller Easter Bleisure South Africa HW Adventures

On your airport transfer, all you could think about was scaling that mountainside or getting your surfboard ready on the beach you just passed. You're always on the hunt for the next thrill – and you feel at your best when planning an extended business trip that includes high-octane sports and outdoor activities. This is adventure business travel at its finest.

To consider: Safety first. Always.

Make these travel policy tweaks: "Implement a waiver process requiring adventure collectors to acknowledge they are participating in high-risk activities at their own risk and expense during the personal portion of the trip. Set clear safety requirements – certified outfitters, guides, proper gear," advises Heunes.

You can also share resources on adventure travel best practices, local rules and regulations, and possibly negotiated corporate travel rates with trusted outfitters for employees who wish to book through approved vendors. "The key is open communication, ensuring proper insurance coverage, and removing any liability from the company for personal adventure activities," adds Heunes.

The bottom line? Don't put all your eggs in one basket. A great bleisure travel policy is flexible and considers all kinds of business travellers and their alter-leisure-egos – because you don't want to be hunting for new talent when you already have a good egg on the team.

"The ultimate prize is a corporate travel management approach that bounces with your employees' bleisure needs while keeping budgets and safety top of mind," Heunes sums up. "Get their feedback, make adjustments, and implement a tailored travel management programme that supports bleisure travel."