By Marc Llewellyn
Combining business with pleasure.
SPONSORED
Combining business and leisure travel is a growing trend. It's even got its own buzzword. It's called 'bleisure' travel.
Travelling for business can expand your horizons and progress your career, but it can be tough at times too, especially when it comes to being away from your family or partner. But it doesn't have to be like this. Instead of being separated because of business travel commitments, you could be making big strides towards balancing work and home life, by bringing your loved ones along with you.
A recent study, by the international research group Global Business Travel Association, says 67 per cent of business travellers think bleisure travel is important.
It's backed up by another study, which shows that around 30 per cent of bleisure travellers add at least two additional days onto their work schedule for a holiday. Around half of them also bring their partner or family members along.
So what are the benefits of merging a business trip with leisure time? Well, enjoying time off work while exploring the world can restore your vitality. It inspires you, and adds to your overall wellbeing.
Having the opportunity to reflect and unwind can also help you be more energetic at work. And, all that invigorating sightseeing can increase your mental and physical performance.
You can get even more out of it if you bring your partner or family along, because you can strengthen the bonds between you by enjoying some quality time.
One of the most popular places for bleisure travel is Singapore. Before or after work you could take your loved ones to an indoor hawker food market at Maxwell Road Food Centre. Try the Haianese chicken rice, or Singapore chilli crab. Follow it up with some shopping in the atmospheric laneways of Little India or Chinatown.
The kids will love Universal Studios Singapore, with its thrilling Battlestar Gallactica rollercoaster, and the Mega Adventure Park, which includes an exhilarating zip line that allows you to fly like an eagle across the jungle before you land on a golden stretch of beach. Both of these attractions are on Singapore's Sentosa Island.
Hotels like Swissotel Merchant Court, Singapore, make the transition between business and leisure seamless, and offer guests the peace of mind they need to enjoy a much-needed escape. The idyllic, lagoon-style swimming pool and Purovel Spa are perfect locations to recharge and reset your body and mind, while the hotel itself is close to the riverside entertainment quarter of Clarke Quay.
Another sultry destination popular with the bleisure traveller is Phuket. After doing business in Bangkok, spending time with your family or partner on this mountainous island allows you all to relax, rejuvenate, and recharge your batteries.
Escape the daily grind and enjoy the relaxation of a serene tropical beach, or enjoy the action-packed side of this often stylish getaway. There are cultural shows and satisfying cooking classes to dip into, as well as peaceful kayaking tours through limestone sea caves, blissful boat tours out to tiny islands, and an exciting nightlife scene too.
You are all sure to be in high spirits when you return to the family-friendly Swissotel Resort, Phuket Kamala Beach each night.
Then there's China. Australians are doing more and more business there, and even if you go there without your partner or family you should make some time to stay a little bit longer.
Awaken your curiosity and sense of adventure by trying new food, like the local pepper duck in plum sauce, or steamed buns with vegetables, bamboo shoots and marinated bean curd. And, take an evening stroll along The Bund, where the reflections of impressive technicolour skyscrapers glitter in the river. It's one of the best light shows in the world!
While in Shanghai, stay in the contemporary Swissotel Grand Shanghai, a luxurious sanctuary located just a few steps away from famous West Nanjing Road and its impressive shopping malls.
Download one of the Vitality Guides, curated for Swissôtel by Alpine mountain climber and travel writer, John Harlin. You will get a new perspective on this impressive destination as it guides you to refreshing sightseeing opportunities, stimulating architecture and uplifting natural places.
Don't forget to improve your work/life balance back home in Australia too. Take Sydney for example. After you've pulled yourself away from the office, and walked barefoot on the many golden beaches, you could stroll across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, or trek along the dramatic coastline of the Royal National Park. Look out for migrating whales from April to mid-December.
The best place to stay is Swissotel Sydney, because it's in the heart of the city centre, and within walking distance of all Sydney's famous landmarks and cultural attractions. This luxurious yet inviting hotel has separate adjoining Kids Rooms, just like all the hotels in the group. This means that you can be content that your children are safe and happy in their own space, but they are close to you too.
These rooms have amenities suitable for kids of all ages, from babies to teenagers. You can expect a cot and change table, Wii games, toys and board games, books and drawing materials, an iPod docking station, an in-room kid's menu, and more.
Tagging your family or your partner onto your business trip has just become easier.
This article has been produced in association with Swissôtel.
Conveniently located where travellers want to be, Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts provides guests with the opportunity to stay in the heart of more than 30 locations worldwide where they can confidently explore the very best each destination has to offer. Synonymous with all there is to love about Switzerland, the hotel brand remains true to its roots, successfully combining genuine Swiss hospitality with intelligent design and local flair. With social responsibility at the forefront and a genuine commitment to positively impact the destinations it calls home, every Swissôtel upholds industry-leading sustainability standards and is committed to treating guests, colleagues, and the environment with equal respect. This all comes together to provide guests with peace of mind and a stress-free experience.
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