New Orleans is the best US city for bleisure (blending business and leisure), according to research from Booking.com for Business. The research, based on analysis of internal bookings and TripAdvisor data, shows Las Vegas in second place, followed by Orlando, Boston, Washington DC, Nashville, Denver, San Diego, Miami and San Francisco.
The data provided statistics on the number of museums, arts and cultural attractions per 100,000 people; nature and outdoor activities; sightseeing; and restaurants. The top three cities are described as follows:
- New Orleans is the ultimate bleisure destination with its vibrant culture and historic charm. Known for its lively streets and jazz-filled atmosphere, the city offers an impressive array of museums, galleries and cultural landmarks, including the New Orleans Museum of Art and the Historic Voodoo Museum. Nature enthusiasts can also explore scenic outdoor spots like City Park and the Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge.
- Las Vegas is synonymous with entertainment. It is also popular for business travelers due to its extensive conference and convention center infrastructure, world-class hotels, and convenient dining and networking opportunities. Beyond the glitz of the Strip, travelers can enjoy outdoor escapes such as Red Rock Canyon.
- Orlando is a hotspot for attractions, making it an excellent choice for professionals who want to extend their work trips into a leisure getaway. The city offers a range of cultural experiences, including the Orlando Museum of Art. Despite the city’s bustling tourism scene, exploring its highlights can be remarkably budget-friendly; the I-RIDE trolley costs just $6 for a day pass.
Booking.com for Business also offered tips for maximizing bleisure travel:
- Plan ahead: Book leisure activities early to lock in discounts and avoid last-minute price increases.
- Travel off-peak: If schedules allow, adding leisure days during off-peak times can help save on hotels, flights and activities.
* Use Loyalty Programs: Take advantage of air miles, hotel points or other reward plans for frequent travelers.
