About two thirds (66%) of US and UK travelers actively combine business trips with personal leisure time, up from 53 percent in 2022. Among them, 56 % say the ability to travel while working (i.e. blended travel) is a key benefit of remote work. Those results are from a white paper from Crowne Plaza by IHG called Leading the Charge in Blended Travel.

Ginger Taggart, vice president of brand management – global premium brands, said that “Flexibility in where and when people work is now an expectation for today’s professionals.” She said Blended travel has shifted from a trend to a permanent way of life—whether it’s extending a business trip, working remotely from a dream destination, or finding inspiration on the go. As this shift evolves and becomes more sophisticated, we’re not just responding to it—we’re actively shaping the future of it by reimagining Crowne Plaza hotel designs, creating curated social spaces, and rolling out purpose-driven experiences that support a more dynamic, fulfilling way of traveling.”

The white paper reveals four emerging trends in this phenomenon:

• Improve and grow: Travelers link their journeys to self-improvement, skill development, and creative exploration. The survey findings further back this trend, revealing the top motivator for combining work and leisure travel is to explore destinations they otherwise would not have visited (40%).
• Mind-body equity: More than a third of respondents said blended travel helps them establish healthier routines and reduce stress.
• The new personal travel economy. According to the survey, the top benefit of this trend is the ability to extend trips at a lower personal cost – with 70% of respondents saying affordable deals or amenities that cater to both business and leisure would encourage them to pursue blended travel experiences.
• Intentional togetherness: travelers are placing greater value on in-person connection with colleagues, loved ones and new acquaintances. Thirty-seven percent of respondents surveyed by YouGov cite being able to spend quality time with family and friends around their work as a reason to combine business and leisure travel.

Image: Courtesy of Crowne Plaza