TAMPA, Fla. (BLOOM) – In the world of remote work, a new vacation model is emerging, where employees combine business with pleasure, without necessarily keeping their bosses informed. According to recent surveys, nearly a third of Americans are secretly turning their vacations into work opportunities.
A survey conducted by OnePoll and commissioned by Mews, a hotel management platform, examined responses from 2,000 employed Americans. It revealed that although 52% of respondents are open to working remotely during their travels, 29% have already done so without informing their place of work.
Interestingly, this trend is not just driven by workaholism. Around 39% of those who mix work and travel say their motivation comes from a genuine enjoyment of their work. Others take this route to meet crucial deadlines (28%) or to maintain their paid time off (26%).
Hotels are following this trend, with many workers noticing that guests often extend their business trips to enjoy a few more days of leisure. Dubbed “bleisure” trips, these extensions are becoming increasingly popular, with travelers expected to take an average of 11 trips this year, including vacations, family visits and work-related trips.
The preferred setting for many of these stealth workers is the comfort of their hotel room, as noted by 69% of survey participants. However, a notable number prefer to work in more picturesque parts of the hotel, such as the pool, spa or even the bar.
The push toward this work trend also aligns with a broader shift toward prioritizing travel. According to the survey, three in four travelers and hotel employees believe Americans are traveling more this year compared to last. Additionally, technology plays a key role in improving the travel experience, with a significant number of respondents (80%) preferring hotels that offer advanced technology such as automated check-ins or AI-based travel recommendations.
Hotel officials have seen an increase in the use of amenities by both locals and travelers, reflecting a shift toward hotels serving as community hubs rather than just places to stay. From coworking spaces to yoga classes, modern hotels are diversifying their offerings to meet the diverse needs of their guests.
The fusion between work and vacation reflects a greater tendency to seek flexibility and maximize time. As remote work becomes more normalized, the lines between personal and professional life continue to blur, creating a new type of travel experience that accommodates both.
Research Methodology: This survey included 1,000 American travelers and 1,000 hotel workers, conducted between January 30 and February 8, 2024. It was conducted by market research firm OnePoll, whose team members belong to several professional research societies, such as Market Research Society and the American Association for Public Opinion Research.
