Business travellers are reportedly saving nearly £2,500 annually by extending their work trips into holidays, according to a recent survey.

The poll revealed that two-thirds of respondents enjoy turning overseas meetings into holidays, capitalising on the free travel provided. As a result 78% of respondents say travelling for work,is a ‘bonus’ in their role. 

By dodging travel and accommodation expenses, they estimate savings of around £791 per trip, with most doing this three times a year. Half of those surveyed have even maximised their savings by bringing their families along to explore new areas before or after work commitments.

The survey, commissioned by Bolt Business, identified the USA, France, and Australia as the top destinations for business travel due to the potential cost savings.

Jack Cook, head of Bolt Business for the UK, commented: “It’s becoming increasingly popular for people to turn work trips into holidays, saving both money and annual leave.”

He went on to say it’s ‘unsurprising’ to see people also bringing their families along, balancing work meetings with leisure time.

The most desirable cities for combining work and holiday trips were New York (27%), Paris (20%), and Tokyo (15%). Although 54% would prefer a city trip, 51% would opt for a beach town, and 18% expressed interest in visiting a mountainous retreat.

The study also revealed that 65% of respondents regretted not spending more time exploring the places they’ve visited for work.

Unsurprisngly, three-quarters said they would eagerly volunteer for a meeting in an unfamiliar location just for the opportunity to travel there.

Jack commented: “Blending business with leisure isn’t just a trend it’s a lifestyle shift that allows travellers to find balance. We find that by exploring local attractions or enjoying downtime during a work trip, professionals can recharge and return to their tasks with fresh perspectives.

“Business travel can be demanding, but when you integrate a bit of leisure into the schedule, it transforms the experience.”