In recent years, the concept of bleisure travel has been winning over more and more professionals and companies. But what does it really mean, and why is it becoming a trend in Lombardy as well? This article explores how it’s possible to balance work and leisure, turning a day of smart working into a refreshing experience thanks to train trips.
What is bleisure travel and why is it growing?
The term bleisure travel comes from blending the words business and leisure and refers to the trend of combining work trips with moments of leisure. It’s no longer just about corporate travel, but also about smart working opportunities where professionals choose inspiring and accessible destinations, mixing productivity with personal well-being.
According to a report by GBTA (Global Business Travel Association), as early as 2019 more than 40% of business travelers in the United States were extending their trips with leisure activities. In Europe, Statista data (2023) shows that around 30% of travelers took advantage of a work trip to enjoy some downtime. The pandemic further accelerated this trend, with the rise of smart working and the growing pursuit of a better work-life balance.
Smart working and the new idea of the office
Smart working has radically transformed the concept of the office. There’s no longer a need to be tied to a fixed desk to be productive: all you need is a stable connection and a laptop. In Italy, according to ISTAT data (2022), more than 3 million people have experienced remote work, marking an exponential increase compared to the pre-pandemic period.
Working remotely doesn’t mean being confined at home: on the contrary, more and more people are choosing different locations that spark creativity and reduce stress. That’s why train trips in Lombardy are the perfect solution for bleisure travel.
Why the train is the ideal means of transport for bleisure travel
The train is much more than just a means of transport: it stands for comfort, sustainability, and valuable time. Unlike driving, it lets you avoid traffic, forget about parking, and use the journey to either work or unwind.
According to Legambiente – Ecosistema Urbano 2023, sustainable mobility has become a top priority for Italian cities: traveling by train significantly reduces environmental impact compared to private transport. Moreover, a Trainline study (2022) revealed that more than 60% of Italian workers consider the train the most productive means of travel, as it allows them to read, reply to emails, or prepare for meetings during the journey.
According to the FS Italiane Report 2024, train travelers in Italy have reached 600 million per year, marking a 15% increase compared to 2019. In addition, an Ipsos survey (2023) shows that 68% of Italian commuters consider the train the most productive way to work, read, or learn while traveling.
From an environmental perspective, ISPRA data (2023) confirms that trains cut CO₂ emissions by up to 75% per passenger/km compared to private cars, making them the best choice for those who want to combine work and sustainability.
Lombardy: a perfect region for bleisure travel
Lombardy is the perfect place to combine work and leisure. Its railway network makes it possible to reach stunning destinations in less than two hours, blending nature, culture, and relaxation. Whether it’s a meeting in Milan or a day of smart working, you can easily carve out time for a getaway without any hassle.
Let’s explore some perfect ideas for those who want to experience bleisure travel in Lombardy.
Art and culture: a break that feeds the mind
Bleisure travel isn’t just about relaxation—it’s also about cultural stimulation. After a morning of calls and laptop work, spending an afternoon exploring museums and historic cities is a perfect way to recharge.
An example? A trip to Cremona and the Violin Museum, where the history of violin making meets art and music. Exploring the city by train combines convenience with cultural enrichment.
Fun and relaxation: recharging body and mind
Well-being is one of the pillars of bleisure travel. Adding moments of leisure and relaxation to the work routine helps reduce stress and boost productivity. According to a Harvard Business Review study (2021), wellness breaks improve performance by 23%.
In Lombardy, a train trip to Sirmione offers the chance to combine smart working and relaxation: after a few hours of work, you can unwind in the thermal baths or stroll through the historic streets of the village. Or you might choose the Caneva Aquapark package: train plus park admission, a perfect experience to recharge with some lighthearted fun.
Food & Beverage: a different kind of networking
Bleisure travel is also an opportunity for networking. Instead of a traditional call, why not turn a business meeting into a food and wine tasting experience?
One idea is a wine tasting at Vigna Cobue, set between Lake Garda and the morainic hills. It’s the perfect setting to wrap up a day of smart working with a convivial, authentic experience.
Lake trips: nature as an open-air office
Contact with nature enhances focus and creativity. According to a study published in Psychological Science (2020), spending time in natural environments improves cognitive abilities and reduces stress levels.
In Lombardy, the lakes provide the perfect backdrop for a refreshing bleisure travel experience. One example is the Train & Bike package with bike rental at Lake Varese, which lets you balance quiet moments of work with a revitalizing ride around the lake.
Snow trains: working with a mountain view
For mountain lovers, snow trains offer a unique chance to combine smart working with outdoor activities. After a morning of work, you can treat yourself to a snowshoe hike or a refreshing ski session.
Lombardy offers plenty of destinations that are easy to reach by train, perfect for a win-win experience: productivity in the morning, sports and nature in the afternoon.
Corporate wellbeing and bleisure travel
Companies are increasingly looking at bleisure travel as a tool for corporate wellbeing. Enabling employees to work from diverse and inspiring locations means investing in their well-being and, in turn, in their productivity.
According to a Deloitte survey (2022), 77% of employees consider company support for work-life balance essential. Bleisure travel perfectly meets this need, offering a concrete solution to reduce burnout and turnover.
Bleisure travel and sustainability: a winning combination
Another key aspect is sustainability. Traveling by train, reducing the use of private cars, and choosing nearby destinations all contribute to more responsible tourism. With its extensive railway network and numerous close-by destinations, Lombardy is an ideal testing ground for sustainable tourism practices.
In this sense, initiatives like Discovera Zero Impact promote integrated, green mobility, fully aligned with the principles of bleisure travel.
Conclusions: the future of work is also bleisure
Bleisure travel is not just a passing trend, but a new way of experiencing work and free time in harmony. Thanks to its easily accessible train destinations, Lombardy stands out as an ideal setting to embrace this approach.
Whether it’s a food and wine tasting, a bike ride by the lake, or a cultural visit, there are countless opportunities to blend productivity with pleasure. The train, with its advantages in comfort and sustainability, becomes the true ally for those who want to work without giving up authentic experiences.
