How Hybrid Work Models Are Reshaping the Future of Business Travel

By Jessica WrightLast Updated September 1, 2025

Photo by Christian Lue on Unsplash

The Changing Landscape of Business Travel in Hybrid Work Models

The future of business travel is being fundamentally reshaped by the rise of hybrid and remote work models. As organizations adjust to new realities post-pandemic, the way professionals travel for work is evolving, with emphasis on flexibility, technology, and the integration of personal and business objectives. This article explores the key trends, challenges, and actionable steps for companies and travelers navigating this new era of corporate mobility.

1. The Rise of Bleisure: Blending Business with Leisure

One of the most significant trends in business travel is the surge in bleisure travel -the combination of business and leisure. In 2024, global spending on bleisure travel reached $692 billion, with projections to hit $816 billion in 2025 and continue growing at an estimated 17% annually. This growth is propelled by remote and hybrid work environments, which enable professionals to work from virtually anywhere, extending work trips to include leisure time for themselves or family members. Younger professionals, many now in decision-making roles, are especially likely to extend business trips for personal enjoyment and expect this flexibility as part of their work experience [1] .

Example:
A marketing manager travels to Barcelona for a conference and stays through the weekend, working remotely from a co-working space while taking time to enjoy the city’s attractions with family.

How to Implement: Companies can support bleisure by offering flexible travel policies, partnering with hotels that offer co-working spaces, and encouraging employees to leverage technology for remote productivity. Employees should communicate plans clearly, ensuring transparency on time allocation for work versus leisure.

2. The Expanding Profile of Business Travelers

Business travel is no longer the domain of senior executives. By 2025, professionals across all roles, including new hires and technical staff, are expected to travel for a variety of reasons such as team-building, company retreats, and in-person collaboration. Hybrid work models necessitate periodic face-to-face interaction to maintain culture and foster innovation. Meeting budgets are increasing, with 60% of meetings anticipated to be in-person, and trip volumes are returning to pre-2019 levels [3] .

Practical Guidance:
If your company is moving to hybrid work, consider establishing regular in-person gatherings for critical projects or annual retreats. Use internal communication tools to coordinate travel schedules and maximize the value of each trip by combining multiple meetings or objectives where possible.

3. Regional and Proximity-Based Travel: Efficiency and Sustainability

With the integration of hybrid work, companies are prioritizing regional and domestic travel over long-haul international trips. This “proximity power” approach is driven by convenience, cost savings, and sustainability goals. High-speed rail networks and localized supply chains enable more efficient, shorter-distance business trips, which also help reduce the environmental impact of travel [4] .

Action Steps: Organizations should review travel policies to encourage the use of trains and regional carriers where feasible, and invest in digital tools that facilitate hybrid meetings with remote participants. Employees can search for sustainable travel options by using corporate booking platforms or consulting with company travel managers.

4. Technology and Innovation: Smarter, Seamless Travel

Technological advancements are at the heart of modern business travel. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now being used to automate bookings, optimize itineraries, and manage expenses more efficiently. Biometric gateways, such as facial recognition at airports, are reducing wait times and streamlining security processes. Many companies are now adopting software solutions for end-to-end travel management, integrating expense tracking and compliance features [2] .

How to Access:
If you are part of a company with a travel management platform, use its features to book, modify, or cancel trips, and to submit expense reports. Travelers who do not have access to such platforms can search for reputable travel management providers or consult with their HR or finance departments for guidance.

Example:
AI-driven apps can rebook delayed flights automatically, provide real-time updates, and help locate nearby accommodations, all while ensuring compliance with company policies.

5. The New Focus on Wellness and Experience

With frequent travel, employee well-being has become a top priority. Innovations such as fitness-oriented hotels, jet lag treatments, and wellness programs are designed to help travelers perform at their best. Employers are increasingly considering traveler health and satisfaction as part of their duty of care obligations [2] .

Steps for Employees: When planning a trip, look for accommodation options with wellness amenities, such as gyms, healthy dining, and relaxation spaces. Companies may offer wellness stipends or travel insurance that covers health support; inquire with your HR team about available resources.

6. Sustainability: Balancing Travel Needs with Environmental Impact

There is a growing emphasis on adopting sustainable travel practices. Many organizations are setting targets to reduce carbon emissions by encouraging train travel, booking eco-friendly hotels, and using virtual meetings when possible. The Global Business Travel Association reports that sustainability is now a key factor in travel decision-making [5] .

How to Access Sustainable Options: Employees can consult their company’s travel policy for approved sustainable options. If your company does not have clear sustainability guidelines, recommend forming a travel sustainability committee or seeking advice from established organizations such as the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA).

7. Challenges and Solutions for Hybrid Business Travel

Despite the optimism, companies and travelers face challenges such as managing costs, ensuring traveler safety, and maintaining productivity. Inflation and geopolitical risks may impact travel budgets, while the increased volume of trips can strain resources. To address these issues, companies are integrating travel management software, offering flexible booking policies, and emphasizing clear communication about travel objectives and outcomes [4] .

Alternative Approaches: When travel is not essential, consider leveraging advanced video conferencing for high-impact meetings. For small teams, “linked trips”-combining multiple meetings or site visits into a single journey-can maximize efficiency and limit travel days.

8. Step-by-Step Guidance for Accessing and Managing Business Travel in Hybrid Models

Review Your Company’s Travel Policy: Start by reading your employer’s guidelines on business travel, including approved booking platforms, expense procedures, and sustainability requirements.
Coordinate with Your Team: Communicate travel plans early and align in-person meetings to maximize value. Use shared calendars or internal communication tools to avoid overlaps and optimize schedules.
Book Through Approved Channels: Use your company’s preferred travel management platform or contact your travel manager for assistance. For sustainable options, look for certifications or inquire about green partnerships.
Leverage Technology: Utilize mobile apps for itinerary management, expense tracking, and emergency support. Set notifications for flight changes and hotel updates.
Combine Work and Leisure Responsibly: If extending a trip for personal time, ensure your manager is informed and that you remain compliant with company policies regarding work hours and expenses.
Prioritize Health and Safety: Choose accommodations that offer wellness amenities and familiarize yourself with your company’s emergency protocols. If traveling internationally, check for travel advisories through official government websites.
Track and Report Expenses: Submit receipts promptly and use digital tools to streamline the reimbursement process.

Key Takeaways

The future of business travel is being defined by hybrid work, digital innovation, and a shift toward more flexible, sustainable, and human-centered experiences. Companies that adapt their policies to these trends will empower their workforce and gain a competitive edge in talent attraction and productivity. Employees should proactively leverage available resources and communicate with management to ensure travel aligns with both corporate objectives and personal well-being.