How to combine work and leisure travel — while staying safe

The rise in “bleisure” trips — combining vacation with business travel — means employers and workers are facing increased questions about what could happen in case of emergency. 

In 2022, the global bleisure market was valued at over $315 billion, and it’s projected to reach $731.4 billion by 2032, according to Allied Market Research. Data from American Express shows 88% of companies allow employees to tack some fun onto either end of their professional travels, but in doing so, they’ll also have to consider how to help them should a crisis occur. 

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Employers generally have insurance policies that cover medical and other issues for employees on the go, but serious and often unpredictable emergencies such as terrorist attacks, war and natural disasters are not usually covered, says Dale Buckner, CEO of emergency response and medical services provider Global Guardian. Employers should make clear just what they’re willing to be responsible for, and employees need to make sure they map out where to seek help if something goes wrong.

“Our clients all have different policies; one company will provide full duty of care services to you and your family while others will only cover an employee if they’re on official company business,” he says. “The one caveat we’ve had with firms that say employees are responsible for themselves when they’re on PTO [is] if it’s a war zone or a natural disaster, they will foster the employee and get them out of that environment.”

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Employees who travel on behalf of the business should be aware of their company’s policy before they go, allowing them to make any necessary contingency plans if they choose to leave early or stay longer for some rest and relaxation. Companies should also have strong communication established so workers are confident they know what is covered and feel comfortable letting their employer know where they will be and how to reach them at all times. 

“As an employee, you have to read the policy and understand what your responsibility is, [and] ask HR or leadership to clarify if you’re covered under [a certain] circumstance,” Buckner says. “If your company does not offer support, you have to have your own plan. If you and your family or friends are in an environment where things go sideways and you’re not covered, you should then have your own duty of care provider.”

Global Guardian provides personal and corporate security options including traveler, asset and cyber protection. They were heavily involved in the evacuation of clients and their families from foreign countries following the COVID outbreak, from Afghanistan and Ukraine when war broke out, and more recently in Israel. While conducting these rescue missions, along with those following natural disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes, Buckner and his team often find themselves evacuating family members and pets as well, even when a company’s policy does not cover it. He notes that it is his policy to take everyone, no matter what. Fortunately,  none of his clients have ever refused to cover the cost of getting all members of their employee’s family to safety. 

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Still, as the lines of business and pleasure become more blurred, Buckner urges travelers to ensure all their bases are covered ahead of time. It is not enough to register with an embassy or assume a company will handle things, and people who do will be wildly disappointed, he says. 

“Read the fine print,” says Buckner. “Insurance is limited. If employees are not sure they have coverage, they need to ask, they need to do the research. As long as they understand the requirements and how to communicate, that’s really the trick.”