Best Countries For Combining Business and Pleasure

Have you ever heard of bleisure travel? It refers to the type of travel that combines both business and leisure. It means you add a day or two to your business trip in order to explore your destination. Bleisure is not our favourite word in the world. And realistically bleisure is not an option for everyone. Many people do not have the time or the resources to add additional days to their business trip in order to explore a new destination. But in an ideal world? Bleisure is a great concept and it would probably make many business trips more bearable. Forbes released the list of the top countries for business in 2014 and we explore the best countries for combining business and pleasure. 

Denmark

Image via Flickr 

Denmark  tops the list as the best country for business according to Forbes. And if your business travels take you to Denmark you will have plenty to do and explore. While Copenhagen is a bustling metropolis, it still manages to be cosy and safe. Pay a visit to the Danish National Gallery to admire all the art on the display, snoop on the Royals at Amalienborg Palace or take a leisurely stroll on the beach.  Once  it  is time for  dinner,  practice  the  Danish  art  of hygge -  take  the  time  to enjoy your food, chat to your companions and just watch the world go by. UK residents who travel to Denmark on business do not require a business visa. Your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay.

Hong Kong

Image via Flickr 

Home to some 7 million residents, Hong Kong attracts both the international travellers and the travellers from the mainland China. In fact since China eased the travel restrictions for its residents, Hong Kong has seen an exponential growth in the number of mainland Chinese visitors who now outnumber all others. Take a peek at the Temple of Ten Thousand Buddhas or learn more about the city's past at the Hong Kong Museum of History. Pay a visit to the Victoria Peak, take in the views of the city and see how the truly affluent live. Marvel at the Symphony of Lights and then enjoy a bite to eat – Hong Kong will have you spoilt for choice since there is something for everyone (from Michelin starred restaurants to great holes in the wall with local food). 

Although Hong Kong is now a part of the People's Republic of China, it is a Special Administrative Region and as such it has its own set of immigration requirements. UK residents who plan to visit Hong Kong on business do not require a business visa. If you plan to work in Hong Kong you will need a visa. Your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay. 

New Zealand

Image via Flickr 

Picturesque  does  not  even begin to describe it - New Zealand will delight you with its rugged beauty. And there is plenty to do too. The  capital  of  Auckland is  home to  1/3 of  the New Zealand's population or some 1.4 million residents. Hop on, hop off bus tours might sound naff, but if you are pressed for time they are a great way to see a lot of the sights. Take a lunchtime cruise of the Hauraki Gulf. Explore the Auckland War Memorial Museum. It offers stunning views of the harbour and it is just a stroll away from the winter gardens. For more panoramic views of the city visit One Tree Hill or Mount Victoria. 

UK residents do not require a tourist visa or a business visa for shorter visits to New Zealand. All UK residents can stay in New Zealand as a visitor for 6 months if they meet the immigration requirements and have an onward ticket. If you plan to seek employment you will need to apply for a visa that allows employment during your stay. Passports should be valid for a minimum of one month from the day you leave New Zealand.

Posted in Travelogue