☀️Can you believe it’s already May? The weather is warmer, days are longer, and school will soon be out - summer is nearly here! I don’t know about you, but I’m so ready for sunny beach vacations, cool cocktails on the patio, and trips filled with adventure.
As small business owners, it’s important for us to unwind and recharge. But with all our responsibilities, it can be tough to detach completely. That’s why I love the concept of “bleisure” travel - blending business and leisure activities into one memorable trip.
With some strategic planning, you can take advantage of professional development opportunities, networking events, or sourcing missions while also enjoying quality time re-energizing in a fabulous destination. In this month’s blog, I’ll be sharing some of my top “bleisure” focused travel ideas for this summer that can potentially be tax deductible!
Attend a Conference or Trade Show
One of the best ways to blend business and pleasure is to attend an industry conference or trade show in an enticing location. You can network with peers, gain knowledge, check out innovations in the field, look for vendors - and write off the whole trip!
If you’re in retail/e-commerce, check out Shopify Unite or Shoptalk
For wellness entrepreneurs, Green Spa Network Congress
Tech startup? Look into CES or SaaStr Annual
Health/beauty industry? Cosmoprof North America
Search for conferences relevant to your niche and browse locations - you may find one happening in a destination on your bucket list!
Go on a Product Sourcing Mission
If you sell physical products, traveling to manufacturers, vendors, artisans, etc can be incredibly beneficial - and deductible! For example, if you source handmade crafts from Mexico, schedule meetings with new artists while enjoying the beaches of Baja.
✈️Some sourcing trip ideas:
China: Find factories to produce your merchandise
India: Discover textiles, crafts, stone carvings
Italy: Source luxury goods like leather, shoes, ceramics
Central America: Seek out handmade textiles, coffee, crafts
Make sure to document your sourcing activities in case of an audit. But in your downtime, soak up the magic of your exotic locale!
Host a Pop-Up Shop or Retreat
Pop-up shops allow you to test new markets and do direct sales. Consider traveling somewhere to set up a temporary retail space combined with workshops. Or, host a retreat in a bucolic setting for your perfect audience. Deduct travel costs as a business promotion expense.
Pop-up/retreat locations:
Beach town: Set up shop along a boardwalk on the coast
Mountain town: Host a workshop retreat at an Airbnb cabin
Upcoming big local event: Get a booth at an arts festival or county fair
Popular tourist area: Tap into heavy foot traffic in a place people love to visit
Make sure to follow local business licensing and zoning regulations. But this is a fun way to deduct a trip for your biz!
Shoot Product Photos or Video
Need new branding photos or product shots? Get creative by scheduling a photoshoot or filming a promotional video while you’re traveling. Think beyond the studio!
Photoshoot ideas:
Book a Airbnb with an Instagrammable backyard
Hit up local farms, gardens, shops and art galleries for backdrops
Head to a beach town for oceanfront product pics
Capture seasonal shots in a mountain cabin
Use natural lighting, real lifestyle settings, and tell the story behind your brand. Don’t forget behind-the-scenes footage for TikTok!
Research Trends Abroad
Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, tastes, and innovations of a new place. Keep your entrepreneurial radar on to spot interesting trends, products and ideas. Bring these insights back to fuel your business’ next steps.
✈️Trend spotting locales:
Fashion capitals: London, Milan, Paris
Cosmopolitan cities: Tokyo, NYC, Mexico City, Madrid
Unique international destinations: Iceland, New Zealand, South Africa
Create an itinerary focused on local designers, artisans, retailers and cultural attractions. Deduct this trip as market research for your brand.
Attend a Workshop or Class
Advance your skills and deduct a fun trip by signing up for a professional development workshop or training program abroad. Look for immersive courses to gain hands-on experience while exploring somewhere new.
Cooking classes in Italy or France
Fashion design courses in NYC or Milan
Arts, crafts, jewelry making workshops
Web development bootcamp in Thailand
Photography lessons in natural settings like Iceland
Bonus points if you can recruit existing customers or students to join and create a group experience!
Volunteer Your Time and Expertise
Giving back is so fulfilling - and even deductible! Look for volunteer programs where you can donate your professional skills.
Teach business classes via Junior Achievement abroad
Join an incubator program to mentor new entrepreneurs
Partner with microfinance groups and provide training
Volunteer at schools to teach kids valuable life skills
This allows you to leverage your expertise while getting involved in local communities. A volunteer vacation feels extra meaningful.
I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling inspired to blend business and pleasure on an unforgettable trip this summer! Let your entrepreneurial spirit guide you as you expand your brand across borders. The possibilities are endless.
Wishing everyone safe, successful and joyful travels this sunny season. Let me know if you have any other “bleisure” travel tips to share!
xoxo
Alimah
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