Professionals are increasingly turning short work trips into extended getaways, with global connectivity provider Yesim playing a growing role in how they stay online while abroad.
The rising trend, known as “bleisure” travel, is reshaping how Queenslanders approach business trips – blending work commitments with leisure experiences — and is being driven by flexible work arrangements, cost-saving travel strategies and new digital tools.
One of those tools is eSIM technology. An eSIM is a chip embedded in a smartphone or other mobile device that allows users to remotely download mobile network profiles, removing the need for physical SIM cards and enabling instant connectivity across different countries.
For many travellers, this shift is making international work trips far more seamless.
It’s a pattern familiar to Queensland entrepreneur Amelia Bailey, who recently travelled to Bangkok for a two-day supplier meeting. Instead of flying home immediately, she extended her stay to explore temples, try local food and experience the city.
That approach is becoming increasingly common.
Recent global data suggests about 42 per cent of business travellers now extend their trips for leisure, with the trend particularly strong among younger professionals and remote workers. In Australia, business trips now average around six nights – nearly double the global average.
On the Sunshine Coast, the trend is being fuelled by a workforce that is increasingly mobile and digitally connected. Many local professionals travel through Brisbane Airport to major hubs such as Singapore, Tokyo and London, making it easier to add extra days without significantly increasing costs.
For small business owners and consultants, the appeal is clear: one international flight can serve both work and leisure purposes.
However, staying connected remains one of the biggest challenges.
Reliable internet is essential for attending virtual meetings, managing clients and keeping operations running smoothly – even from a beachside cafe or while navigating a foreign city.
Traditional international roaming can be costly, with Australian carriers often charging between $5 and $10 per day, while exceeding data limits can quickly drive costs higher. There’s also the inconvenience of sourcing local SIM cards, dealing with language barriers or switching phone numbers mid-trip.
This is where newer solutions like Yesim are gaining traction.
The platform offers access to more than 800 local operators across over 200 destinations, giving travellers broad global coverage and consistent connection quality. Its automatic network switching ensures devices always connect to the strongest available signal, which is particularly useful when moving between cities or countries.
A key feature is its user-friendly app, which allows travellers to install and activate an eSIM in minutes before they even leave Australia – eliminating the need to visit stores or swap SIM cards on arrival. The app also enables users to manage multiple eSIMs through MultiSIM technology, making it easier to organise connectivity across different trips or regions.
For those wanting to try the service, Yesim offers a trial package for less than $1, allowing users to test the technology with minimal risk. Its pay-as-you-go International eSIM plan also ensures travellers only pay for the data they actually use, helping to keep costs under control.
Alongside improved connectivity, flexible booking platforms and travel apps are helping professionals maximise their time away – finding cheaper flights, discovering local experiences and balancing work commitments with leisure activities.
The result is a new travel mindset, where business and personal experiences are no longer competing priorities, but complementary ones.
Use promo code GETYESIM15 to get 15 per cent off on the first purchase.
