71% of travellers combine work-leisure trips, Holafly finds

More than seven in 10 travellers now combine work and leisure during the same trip, while almost three-quarters have used artificial intelligence to plan their journeys, according to new research from eSIM provider Holafly.

The firm's Global eSIM & Travel Report 2026–2027, highlited changing traveller behaviours, with digital connectivity, flexible working and more sustainable travel choices increasingly shaping international trips.

The report found that 71% of travellers combine business and leisure, reflecting the growing prevalence of so-called ‘bleisure’ travel.

It also found that 49% are travelling more frequently than they were two years ago, taking an average of 2.6 international trips over the past year.

Those journeys are increasingly reliant on connectivity, with 98% of respondents saying they want to stay online while abroad and just 2% choosing to remain offline.

The research also pointed to a shift in how travellers access the internet overseas as almost three in 10 (29%) now use an eSIM as their primary means of staying connected, up from 17% in 2025. The reliance on traditional Wi-Fi has also fallen in light of this, to 16%.

Javier Cabrerizo, CEO of Holafly, said mobile connectivity was becoming an increasingly integral part of the travel experience.

“Looking at 2026 and ahead to 2027, we think global mobile access will increasingly feel like a natural component of the trip, rather than a chore,” he said.

“A better, more reliable internet service will give travellers greater power to journey and explore freely, change plans easily, and work from anywhere with peace of mind.”

AI is also playing a growing role in trip planning, with almost three-quarters of respondents having used AI tools to organise travel. Some 44% said they used them frequently for tasks including navigation, translation and itinerary planning.

The findings point to an increasingly digitally enabled traveller, with technology being used not only to research destinations but also to manage practical aspects of journeys while abroad.

Sustainability is another factor influencing travel decisions. More than half of respondents (53%) said they had actively made choices to reduce the environmental impact of their trips, while 67% said they would be willing to pay more to travel more sustainably.

Dennis Morgenstern, global director of strategic partnerships at Holafly, said integrating digital tools into the travel journey could help reduce friction for travellers.

“Smart technology works best when it feels completely natural,” he said. “When you integrate digital tools directly into how people plan and manage their journeys, you can remove a lot of friction – leaving them free to focus on the trip itself.”

The report presents a picture of travellers seeking greater flexibility, more frequent international experiences and seamless access to digital services.

For travel businesses, the findings underline the growing importance of connectivity and technology in supporting customers before, during and after their trips.