Trends

1 in 5 holidaying with 'frolleagues' as watercooler chat moves poolside

Expert's top tips for mixing business with pleasure.

Trends

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Updated April 9 2025 - 4:02pm, first published 11:27am

If you're planning to add a colleague to your inner circle and head off somewhere exciting together, you wouldn't be the first to mix business with pleasure as "frolleagues" trips are becoming increasingly common.

This is according to Hilton's 2025 Trends Report which shows nearly one in five Australians are now regularly holidaying with "frolleagues" (friends who are also colleagues).

The report shows gen Z are leading the charge, with this age group twice as likely (almost 40 per cent) to be jetting off with colleagues.

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Hilton's data analysis of TikTok hashtag #workbesties showed gen Z were heading to hotspots including Thailand, Mexico and Japan.

The hotel chain said it was part of a trend as the lines between work, travel, and social life continue to blur, spearheaded by individuals finding connection and team-building among the rise of remote work.

But while travelling with frolleagues could be appealing, there are some things to keep in mind when mixing business with pleasure.

Hilton area vice president and head of Australasia, Paul Hutton, said in the hospitality industry, travel was commonplace among frolleagues, which is one of the things that made the industry "special".

Picture by Felix Rostig/Unsplash

"Done right, travelling together can help teams build trust, spark new ideas, and return to work feeling energised and connected. But to make it meaningful, a bit of intentionality goes a long way," Mr Dutton told ACM.

Here are his top tips:

Start with shared expectations - Is this a work trip with downtime, or a proper holiday to unwind? Having honest conversations upfront helps avoid mismatched assumptions and ensures everyone's on the same page.
Go easy on the work chat - If you've agreed it's downtime, don't let meetings creep into every moment. The best part of team travel is the chance to see each other in a new light - and some of the most powerful ideas come when we're not actively chasing them.
Make space for solo time - You don't have to do everything as a group. Giving people space to recharge ensures everyone shows up as their best selves.
Say yes to something new - Whether it's a hike or sharing a grounding experience in nature, stepping outside your usual routine together can inspire creativity and connection in ways a boardroom never could.

And some ideas about where to go:

Work in Brisbane, holiday in Surfers Paradise: Swap spreadsheets for surfboards. Kick back by the pool, grab sunset drinks at a rooftop bar, or head to the beach for some much-needed R&R.

Work in Adelaide, take a break in Barossa Valley: Think long scenic lunches, wine tastings, and hot air balloon rides at sunrise.

Work in Perth, travel to Busselton: A road trip to Busselton offers beach days, marine adventures, and a chance to explore local wineries.

Work in Sydney, play in the Blue Mountains: Escape the city hustle and unwind together amidst world-class waterfalls and unforgettable hiking trails.

Words bySarah Falson

Sarah is ACM’s travel producer. She believes regional travel is just as fun (if not better) than staying in the big cities and loves any travel experience to do with nature, animals and food!.

My all-time favourite destination is ... Cornwall. From the giant seagulls to the blustery beaches, Cornish pasties and fishing villages, it stirs something romantic and seafaring in me.

Next on my bucket list is … Mongolia. I want to go somewhere really unique that feels totally foreign and challenges my way of life.

My top travel tip is … Don’t plan too much. Walk the streets and let it happen. And make sure you check out what’s within a few blocks of your hotel - sometimes the best local food is found that way.