Jeanne Achille used to find business travel "really depressing" because she never got to sightsee in the places she was visiting.

"I literally would be in a meeting room in the hotel and then go to the airport," she said.

But these days, Achille, CEO of The Devon Group, which does public relations and marketing for tech firms, is "quite intentional" about flying in early for a business trip or staying over an extra day "to squeeze in a side trip, a spa visit, try out a top restaurant or similar activity."

Her first "bleisure" (business and leisure) excursion was in London, where she tacked an extra day on a business trip so she could see the Victoria & Albert Museum. This summer, she flew in early for a trade show in Las Vegas to hit a spa and meet friends for dinner.

Building in the extra time has made her "a happier person", she says. And it does not necessarily cost more. In some destinations, airlines and hotels charge more on weekdays because of higher demand from business travelers, so Achille's early arrival in Vegas entailed a cheaper flight and a relatively inexpensive hotel room.

"It came out in my favor," she said. "When you really look at it, in terms of your sanity and the opportunity, as well as the economic model, a lot of times it makes sense."