The travel bug is back in full force, but this time, it’s all about quick getaways. Microcations — short trips typically lasting two to four days — are gaining traction again as travelers look for fast, fun escapes that won’t wreck their schedules or drain their savings.
Remote work is making it possible
Clint Henderson, a travel expert with The Points Guy, points to remote work as one of the key reasons microcations have become more viable than ever.
“I’m the king of microcations — even if I don’t call them that,” Henderson jokes. “Working from home on Fridays and Mondays lets me turn a regular weekend into a mini getaway.”
Whether it’s catching a late Thursday flight or logging in from a beach rental on Friday morning, more people are blending work and play in flexible ways.
The term “microcation” was coined in 2019 when younger generations began prioritizing work-life balance. But it truly took off during the COVID-19 pandemic, when burnout skyrocketed and remote workers sought creative ways to recharge, without using PTO.
Now, they’re back. A recent report by insurance company Allianz Partners found that 31% of Americans are increasingly likely to take one or two-night trips in 2025.
Short flights, smaller budgets
If you’re flexible on destination, deals are out there.
“Google Flights Explore is my favorite tool,” Henderson says. “You just put in your home airport, and it shows you where the cheapest flights are going.”
That spontaneity has become a superpower for travelers trying to balance wanderlust with budget limits. While international microcations may sound ambitious, Henderson says East Coasters can realistically pull off a 3-day hop to Europe thanks to overnight flights and tight itineraries.
No flight, no problem
For many, microcations don’t require a plane ticket.
Travel influencer Georgia Fowkes said one of the biggest shifts she’s noticed is how travelers are redefining what counts as an “adventure.”
“If you’re in the U.S., you can drive two hours and still have a great time,” she says. “You don’t need to be in Italy to feel like you’re really traveling.”
That local travel mindset is on the rise. According to the U.S. Travel Association, domestic leisure travel is projected to increase by nearly 4% in 2025.
Flights may seem high — but there’s hope
It’s not all sunshine and sangria. Airfare remains expensive, with average domestic itinerary fares hitting $397.63 in Q4 of 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. That’s the highest on record since the agency began tracking data in 1993.
However, a May Nerdwallet found that travel costs are down for the second month in a row — airfares are down 7.9% and hotel rooms are down 2.4% compared to last year.
Henderson said last-minute deals are starting to reappear. With demand softening in some markets, flexible travelers might score a bargain, especially if they’re only booking a couple of nights.
The microcation mindset
Microcations aren’t just about escaping town but about changing perspective. For younger travelers, the priority isn’t luxury suites or business class tickets — it’s the experience.
“People want to eat where the locals eat, visit places their friends post about, and live in the moment,” Henderson said. “It’s less about a five-star hotel and more about a five-star memory.”
Management consulting company McKinsey found that more than half of Gen Z survey respondents and 47% of millennials would rather save money on expenses like flights instead of sacrificing the experiential aspects of their trip.
Planning your next microcation
If you’re ready to jump on the trend, here are a few quick-start tips:
Look for destinations within a 3-hour flight or drive.
Use Google Flights Explore for spontaneous deal-finding.
Skip the packed itinerary and leave time to relax.
Focus on experiences, not expensive accommodations.
Don’t overthink it: just go.
Because sometimes, all you really need is a good playlist, a weekend bag and a break from your inbox.
contributed to this report.
