Microcations: Your Guide to Epic Short Getaways
Tiny houses. Baby booties. Miniature horses. Fun-size Snickers.
Sometimes good things come in small packages—and that includes your vacation.
What’s a microcation?
Microcations (or micro-cations, depending on your love of hyphenated words) are the quick, bite-sized getaways you’ve been reading about in every “2024 travel trends” article.
It could be a 4-day jaunt to Europe, a long weekend road trip to a neighboring state, or even a quick hotel stay in a close by city —as long as your vacay is less than 4 nights long and at least 100 miles from home, then it’s considered a microcation.
In the past, traditional holiday getaways typically spanned 7 days or more, focusing mostly on rest and relaxation. Microcations are different — they are short, mini-experiences in which travelers look to maximize time away from work.
They are often full of cultural exploration, like visiting historic sites, tying new cuisines, or taking local courses — although, the adventurer jetting off to El Salvador to spend 3 days meditating by the beach also qualifies.
The big love for little getaways has been brewing for some time now. Since the pandemic, where the word “micro-cation” was coined, travelers are integrating microcations into their summer plans year after year. A 2023 study by Allianz Partners USA showed that 64% of respondents plan for their next trip away to be a microcation.
We think your next trip should be a microcation too. Here’s why:
Why microcations are the best way to get away
It’s all about getting away multiple times a year, guilt-free, and exploring the world in short bursts of travel. Here are a couple of reasons microcations are the best:
It’s a quick escape from your daily routine, without disrupting it. You can easily get away for just 3 days, without feeling behind on your to-do list when you’re back. This is especially true for weekend warriors: planning a short trip over a long weekend could mean the difference between using 1 vacation day instead of several for the exact same trip.
There’s a lot more flexibility to explore multiple destinations in a year. This one is simple: short trips = more destinations! Also, the longer a trip is, the smaller your daily budget becomes. Short getaways free up that cash so you can put it towards the stuff you really want to do. Microcations are all about maximum impact in minimum time.
It’s easier to take time off work for shorter periods. Millennials have a tendency to prioritize work over personal happiness and mental wellness and often feel guilty using their vacation days (the exact mentality we stand AGAINST here at TravelBash!). Taking fewer days off at a time means less “vacation shame” at work.
It’s easier to find a travel buddy for a few days than it is for a few weeks. If you’re not into solo trips, this is a big plus. You’ll have an easier time convincing your friend/SO to join you for a weekend in Cabo than a month exploring Southeast Asia.
The bottom line? Shorter trips = MORE travel!! Using your vacation days strategically throughout the year allows you to explore a ton of awesome destinations and maximize your travel experience in each one (check out our roundup below 👇).
The flights are short, the packing is light, and the jet lag is next to nothing. PLUS, they’re a heck of a lot easier to pull together last minute, meaning there’s no reason you can’t find yourself on the beach with a cocktail in your hand this weekend.
What’s not to love?
How to make the most of your microcations
Planning a year full of incredible mini-getaways is more doable than you’d think (especially if you’re a TravelBash client 👑). Here are some tips to help you get started:
Prioritize experiences.
Don’t pack your schedule with a full itinerary — be spontaneous and prioritize a few meaningful experiences each day. Microcations cost less than lengthier getaways, (just one of the reasons we ❤️ them). You’ll be surprised how much money you’ll have for experiences and activities you’ve always wanted to try.
Opt for unique accommodations.
It’s only a few days, why not get creative with where you choose to stay? This is your chance to try something new: hit the road for an overnight trip in a unique hotel, or go off-grid for the weekend at a cabin/glampsite.
Turn destination events into microcations.
Got a destination wedding or work trip on the books? Tack a few extra nights onto that trip and call it a well-earned vacay. (Two birds with one stone, right?)
Stay central and explore on foot, or bike!
Pick a central location where you can take your time exploring the destination on foot, or bike (PS. keep in mind the weather, or pack accordingly). It will be a way more intimate experience, where you can take in the local charm up close.
Our favorite microcation destinations
You can easily explore these 4 amazing international destinations over your next long weekend.
Turks & Caicos
Travel time: Less than 2 hours from Miami; less than 4 hours from Chicago or New York.
This Caribbean gem has long been a TravelBash fave. Postcard-worthy white sand beaches, an enormous barrier reef (dive heaven!), horseback rides through the surf, and a weekly fish fry make Turks & Caicos the perfect place to unwind and unplug for a few days. Base yourself on tourist-friendly Providenciales (“Provo,” if you’re feeling local) for luxe resorts and amenities, or head to tiny Salt Cay for a truly remote island experience.
Montréal, Canada
Travel time: 5 and a half hours from Los Angeles; less than 3 hours from Atlanta or Chicago; just 1 hour (!!) from New York.
Want a dose of French culture without the 8-hour flight and jet lag? Montréal’s where it’s at.
A little slice of Euro-charm in the heart of Canada, this trendy French-Canadian city boasts top-notch shopping, beautiful buildings, and one of the most exciting food scenes in North America. Visit during one of Montréal’s many festivals to watch the city come alive or head there during the slower winter season for pristine slopes, sweet-smelling sugar shacks, and cozy evenings at the pub.
Isla Mujeres, Mexico
Travel time: 2 hours from Miami; 3 hours from Dallas; 4 hours from New York. (*Including the ferry ride over.)
Just a quick 20-minute ferry ride from Cancún, Isla Mujeres offers a more relaxing escape than its rowdier sister.
The main mode of transport on Isla Mujeres is a golf cart, which gives you a good idea of the vibe there: carefree, relaxed, and running on island time. Take a dip in the ocean along the island’s beautiful north shore, visit baby sea turtles at La Tortuga Granja, or dance the night away at one of the island’s laidback bars. (Just make sure you soak up all the sunshine you can while you’re at it. ☀️)
Dublin, Ireland
Travel time: Under 7 hours from New York or Boston; under 8 hours from Chicago.
Think you can’t do Europe over a long weekend? Think again!
With flight times under 8 hours from several big U.S. cities and regular deals on roundtrip airfare, a microcation in Dublin is totally doable.
Winding streets, old-world charm, and plenty of hidden nooks waiting to be discovered make Dublin the sort of city you want to get lost in. And when you’ve had your fill of walkabout bliss, head to the nearest pub for a pint and a real Irish welcome.
Editor Notes: This post was originally published on January 21, 2020, and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness or relevancy.
Need help getting all your microcations planned? Then VIP by TravelBash is for you! Get insider access to our custom travel planning services and unique, worldwide connections. Join today!
Courtnie is the founder & CEO of TravelBash. After years as an ambitious fundraiser, she took her passion for travel full-time. She has lived all over the U.S. and abroad and after planning her own destination wedding, she decided to help other couples plan their big day abroad too. She has written “Passport to Paradise: The Complete Destination Wedding Guide,” a top seller on Amazon. She has also been featured in Travel + Leisure, Destination I Do and The Washington Post. As a certified travel advisor, expert event planner and natural connector, she uses her powers to create VIP travel experiences.
