A new trend that is gaining momentum around the world is micro-cation. But what is micro-cation? It is a form of travel, which is roughly speaking, a four-day trip to somewhere. This is a form of a short vacation, thus the name.
Micro-cations are increasingly becoming popular in the world of jam-packed schedules. It is becoming very hard to go away for a longer period. Sometimes, it is not possible due to the finances, other times you can’t take that much off of work. People fit them in when going to a destination weddings, reunions or similar occasions. The increased back-lash about vacation time is making people taking shorter paid breaks resulting in shorter time for travel.
Micro-cation is a trip that will allow you to unplug, recharge, and explore all in a short amount of time without breaking the bank. Also, you will look good in the eyes of your boss and co-workers. Micro-cation allows different kinds of people who have different budgets to get a positive impact on their well-being which comes with a vacation.
This type of travel allows you to visit more places than you ever thought possible. They enrich your life with new experiences and memories.
Micro-cations are great because:
1. They improve your well-being
2. Reduce stress
3. Allow you to make the most out of paid leave
Micro-cation benefits to your well-being
It is a well-known fact that vacations have a good impact on our well-being. They are great stress relievers. But all the positive effects we reaped wither over time and loose effect.
Micro-cations are great for mitigating this. We can feel vacation bliss throughout the year boosting our well-being long-term.
When your trips are shorter and more regular you get to experience new things and escape the mundane more often. You get to disconnect from the online world and experience something more than an everyday grind. The new hot area people are researching is in fact how disconnecting when we travel during our free time affects us.
Disconnecting for a full 10-day trip can be unattainable for almost everyone and is mostly reserved for a family trip, on the other hand, 2 or 3 days without checking emails or scrolling through social media is achievable.
This short digital cleanse can do wonders and lessen many hams that come with our reliance on devices and social media.
Micro-cations reduce stress
According to a survey from 2018 which was done by the U.S. Travel Association, people tend to get overwhelmed by planning a longer vacation. This results in them completely giving up and not going on a vacation. It is probably the same throughout the world.
When a trip is 2 or 3 days long it can be easier to organize it. You can be spontaneous and go with the flow. Since the time is short, micro-cations potentially mean domestic travel. This eases the stress you may feel if you don’t know the language of the country you are going to.
Micro-cations allow you to make the most out of your paid leave
This type of travel allows you to make the most out of your paid days off. You can travel more per year, especially if you use weekends.
You could finish work on Thursday and immediately go on the trip. Spend the Friday and Saturday having the time of your life to come back on Sunday. Some people come back on Monday since flights tend to be cheaper during the workweek. By doing this they have used up only 2 of the paid days off for a 4-day micro-cation.
Tips that will make your micro-cation even better
Every micro-cation is different and you can customize it to your liking. But some things will make it even better. Bellow, you can read about the things you can do to make the most out of your micro-cation.
- Select an easy destination
- Don’t forget to factor in the travel time
- Pack light
- Be central
- Focus on experiences
- Unplug
Select an easy destination
By easy destination, we mean a destination that is easy to get to. It can be a city which is very well connected. The city should have many available transport routes and direct flights.
The other option would be a place close to your home. When you travel somewhere close you spend less time traveling and more time on your vacation
Don’t forget to factor in the travel time
To make your trip as efficient as possible you have to be smart about the travel time. This is tightly connected with the previous tip. When you are on a micro-vacation, the last thing you want is to spend the entire day in transportation. This will not leave a lot of time to spend out and about enjoying your stay.
Pack light
When you are on a micro-vacation, luggage plays a big role. You want to make it as small as possible.
Carry-on is perfect for those traveling by plane. You are going to spend less time at an airport because you don’t have to check the luggage and pick it up.
Heavy luggage can ruin your micro-cation. Can you imagine navigating the streets, or going anywhere for that matter, while dragging or carrying a heavy bag?
Be central
By saying be central we mean stay somewhere close to all you are interested in seeing or doing during your stay. Most of the time this means staying in the touristy part of the town which tends to be more expensive, but it has its perks. You won’t have to worry about transportation in the city and waste time.
Staying central you will be having different restaurants at your disposal. Entertainment options and things that you are interested in will be very close so you will spend a lot of time enjoying it.
Focus on experiences
Very often, the most memorable moments come unexpectedly. When you go on a micro-cation don’t focus solely on your plan. Go off the beaten track and enjoy the unknown. You may find a cool souvenir, take great photos, and have a great meal at a restaurant you haven’t even considered.
Unplug
Work and other obligations are stressing you out. You feel like you are carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders and need a break. This is why you are on a micro-cation. To get away from it all. Just for a little bit.
Limit the use of email and social media or completely unplug. Don’t look at your phone or TV. Read a book, go out and explore. You will feel very good, refreshed, and ready for whatever next life throws at you.
To conclude
Micro-cation is here to stay. This short vacation of up to 4 days is perfect for venting out and experiencing the world outside your home. By going on micro-cation you are making the most out of your paid leave. This way you can travel more.
Micro-cation destinations should be easily accessible and well connected. Pack light and don’t spend a lot of time in transportation. This way you will have more time to explore and experience the world.
