We live for long weekends, and more and more, we’re using them to travel. “Micro-cations” are the latest trend, where people take short, four-day trips to make the most of their vacation time and see more of the world. A study by Allianz travel insurance found that nearly 75% of travelers now choose trips lasting four days or less.
“With remote and hybrid work offering more flexible schedules, people are embracing shorter, purposeful getaways that turn a weekend into something special,” says Connor Smith, vice president of masterbrand strategy and awareness at IHG Hotels & Resorts. “These trips are ideal for anyone seeking a change of pace and a chance to recharge, without the need for months of planning or using all their paid time off.”
From vibrant coastal cities to European islands that feel like another world, here are some perfect spots for a micro-cation.
Faroe Islands
If you’re after tranquility and stunning landscapes, the Faroe Islands deliver. Located between Iceland and Norway, they’re now more accessible than ever from the U.S. thanks to increased weekly flights by Icelandair.
“Three to four days here is a great introduction,” says Høgni Reistrup, owner of Guide to Faroe Islands. “Even from the capital, you’re never more than an hour from the most remote spots. Many visitors come back to explore further and soak up the peace.”
Rent a car through Unicar and let Guide to Faroe Islands arrange your dream four-day itinerary. Enjoy incredible hikes near villages like Tjørnuvík, Gjógv, and Saksun. Stay at Hotel Føroyar, the country’s top hotel, which features a new Scandinavian spa with views over the capital. If you can get a reservation, dine at Paz, the newly awarded two-Michelin-star restaurant serving Faroese cuisine.
Boston, Massachusetts
Celebrating 250 years since the American Revolution began, Boston is arguably America’s most historic city. Walk the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail to see key landmarks, admire art at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (site of the world’s largest art heist), and catch a summer baseball game at Fenway Park, the country’s oldest ballpark.
For luxury stays, Raffles Boston offers unbeatable city views from its 17th-floor lobby and restaurants. The rooms are ultra-elegant, with warm wood floors, New England accents, and marble bathrooms. Be sure to try the Soufflé Espresso Martini at its speakeasy bar, Blind Duck.
England
A short flight across the Atlantic brings you to London’s iconic double-decker buses and cozy, ivy-covered pubs. Stay at One Aldwych in the cultural hub of Covent Garden, where rooms and suites blend modern British elegance with wainscoting, plush curved furniture, and soft pastels. Don’t miss their acclaimed afternoon tea, featuring honey from their rooftop bee farm.
For a countryside escape, head less than an hour from London to Coworth Park, a majestic estate with 70 cozy rooms and eight horses. Its newly renovated spa includes a large indoor pool with underwater music. In the Cotswolds, Ellenborough Park offers a historic stay in a medieval estate dating to the 1400s, with tweed, original wood paneling, and clawfoot tubs. Or, for a picturesque retreat, Thyme’s 17th-century stone cottages on a sheep farm in Southrop feel like a movie set.
St. Thomas
No passport is needed to visit this U.S. Virgin Island, and with direct flights from major hubs—plus new nonstop routes from Orlando and BWI on Southwest—it’s easier than ever to reach.Looking for an easy Caribbean beach getaway? St. Thomas is a great choice. You can use points to book the Buoy Haus Beach Resort, a Marriott Autograph Collection hotel right on the beach. The hotel is decorated in Caribbean pinks and blues, with woven furniture and ocean views everywhere. This winter, it will open the island’s first beach club, serving Caribbean cocktails and beachside bites. If you want to explore more beaches, visit the white sands of Magen’s Bay Beach and the coral-rich waters of Coki Beach.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam has never been more popular, whether it’s because of the canals, the charming slanted houses, or its many world-class museums. Celebrating its 750th birthday, the city offers something for everyone. You can spend hours admiring Vincent van Gogh’s sunflowers, take a canal boat tour to see the architecture, or relax in one of the city’s famous coffee shops like Prix d’Ami or Siberië. When you’re hungry, Amsterdam’s Asian food scene is fantastic—don’t miss the ramen at Fuku Ramen or the Indonesian dishes at Paon Bali.
Stay at the Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky, a historic hotel in the heart of Dam Square. It has been an Amsterdam favorite for 150 years, and its recently renovated rooms and suites are modern with neutral tones, parquet floors, and mid-century touches. The hotel is home to the city’s oldest restaurant, The White Room, which offers prix fixe menus highlighting Dutch ingredients. Nearby, the stately Conservatorium Hotel will become a Mandarin Oriental in 2026. With its high ceilings, worn hardwood floors, and original stone details, the building honors its past as a bank and music school.
Savannah, Georgia
If you’re in need of some Southern hospitality, Savannah, Georgia, is the place to go. Easy to reach from many major cities, Savannah is Georgia’s oldest and arguably prettiest city. Stroll under the famous Spanish moss trees, admire American art at the Telfair Academy, and shop for local goods at the Forsyth Park Farmers’ Market every Saturday.
The city’s newest boutique hotel, Municipal Grand, is a mid-century modern gem housed in a former Federal Savings Bank. Their “Proper Martini Service” includes a tableside martini for two with a side of salty fries. This winter, they’ll open an underground bar called The Hot Eye. Just off Forsyth Park, the Bardo hotel opened last year and has already become a popular spot. Set in a former brick mansion, its 149 rooms and suites feature Art Deco furniture, warm greens and pinks, and brass accents. Be sure to try the Italian comfort food at its restaurant, Saint Bibia, and spend an afternoon in one of the poolside cabanas.
Anguilla
“Will travel for food” is a growing trend, with culinary trips up 70% according to Virtuoso’s 2024 travel report. Anguilla is known as the food capital of the Caribbean, offering everything from upscale restaurants to casual beach shacks. This December, BermudAir is adding direct flights from Newark, Baltimore, and Boston to this food lover’s paradise.
Zemi Beach House on Shoal Bay East is just minutes from the airport. Its coastal chic rooms are light and breezy with nautical blues, and some have private plunge pools. The hotel’s Rhum Room features 140 small-batch rums, perfect with fresh sea bass or swordfish crudo from their signature restaurant, Stone. For a more casual meal, head to Blanchards Restaurant and Beach Shack for fish tacos and Caribbean cornbread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of helpful and clear FAQs about microcations
FAQs Microcations Your Next Quick Escape
Beginner Questions
1 What exactly is a microcation
A microcation is a short focused getaway typically lasting between one and three nights Its designed to provide a break from routine without the time or cost commitment of a long vacation
2 How is a microcation different from a regular vacation
The main difference is length and scope A regular vacation might be a week or two often involving extensive planning A microcation is a spontaneous or wellplanned minitrip that fits into a weekend or a few days off
3 What are the biggest benefits of taking a microcation
They help prevent burnout reduce stress and break the monotony of daily life Theyre also easier to plan more budgetfriendly and allow you to travel more frequently throughout the year
4 Arent short trips more stressful because theyre so rushed
They dont have to be The key is to manage your expectations Dont try to see and do everything Pick one or two main activities keep travel logistics simple and focus on relaxing rather than ticking off a long checklist
5 Can you give me some examples of a microcation
Absolutely Examples include
A weekend at a cozy cabin a few hours drive away
A twonight city break in a nearby metropolitan area
A relaxing stay at a local spa or boutique hotel
A camping trip at a nearby state park
Planning Destination Questions
6 What are some top destinations for a microcation
Great destinations are usually within a 14 hour travel radius Think about
A Charming Small Town Like Savannah GA Sedona AZ or Traverse City MI
A Nearby Major City If you live in a rural area head to the closest city for museums dining and shows
A Natural Escape A national park a lake house or a beach you can drive to
A Staycation in Your Own City Book a night in a different neighborhood to see your home turf with fresh eyes