We’ve seen both solo travel and conscious travel trends in 2019 and we’re totally on board for both. But as avid travellers who are busy with work, school and family, we’re especially feeling the microtrip (or long weekend getaway) trend!
Don’t be fooled by its diminutive name—a microtrip can still mean a macro travel experience. And among its many benefits “not having enough time” will never be an issue!
Still not sold? Here are a few reasons to take a microtrip:
- Experience more destinations in a year, plus check more items off your travel bucket list
- Save money on flights and accommodation
- Escape your every day life and decompress more often
- Spend quality time with friends and family through new experiences
So what are you waiting for? Add a vacation day to a long weekend and take yourself on a microtrip. Whether you’re heading across the border or further, make the most of that mini vacay for the ultimate travel break.
Here are a few tips to help you get started!
Maximize your time
Tack a vacation day or two onto a long weekend–You’ll use fewer vacation days and get more days off in a row.
Also limit transportation time to 4 hours or less whether you’re flying or driving. This way you’ll spend most of your precious vacation enjoying your destination, not navigating traffic or packed into a plane.
Finally, see if your accommodation allows early check-in and late check-out, so you can stretch that trip out a little further!
Choose a single event, destination or experience
Think about what’s most important to you on this trip and base your destination on that.
Looking for arts and culture, nightlife and a variety of dining options? Choose a city break somewhere nearby. Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, New York, Seattle, and Portland are all great options.
Need nature? Choose a destination off the bustling tourist trail like a beach resort or forest retreat where you can relax undisturbed. Or take it up a notch and make it a camping trip or kayaking adventure.
Have a taste for wine? Choose a region packed with winery options like the Okanagan, Niagara Peninsula or Prince Edward County. This way you can maximize your time doing what you love.
Plan & book activities in advance
Take time before your trip to do some research. Planning, just like reminiscing is part of the overall travel experience because you get to anticipate what’s to come, which is a pleasure in itself!
By knowing where you want to go, booking activities, spa treatments or special meals out, you won’t have to spend time figuring it out at your destination, so you can relax and enjoy!
Also, you won’t risk disappointment if something on your list isn’t available. Don’t forget to leave time to be spontaneous too—unplanned activities seem to have a way of slowing down time.
Live in the moment
Your trip is short, so live in the moment and enjoy every. last. minute. Sure, you’ll want to take photos to share with friends and reminisce about your trip later, but resist spending your whole time on social.
Instead, why not turn off your device and take some time to soak up the unique sights, sounds and flavours of your destination? Being mindful will make time move even more slowly.
Tip: Save time and money with Multi Trip Annual Travel Insurance
If you’re microtripping, you’ll be travelling more often, so you’ll want a travel insurance plan that you don’t have to think about. A Multi Trip Annual plan covers multiple trips within a year…and saves you money too. And if you’re under 60, you can set up yearly auto renewal.
Whether you’re headed to another province or another country, travel insurance can cover the cost of accidents, injuries or lost flights or accommodation—even if you’re only going for the day.
Learn more about the benefits of a Multi Trip Annual plan.
We’ve still got a couple of long weekends left this summer. No better time than now to start planning!
Happy microtripping,
Sarah
