Slowcation is the hottest new trend in vacationing

20.08.2024 - 13:54 / insider.com / Hudson News

Hello there! An Aldi diehard tried using their weekly budget at Trader Joe's instead. Here's how the two stack up.

In today's big story, we've unlocked a new vacation trend: the "slowcation."

What's on deck:

But first, let's take it slow.

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Taking a trip these days is all about taking your time.

The "slowcation" is the hottest new trend in vacationing this summer as travelers look to book longer trips with a slower pace, writes Business Insider's Joey Hadden.

It's hard to pinpoint what a "slowcation" entails, but it's generally about spending more time in a location than jet-setting around to maximize your Instagram feed. One report on the trend describes it as "exploring somewhere on a deeper level" and "making space mentally and physically for things to happen spontaneously."

The result has been travelers taking longer trips. One luxury travel agency told Joey 11-day vacations are now the most commonly booked trips. (The irony of writing about this trend after only taking two days off from work isn't lost on me.)

A catalyst for "slowcations" has been a focus on destressing. Whether it's fears over the economy, the job market, the election, or something else, Americans have plenty to be worried about. Adding a multi-stop vacation to the mix isn't the best way to unwind.

Not everyone has the luxury of a longer vacation, but you can still optimize trips.

US workers, on average, take 11 days off a year, meaning a two-week vacation isn't realistic for many. But as a self-appointed expert of the short-term trip, here are some tips to make the most of your time off.

Clean before you leave. Between packing, confirming trip details, and wrapping up work, you've got enough on your plate before heading out the door. But tidying up goes a long way when you finally get back home.

Always book the early flight in. Not everyone's a morning person, but a late flight can cost you in the long run. You're less likely to get stuck with delays in the morning, especially in the summer when afternoon and evening thunderstorms can lay havoc on flights.

Don't forget the most important meal of the day. I've skipped my fair share of breakfasts, but carving out time for it on vacation keeps me on track. The food and caffeine serves as fuel (it doesn't have to be fancy) and you can figure out what you want to accomplish for the day.

Book the early flight out. I know what you're thinking: "If I'm trying to maximize my trip, shouldn't I leave as late as possible?" Flash cut to you milling around a Hudson News store at your terminal three hours before your flight because you're tired of dragging your bags around and just want to go home. First one in; first one out.

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