As a full-time attorney and part-time journalist, I’ve often lived by the idea that I needed to earn my rest. However, it was somewhere in my mid-to-late 30’s— and especially now in my 40’s— that I shifted that perspective to I need rest in order to operate as my best self.
For me, rest can look like a few days of unplugging at home, but oftentimes it means changing my scenery for a recharge in another locale. Between demanding schedules and the beautiful chaos of everyday life, the perfect week-long escape doesn’t always fit into my— and so many other travelers— calendar. Enter the micro-cation: 24 to 72-hour getaways that are transforming the way we travel.
“A micro-cation is a shorter trip that still delivers. That could be a quick flight to Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, or Mexico,” travel content creator and the founder of the PTO Max travel series, Bianca Brown told EBONY. “It could even be exploring a town not far from home that you’ve never experienced before or trying out a new hotel and spa in your area. It’s more about the way you approach the experience than it is about traveling to a big international destination.”
According to Expedia’s 2026 Air Hacks study, 24-hour ‘micro-cations’ started as a TikTok trend but are now rising in popularity. It was reported that approximately 25% of Millennials and Gen Z plan to fly somewhere for just 24-hours in 2026. Airbnb’s 2026 travel predictions further revealed that Gen Z, especially, is taking advantage of 24-48-hour getaways by maximizing their PTO in the best ways.
“I’m a big believer that travel should be accessible, and that’s really the philosophy behind my PTO Max series,” Brown said. “I’m always telling people to just book the trip because none of us know how much time we have. We spend so much time waiting for the perfect moment with the assumption that we’ll actually make it there. Travel gives us memories, it can spark a new perspective and it give us quality time with the people we love. I don’t think experiences like that should only be reserved for people who can take two-week vacations.”
For Black travelers especially, the growing embrace of the micro-cation trend reflects something deeper. It’s about choosing joy, protecting our peace and recognizing that rest isn’t something we have to justify— it’s something we deserve. For me, that choice resulted in roadtrips to Asheville, North Carolina and Chateau Elan in Braselton, Georgia when I was dealing with the reality of my mother’s end of life and her ultimate passing in 2021. I spent one night in each place to simply proces my thoughts and to grieve when it felt like the walls were closing in around me in my normal surroundings.
Since then, I have come to appreciate the option to escape for a night or two. I’ve done so with trips to Atlanta for Beyonce’s “Cowboy Carter” tour in 2025; Park City, Utah earlier this year to test drive Range Rover’s newest vehicles and to relax in the exclusive Range Rover House while admiring the stunning snow-capped peaks; and even to Charleston, South Carolina to get my fill of some of the best cajun cuisine outside of New Orleans.
Yes, Micro-Cationioning with Kids is Possible
Maryland-based traveler Jade Sims has not only mastered the art of the short trip but she’s also done so with her two young children in tow. This year alone, she and her family have visited Turks and Caicos Islands, Orlando, the Blue Ridge Mountains, Kent Island (Maryland) and Colorado Springs all within 24-72 hours.
“Micro vacations are not always easy, but they have been worth the hassle,” Sims said. “They’ve allowed us to create new memories as a family when we are limited on time to do a full-length vacation. It’s been trial and error, but our children (3 years old and 5 months) have adjusted well to the short turnaround. I attribute that to sticking to their normal routine as much as possible on these shorter trips. With longer or traditional vacations, we’re much more relaxed with the schedules, so transitioning back into our normal routine can be a challenge for us all.”
When asked what tips she has for other parents looking to try out this trend she says the key is to not jam-pack your itinerary as the inevitable delay will happen and to remain flexible. As far as preparation, she shares that she and her family “keep a “go bag” pre-packed with toiletries, that remains ready to throw in our suitcases. This also includes necessities for the kids like pull-ups, diapers, wipes, pajamas, onesies, and socks. Once we decide on a trip, all we need to do is look up the weather and pack our main clothes.”
Are they really worth it?
While it’s easy to justify the mental and emotional benefits of the shorter getaways as seen above, we can’t overlook the obvious— the financial aspect. For me, I tend to plan micro-cations more last minute than I would a traditional vacation. As a result, I am usually forced to spend slightly more than normal on my flight or hotel due to it not being purchased farther in advance.
But all is not lost.
“From a practical standpoint, there are ways to make a micro-cation affordable,” Brown said. “Travel during shoulder season, set Google Flight alerts and be flexible on the date or destination, and if you’re taking Amtrak, book your tickets a few weeks in advance. I’ve traveled from Washington, DC, to Philadelphia for just twenty-five dollars on Amtrak by getting an early morning ticket weeks out. Also, stop overlooking what’s close to home.”
“A new museum, neighborhood, winery or small town can feel exciting if you approach it with curiosity and open yourself up to making it an adventure. At the end of the day, my philosophy is simple: just go, experience and live.”