What: Clients Are Saying Goodbye to Long Summer Vacations
When planning their travel, Americans are increasingly favoring “micro-cations,” or leisure trips that are at least 100 miles away from home and are four nights (or less) in length, according to Allianz Partners USA’s 14th-annual Vacation Confidence Index.
More than half of respondents to the survey indicate that their next vacation will fall into this category, and nearly a quarter (23%) are planning multiple micro-cations (a trend also known as “multi micro-cations) this summer. Most people taking a micro-cation average four nights away. Younger Americans lead the charge on this trend (44%), followed by men (40%).
Why It Matters: Micro-cations Satisfy a Desire to Travel, Minus the Logistical Headaches of a Longer Trip
After years of pandemic-era travel restrictions, micro-cations offer travelers a new way to dip their feet back into the travel pond, and they also prove advantageous for those who want to see multiple locales over a short amount of time, rather than spending more time in one place.
Although a micro-cation’s trip length is short and may offer fewer commission opportunities, savvy travel advisors can still prove be vital to the planning process by ensuring that every moment counts. (And when it’s time to plan a longer trip, they’ll be rewarded with repeat business).
Fast Facts: What to Know About Micro-cations and the Allianz Partners USA Vacation Confidence Index
- The term “micro-cation” was coined by Allianz Partners USA in 2019, while “multi micro-cations first appeared in last year’s Vacation Confidence Index.
- The average number of trips U.S. travelers will take this summer is 1.4 (up from 1.2 in 2021).
- Spending habits are unique for this trip type. One-night trips cost an average of $606 per night; two-night trips cost an average of $410; three-night and four-night trips cost $325 and $323 , respectively.
- The Vacation Confidence Index has been conducted every summer since 2010 by Ipsos Public Affairs and this survey sampled 2,011 Americans over the age of 18. It was conducted from May 2-4, 2022.
What They Are Saying: Travelers Are Putting Their Paid Time Off to Use This Summer
“The summer travel season is here, and Americans are taking advantage of those banked vacation days,” said Daniel Durazo, director of external communications at Allianz Partners USA. “Whether it’s a road trip or a getaway to the mountains or to the beach for some R&R, Americans are planning quick getaways, and many are planning multiple trips to help satisfy their desire for travel. For frequent travelers, an annual travel insurance policy covering a year’s
worth of travel is a great idea, offering convenience and value.”
