In the face of rising travel costs and shifting consumer habits, Americans are redefining the modern vacation. According to Allianz Partners USA’s 2025 Vacation Confidence Index, micro-cations—leisure trips of four nights or fewer taken more than 100 miles from home—are surging in popularity as travelers seek a balance between time, cost and experience.
The study reveals that 34 percent of Americans now plan their first vacation of the year to last just two nights or less, a notable increase from 2024. The average trip length is also expected to dip from 4.6 to 4.2 nights. But while vacations are getting shorter, they’re not necessarily getting cheaper.
As inflation continues to shape spending behavior and workplace flexibility enables more frequent but shorter trips, micro-cations have emerged as a preferred way to recharge, without overextending budgets or schedules.
“Microcations reflect a new kind of travel mindset, with one that values spontaneity, intentionality, and balance,” said Emily Hartman, General Manager at Allianz Partners USA, in a press statement. “As travelers embrace shorter, high-impact trips, they’re also recognizing the importance of protecting those moments. Whether it’s a quick weekend getaway or a last-minute escape, travel insurance plays a key role in offering peace of mind, so travelers can focus on making the most of their time away.”
These shorter getaways offer a practical solution for Americans navigating high travel costs, limited PTO and a desire for meaningful breaks without the commitment of a week-long vacation.
One-night trips now average $700 per night, making them the most expensive per-night option, compared to $396 per night for a traditional week-long vacation. This signals a continued appetite for luxury, quality and convenience, especially among high-income travelers.
That said, high-income travelers are helping keep the travel sector buoyant. According to the study, 15 percent of Americans earning $100K+ annually plan to take three or more trips this summer, indicating that affluent consumers remain undeterred by inflationary pressures or lingering economic uncertainty.
The Vacation Confidence Index has been conducted each summer since 2009 by national polling firm Ipsos Public Affairs on behalf of Allianz Partners USA.
For more information, visit allianztravelinsurance.com.
