Are there days when you’re feeling the travel itch? There are piles of tasks to do at work, new responsibilities at home, relational conflicts are escalating, finances are spiraling down, and a breather is the only thing you can think of from having a major burnout.

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The only problem is that your schedule won’t allow you to have an extended vacation. The time to prepare for an itinerary is also limited, plus a grand vacay can create a huge dent in your budget.

All hopes may seem lost, but have you heard about micro-traveling or microtravel? If not, then maybe on-the-go travel destinations might just be what you’re looking for. Do read on and find out all you need to know about this travel trend for 2019 below.

What is micro travel?

Since vacation leaves at work are only limited, traveling has become a luxury. Not anymore, says most of the millennials; Generations X, Y, and Z; and the baby boomers. Here comes a popular ongoing travel trend that can take place any time of the year, without having to shell out so much cash: micro traveling. This means going on short trips, usually less than 4 days. These can fall on any weekend that’s convenient for you.

What are the benefits of micro traveling?

Micro traveling offers the same benefits as regular travels, but only by a notch higher when it comes to expenses, experiences gained, and the number of places visited.

1. Localized travel experience

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As one of the travel trends for 2019, a micro trip offers a more collective experience since it focuses less on popular tourist spots, but more on what you can get out of the experience. The concept revolves around the definition of micro tourism, which is getting to know the local community and having a good grasp of what makes the place unique.

2. No extensive planning required

Micro travels don’t require extensive planning, and yet they will still require you to plan ahead of time for hassle-free micro-moments. Since the trip is only for a couple of days, your itinerary need not be comprehensive. You can choose activities that you feel will make your vacation more meaningful. This means a more personalized trip where you only get to do the things you love.

3. Maximize vacation leaves

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Another advantage of short trips is that you don’t have to use your vacation leaves, at all. In fact, it allows you to strategically plot your getaways and maximize every vacation leave you have. Or, you can save your vacation leaves for the grand vacations with the family and do the short ones every other weekend.

4. It is more affordable

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Micro trips commonly take place near where you’re staying, which allows you to save more on travel expenses. You won’t have to pay so much on food, fare, and accommodation; and yet you will get to explore places outside of your comfort zone.

How To Start Micro Traveling

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1. Plot your schedule

You can start by looking into the regular and special holidays; so it’ll be easier to plot your trips ahead of time. There are also the best and worst days of the year for traveling to certain places and vice versa.

2. Choose a destination that’s easily accessible

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What makes micro trips one of the appealing travel trends is that your travel destination need not be that far. It has to be somewhere near where you reside; so you can maximize your vacation by having a short travel time.

Boracay remains as one of the best micro travel destinations that offer a complete getaway experience. It only takes about 30 minutes up to 2 hours to get to this island by plane and by boat, respectively. Palawan, Puerto Galera, Zambales, Davao, Cebu, Bohol, Tagaytay, and Antipolo are among the frequent destinations near Metro Manila.

Other Asian countries outside the Philippines to visit where you can avoid jet lag are Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, South Korea, Japan, and China.

3. Pick an affordable accommodation

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For you to have more micro travels all throughout the year, especially if you plan on having them every other week, book comfortable accommodations. It isn’t always necessary to travel in style, especially if you’re only after immersing in the culture of a particular place and what you can learn from the visit.

4. Make your itinerary simple, but don’t travel without a plan

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Micro travels won't require so much from your itinerary. It will only be a couple of days, and you can only do so much with the little time you have. Traveling without a plan, however, isn’t advisable, either. Not having one could result in going over your budget once you’re already traveling.

5. Always pack light

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Microlight packing is advisable for trips like these. You will need less items since you will be traveling only for a couple of days. List down your travel essentials, the things that are commonly available in the hotel, and then just add what else you will be needing.

6. Blog and share your experience

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You can create your own travel blog and become of the micro travel influencers by sharing your experiences with others. Micro traveling photos are also expected to increase on social media as part of the travel trends for 2020.

7. Prepare for the trip

If you will be traveling alone, make sure you have all the essentials that you need. Include an allowance or extra cash that’s the same amount as your budget for the getaway. Bring extra sets of clothes as well, especially if you will be traveling during the rainy season, and your bag isn’t waterproof. If you will visit a far-flung area, you can bring emergency and first-aid kits.

8. Inform your family if you’re solo backpacking

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While enjoying your freedom is one of the nice things when solo backpacking, it will be best to inform any family member or relative where you’re heading. You can also include the number of days you will be out of town, and where you will be staying. Do take note that some places still have poor network coverage.

9. Research about the place

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Even if the travel destination is nearby, one way to save more is to research what are the affordable restaurants in the area, or what is the cheapest way to get around the community. Doing this will help you have an easy and quick transition from one destination to the other. There are some locals who tend to overprice, especially if they see you’re a tourist or new to their place.

Micro traveling will continue to be a travel trend in 2020 as people start to discover its great benefits in the long haul. It has been found out in several studies that doing frequent short trips than once-in-a-blue-moon longer travels have advantages to your health. Micro travels aren’t also just for those who are travel aficionados and adventure-seekers. With the daily pressures in our lives, it has already become a necessity. Make it a part of your goals, too.

What You Need To Know About Micro Travel: A Quick Guide