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Slowcation is the hottest new trend in vacationing

Dan DeFrancesco   

Slowcation is the hottest new trend in vacationing
  • This post originally appeared in the Insider Today newsletter.

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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The big story

What's the rush?

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.

Give yourself an extra day at home. If you can spare a bit more time, don't be afraid to spend it at home. Heading into work right after vacation is a great way to destroy the relaxing vibes you accrued. But knowing you have an extra day or two once you get home — I call it an "encore vacation" — makes your actual trip that much sweeter.


News brief

Top headlines


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In other news


What's happening today

  • Barack Obama speaks at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
  • Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) resigns. Last month, a federal jury convicted him of accepting bribes from the Egyptian government.
  • Lowe's and other companies report earnings.

The Insider Today team: Dan DeFrancesco, deputy editor and anchor, in New York. Jordan Parker Erb, editor, in New York. Hallam Bullock, senior editor, in London. Milan Sehmbi, fellow, in London. Amanda Yen, fellow, in New York.



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