Leaving the corporate rat race behind and becoming a digital nomad was thee thing to do for quite some time. Just about every travel site and blog had a story about someone leaving everything behind in order to travel the world. And to be honest, it’s hard to find someone who didn’t envy people doing it. But it was even harder to find tons of people actually doing it in real life. Most people love vacationing and globetrotting, but getting away from work for long stretches was always a challenge.
“Let’s face it, everyone’s busy and most folks just don’t have the luxury of unlimited vacation days or the money needed to go with that,” said frequent traveler A.J. Williams, who runs the travel blog, A Quick Trip To. “Rather than wait for the ‘annual vacation’ to go somewhere for two or three weeks, I’d rather have a bunch of short trips to look forward to throughout the year. ”
And family travel blogger Karen Akpan agrees with Williams. “People are working and don’t want to take their kids out of school and they’re trying to maximize their vacation days,” said Akpan, who runs the site, The Mom Trotter. “If you only get seven days of vacation, you have the option of taking one 7-day trip versus two 3-day trips where you can visit more places…and it’s easier to get back into the groove of things after a short trip.”
The Fix
Akpan and Williams aren’t alone. Nearly 83-percent of millennials would rather take shorter trips than one long one, according to a survey by Priceline. So now the travel industry is getting the hint. Some resorts have now created “micro-break vacations.” These trips cater to people who want to get away for the weekend or two to three days to rest, relax and recharge. And luxury hotel chains are even offering special discounted rates aimed at these travelers.
“One Happy Break” from the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
Calling those on the East Coast–Are you looking for a quick escape? The Fourth of July weekend is right around the corner. And The Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino is just a quick flight away. You can fly from MIA, FLL, ATL, CLT, BOS, JFK and EWR airports in less than five hours to get there.
This island getaway is offering the “One Happy Break” vacation package, which includes a two-night stay. And don’t worry about planning. Those booking the package have a seamless itinerary laid out for them, so no time is spent worrying about coordinating logistics or planning where to eat. The resort takes care of that. The luxury package includes oceanfront accommodations, snorkel cruise for two, half-day cabana at the adults-only H2Oasis pool, and a $500 F&B credit to cover daily meals. And to top things off, you’ll start the day off with breakfast at La Vista with a panoramic view of the sandy shores and palm trees. Then you’ll end the night with dinner at Atardi, the resort’s toes-in-the-sand restaurant.
Nightly rates start at $780 and are valid for stays from Sundays through Thursdays. For more information, visit www.arubamarriott.com and use code YX1 to book.
“Palms & Paradise” package from Miami’s Palms Hotel & Spa
Enjoy the ultimate relaxation and well-being with a quick, three-night getaway to connect with nature in the tropical and luxurious paradise at The Palms Hotel & Spa.
With the new “Palms & Paradise” package, travelers get a micro break that focuses on a health and wellness. To start, the package includes an inside look at the on-site organic chef’s garden including a personalized ‘Thymes and Tips’ tour. Guests get a peek at some of the ingredients used in dishes like eggplant, mad hatter peppers, scallions and thyme. The package also includes one complimentary Tiki Cocktail per person, a $50 per person credit for the AVEDA spa, your choice of a private poolside Tiki Cabana or Beach Cabanita, a daily breakfast buffet for two, and even a grow-your-own garden starter kit to take home. How’s that for pampering?
And getting there is easy. Most airports have nonstop flights to Miami. Nightly rates start at $414. For more information, visit www.thepalmshotel.com.
“Micro-break trip” package from the JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa
Cancun is one of our favorite places to visit. It’s also a hop, skip and jump from the US. Cancun is also a destination ideal for a mini vacay over a long weekend. The luxurious newly renovated JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa is sprawling resort with 447 ocean-facing guest rooms–all of which peer out over the palm-studded grounds.
The property’s new micro-break package takes the leg work out of planning with a killer three-day, pre-set itinerary. After a friendly “Bienvenido” at check-in, you’ll be whisked away for a quick 30-minute meditation, and then it’s off to dine at one of the resort’s ten international restaurants. With everything from morning fitness classes, cabana rentals, a jungle boat excursion through the mangroves and a pasta-making class–this itinerary has something for everyone. And it’s perfect for the jet-setter. It features luxurious accommodations, a mini massage, healthy continental breakfasts, a $75 daily food & beverage credit and airport transfers.
The package starts at $429 a night. To book, visit www.jwmarriottcancun.com and enter code Z87. It requires a three-day advanced booking and minimum three-night minimum stay.
“Born to be wild & free” package at Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel, Museum & Spa in Flores, Guatemala
You’ve never seen Guatemala like this before. The luxury resort, Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel, Museum & Spa, sits in the “Land of Eternal Spring” far from the hustle and bustle in the charming town of Flores. It’s also just a short drive from the magnificent Tikal, Uaxactún and Yaxhá ruins. This 19 bungalow suite hideaway hovers over the Quexil Lagoon. Guests can even take in majestic views of sunrises and sunsets from their own private decks. They’ll immerse themselves in the wonders of mother nature and enjoy an eco-retreat that offers the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation.
The “Born to Be Wild & Free” package includes luxurious accommodations in a Waterfront Queen Suite with a jacuzzi, where you’ll enjoy the natural soundtrack of the jungle. You’ll also get a guided hiking tour of Tikal, complete with transportation, entrance fees, lunch and beverages, as well as your choice of adventure activity– Zip lining by the ruins or an ATV tour. Guests will also enjoy state-of-the-art spa amenities, a la carte daily breakfast for two, and WiFi if you need it. And as if that isn’t enough, the hotel is also offering a complimentary daily boat ride to nearby Monkey Island for a friendly meet-and-greet with the rescued monkeys who inhabit the reserve.
Valid through December 2019. There is a two-night minimum stay. And rates start at $436 per night. Book online at www.laslagunashotel.com
“Artisan’s Guide to Guatemala” package at Casa Palopó Hotel in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
Perched high on the shore of Lake Atitlán in the Guatemalan highlands sits Casa Palopó Hotel –an exclusive getaway for travelers who value a rich dose of culture while vacationing. The former home-turned-boutique hotel is the ideal destination for a calm retreat with breathtaking views of the vistas and three volcanoes across the shore. Casa Palopo’s intimate in-house gourmet restaurant sits on a charming outdoor terrace where guests can savor an eclectic menu by Guatemalan celebrity chef Eduardo Gonzalez. And Casa Palopó is serious about pampering its guests. It offers in-room spa treatments, a cozy library and top-notch personal service.
If you book the “Artisan’s Guide to Guatemala” package, you’ll also get one night’s accommodations at Villa Las Pilas in nearby Antigua, with breakfast and a walking tour of Antigua. This luxury travel package also includes 3-nights at Casa Palopó and a boat tour to Santiago and San Juan La Laguna–two of the nearby towns where guests visit local women owned and operated weaving cooperatives.
Roundtrip transfers from Guatemala City to Casa Palopó are also included. Rates start at $1,852.81 (including taxes and fees). Book online at www.casapalopo.com
“Staycation Stanton Style” package at the Marriott Stanton South Beach
Do you really need another reason to visit Miami Beach? I think not, but just in case you’re looking for one, here it is– the Marriott Stanton South Beach’s “Staycation Stanton Style” package.
This beautifully renovated beachside hotel is hopping on board the micro-break trend with a staycation package for two. Equipped with cushioned beach chairs to lounge by sparkling blue waters, complimentary bike rentals to live like a local, frozen margaritas and a late 2 p.m. checkout. Guests realize almost immediately that this isn’t “your mama’s Marriott.” This luxury hideaway embraces a cool, trendy beach club vibe and relaxed luxury ambiance with 224 rooms and suites, two pools overlooking the ocean, a chic sun deck, an intimate spa and a fitness center. The package is perfect for the quick and long getaway. It’s also the perfect place to experience everything that makes Miami–well Miami.
For more information, visit marriottstantonsouthbeach.com and use the code ZJL at check-out.
