The most popular vehicle types for micro-trips in 2026

Micro-trips (short trips of 1–3 nights) are an increasingly common way of traveling in Europe and Slovakia – especially on weekends, during holidays and for “quick escapes” from the city. In the article, I will explain what micro-trips mean in practice, which car categories are most in demand in 2026, what trends are driving demand and how to choose a car to save time and money. I also add specific data (SR/EU), a comparison of scenarios and booking tips.

What are micro trips (and why there will be even more of them in 2026)

Micro trips = short trips with overnight stays (typically 1–3 nights), often planned spontaneously or at the last minute. In practice, these include:

• weekend city breaks (Friday–Sunday / Monday)
• extended weekends and holidays
• short wellness, mountains, thermal baths
• visits to family and friends “for a spin”
• purposeful short trips (shopping, moving, hobby project)

Data showing the trend (EU + Slovakia)

• EU: In 2024, short trips (1–3 nights) accounted for 56.3% of all tourist trips by EU residents; the average length of one trip was 5 nights (domestic 4, international 8). At the same time, Europeans spent approximately €618 billion on tourist trips.
• Slovakia: According to data from the Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic (travel in 2024), Slovaks made more than 11 million private trips with overnight stays. Short trips (1–3 nights) accounted for almost 60% of all trips. Short stays (1–3 nights) dominated travel in Slovakia – they accounted for almost three quarters of domestic trips. For domestic trips, the most common mode of transport was by car (almost 82% of trips).

What does this mean for car rental companies and travelers? Short trips increase the demand for cars that can be quickly booked, easily parked, are economical and can also “handle” a quick trip outside the city.

How to choose a car for short trips: a simple framework (up to 60 seconds)

For micro-trips, you don’t need the “biggest car” – you need the most suitable one. Before booking, go through this mini-checklist:

• How many of you are going? (2 people ≠ 5 people + stroller)
• How much luggage will you realistically take? (cabin bags vs. skis/board)
• City or countryside? (parking in the center vs. district parking, snow)
• How many km per day? (200 km per day is a different comfort than 600 km per weekend)
• Winter conditions / 4x4: if you’re going to the mountains, consider tires, ground clearance and traction
• Charging (EV): do you have charging at your accommodation or along the route?
• Budget: a low daily rate sometimes means higher fuel/comfort costs

The most popular vehicle types for micro-trips in 2026 (TOP categories)

1) Mini & Economy (city hatchbacks) – "fast, cheap, I can park anywhere"

When they are top: city breaks, visits, short trips up to 200–300 km, solo/couple.

Why they are in demand:

• easy parking in the city
• low consumption, lower tolls and often lower deposits
• fast availability (this class tends to be the "backbone" of short-term rentals)

Caution: with 4 people and a full trunk, comfort decreases.

Tip for micro-trips: If you are only going for 1–2 nights, Economy + "light luggage" is often enough.

2) Compact (C-segment) – the best compromise for most short trips

When are they best: 2–4 people, city + highway combination, trip with luggage.

Why is demand growing:

• more comfortable chassis and quieter travel on the highway
• larger trunk (stroller, weekend gear, sports equipment)
• still reasonable dimensions for the city

Tip: For the weekend “city + countryside”, a compact car is often the best value for money.

3) Small SUV / Crossover (B-SUV) – the biggest “trend winner” of micro-trips

SUVs and crossovers have become the main car shape in Europe. According to ICCT, SUVs will account for 48% of new registrations in the EU by 2024.

When they are best: trips out of town, country roads, higher curbs, winter conditions, family weekends.

Why people want them for short trips:

• higher seating position = better visibility and subjective sense of safety
• practicality for combined routes (city + nature)
• better ground clearance for parking and “country” roads

Caution: higher consumption than a hatchback (especially on petrol and at higher speeds).

4) Hybrids and electric vehicles (EVs) – for those who deal with costs and zones

Electrification is no longer “just an image”. According to the latest ACEA data for 2025 (published on 27.01.2026), battery electric vehicles achieved a 17.4% market share of new registrations and hybrids 34.5%.

When they are top: micro-trips with a clear route, accommodation with charging, cities with restrictions.

Why they are in demand:

• lower operating costs in the city (especially for hybrids)
• quiet ride, comfort in traffic jams
• better “future-proof” choice when traveling to cities with low emission zones

Practical advice: With EVs, check 2 things in advance – charging at accommodation and a backup fast charger along the route. You don’t want to spend an hour looking for a charger on a micro-trip.

5) Multi-seater cars and vans (7–9 seats) – when a micro-trip is about people

When they are popular: groups, families, sports trips, “one car instead of two”.

Why they are in demand:

you share costs (fuel, parking, tolls) and you are together

more space for luggage + sports equipment

ideal for weekend events, weddings, corporate events

Tip: If you are going with 6–8 people, a van is often more economical than two Economy cars.

6) LCVs – micro-trips “with a purpose” (moving, renovation, hobby)

Not every micro-trip is about traveling. Short-term van rentals are typical for:

• moving for a weekend
• importing materials for renovation
• one-off orders and logistics

Why they are in demand:

• you save time (fewer trips)
• you don’t damage your own car
• you have the right volume and tie-down points for the load

Tip: When making a delivery, measure the largest piece of cargo in advance (length, height, width) and think about the margin.

Comparison of solutions by scenario (quick orientation)

Trends 2026 that change the demand for vehicles for short trips

1) “Access over ownership”: I would rather rent a car than own

Short trips support a model in which people choose a car according to their needs – sometimes a small one for the city, sometimes an SUV for the mountains.

2) SUV dominance + practicality for combined routes

SUVs are not just a fashion trend – they are a reaction to mixed scenarios (city + weekend away). This is exactly the logic of micro-trips.

3) Electrification in practice (hybrids as “mainstream”)

Hybrids are the easiest step for many people: they drive more economically in the city and do not deal with charging as strictly as EVs.

4) Seasonality and long weekends

Short trips are often concentrated during peak times (holidays, vacations, long weekends). At that time, the price also goes up and availability decreases.

Investment perspective: which categories make sense (also for the fleet)

If we look at micro-trips as a “demand engine”, there are three practical implications:

• B-SUV/SUV: high demand across seasons (city and countryside) + good perceived value for the customer.
• Compacts: stable universal class – high turnover, broad target audience.
• Vans and 7-9 seater vehicles: lower demand volume, but often higher added value and excellent utilization in peak hours.
• Hybrids/EVs: growing demand especially in cities and with companies (ESG, zones), but the availability of infrastructure is key.

For the customer, this means: SUVs and multi-seater cars sell out the fastest in peak hours – if you want them, book early.

Practical tips: how to book a car for a micro-trip cheaper and without stress

• Book in advance (at least 2-4 weeks), especially for long weekends.
• Be flexible with pick-up/drop-off times – moving it a few hours or a day can make a difference in price and availability.
• Choose a category based on reality, not ego: smaller car = easier parking and lower costs.
• Check the mileage and deposit rules (especially for weekend packages).
• In winter, consider equipment: winter tires, chains (if you're going to the mountains), scraper, de-icer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1) What exactly does a “micro trip” mean?

A short trip with an overnight stay (most often 1–3 nights), typically over a weekend or holiday.

2) What car is best for a micro trip for 2 people?

Most often an Economy or compact car – depending on whether the priority is the city (parking) or comfort on the highway.

3) Why are small SUVs so popular for short trips?

They are versatile: they can handle the city and worse surfaces, they seem safe and offer more space without being “huge”.

4) Is an electric car worth it for a micro trip?

Yes, if you are sure of charging (at your accommodation or along the route). Otherwise, a hybrid is often the easier choice.

5) When does it make sense to rent a 7–9-seater van?

When more people are traveling (family, group, sports), because one car can be cheaper than two smaller ones.

6) How do I reduce the price of a weekend rental?

Book early, be flexible with your time, and choose the category you really need.

Summary / TL;DR

• More than half of tourist trips in the EU are short (1–3 nights) – micro-trips are mainstream.
• In Slovakia, short domestic stays dominate and the car is the most common mode of transport.
• The most popular categories for micro-trips 2026: Economy, compact, small SUV, hybrid/EV, 7–9 seater vans, vans.
• SUVs are growing mainly due to their versatility for “city + nature”.
• SUVs and multi-seater cars sell out quickly during peak times – book in advance.

Keywords and entities (used in the article)

Main KW: micro trips, short trips
Related KW: short-term rental, weekend rental, city break, long weekend, short stays, 1–3 nights, SUV, small SUV, crossover, compact car, economy car, hybrid, electric vehicle (EV), 7-seater car, 9-seater van, van (LCV), van rental, consumption, parking, charging, low emission zones, seasonality, demand, fleet, TCO
Entities / sources: PAYLESS, Eurostat, Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic, ACEA, ICCT, European Travel Commission

Conclusion 

Micro-trips are all about speed and simplicity – which is why it pays to choose a car based on your route, number of people and luggage. For a city break, choose an economical Economy, for combined routes, a compact car, for the mountains a small SUV (ideally a 4x4) and for a group of people, a 7–9-seater van. If your micro-trip is a long weekend or a holiday, book in advance – you will avoid higher prices and poorer selection.

Are you going on a micro trip in 2026? Choose the category that gives you the best price/comfort ratio and book your car online today.