The trend of micro-vacations and short-term car rentals for 1–3 days

Micro-vacations, weekend city breaks, and short stays of 1–3 days are among the biggest travel trends in recent years. Young people and families are increasingly choosing several shorter getaways throughout the year instead of one long vacation—often with a car rental for a few days. In this article, we will look at specific data from Slovakia and Europe, explain why this trend is growing, and show you how you can make the most of it with a short-term car rental, for example through PAYLESS.

What are micro-vacations and city breaks ?

A micro-vacation is a short relaxing stay, usually lasting 1-3 nights. It often involves:

• a weekend city break in a European city,
• a short stay at a spa resort or in the mountains,
• a visit to a festival, sports match, or concert,
• a short family trip combined with exploring the surrounding area.

1.1 Why people are swapping long vacations for short getaways

The main reasons why micro-vacations are gaining popularity:

• Affordability – a short stay means lower one-off expenses; it is easier to fit into the budget of a young family or a starting professional.
• Time flexibility – with a busy work schedule, it is easier to "take off" Friday and Monday than to plan a two-week vacation.
• Psychological effect – several shorter stays during the year bring a more frequent feeling of rest and "reset."
• Cheap flights and mobility – low-cost airlines and affordable car rentals make it possible to quickly move to another city or country.

According to the European Travel Commission, city breaks have long been among the most popular types of trips for Europeans – in their seasonal surveys, they account for about a fifth of planned vacations, with interest in short city breaks continuing to grow after the pandemic.

Data: growth in short stays of 1–3 nights

Without data, every trend is just an impression. So let's look at specific figures from Slovakia and Europe.

2.1 Slovakia: 1–3 nights make up the majority of domestic trips

In its report on vacation and business trips, the Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic states that in 2023, stays of 1–3 nights accounted for almost three-quarters of all domestic trips (more than 5 million trips) within Slovakia. Longer stays (4 nights or more) accounted for just over a quarter of trips and declined slightly year-on-year.

This means that domestic travelers—including young people and families—are naturally gravitating toward more frequent, shorter trips. Micro-vacations of 1-3 days are therefore not a "fad" but a new standard.

2.2 Europe: city breaks and urban experiences are on the rise

At the European level, Eurostat data show that, over the long term:

• approximately 65% of EU residents take at least one personal trip per year,
• a large proportion of these are shorter stays of 3-4 nights,
• city breaks and urban experiences are among the fastest growing segments of tourism.

The CBI report "The European market potential for urban experiences tourism" (2024) emphasizes that city break tourism in Europe is growing rapidly and is significantly driven by visitors from countries such as Spain, Italy, and France who are looking for new cities and cultures in other European countries.

2.3 Generation Z and young families as drivers of growth

According to surveys of travel behavior in Europe (e.g., MMGY Portrait of European Travelers), Generation Z and young adults are planning the most trips in the next 12 months—often combining cheap flights with short stays. This group is characterized by:

• traveling more frequently but for shorter periods of time,
• planning flexibly according to special offers on flights and available dates,
• making intensive use of car rentals for 1-3 days at their destination or at home for road trips.

Why micro-vacations work better with car rentals

A short stay makes the most sense when you can fit in as many experiences as possible in 2-3 days without unnecessary stress. And that's where short-term car rentals come into play.

3.1 Time is more precious than kilometers

On a micro-vacation, you don't count kilometers, but experiences. A car gives you:

• maximum flexibility – leave when you want, without waiting for public transport
• the possibility to combine multiple locations – e.g., a city break + a day trip to the countryside
• comfort for families – children, strollers, sports equipment, and bicycles are difficult to fit into public transport or taxis.

Renting a car for 1–3 days is therefore an ideal complement to a cheap plane or train ticket – especially if you are traveling in a group or with your family.

3.2 Financial and "investment" perspective

If we take a basic investment perspective:

• buying your own car for occasional micro-vacations ties up capital that could be used elsewhere (savings, investments, housing),
• ownership entails fixed costs – insurance, servicing, parking, vehicle depreciation,
• when renting for 1–3 days, you only pay when you actually need the car.

For young families in cities, who often already manage with one car or no car at all, short-term rental can be more cost-effective than having a second car in the household.

4. PAYLESS and micro-vacations: how to make the most of short-term rentals

PAYLESS is an international car rental company operating mainly in Bratislava, Slovakia, focusing on affordable rentals of new cars and vans. The offer includes:

• economical city cars ideal for city breaks,
• station wagons for families with children,
• SUVs and larger models for active weekends,
• vans if you are planning a more adventurous trip or transporting a larger group.

On the PAYLESS website, you will find passenger cars starting at around €16/day (the specific price depends on the date, category, and availability of the vehicle). At the same time, the earlier you book, the better prices you can get.

4.1 A weekend with us lasts up to 3 days

Weekend packages are a typical example of short-term rentals for micro-vacations. PAYLESS in Slovakia has previously offered a promotion called "A weekend with us lasts up to 3 days," where customers who rented for 2 days got the third day free thanks to a discount code. This type of campaign is ideal for, for example:

• Friday to Sunday (city break),
• Saturday to Monday (long weekend outside peak periods),
• family trip combining city and nature.

Although specific promotions change over time, the principle remains the same: renting for 1-3 days at the right time can be significantly cheaper than you might expect.

4.2 Short-term vs. long-term rental: when to choose which

• 1–3 days – ideal for city breaks, short business trips with a free weekend, visiting relatives, or festivals.
• 4–7 days – suitable for week-long vacations, road trips, or visiting multiple locations.
• 30+ days – this is where flexible operational leasing products come into play, which PAYLESS and its partner brands use for clients who need a car for a longer period but do not want to own one.

For micro-vacations and city breaks, the most common and logical choice is short-term rental for 1–3 days, ideally with online booking in advance.

How to plan a micro-vacation for 1–3 days (practical guide)

5.1 Step 1: Choose your destination and type of experience

Start with the question: What do I actually expect from these 2–3 days?

• A romantic weekend in the city (Vienna, Budapest, Prague, Krakow)
• Family stay at a water park or wellness center
• Trail or cycling weekend in the mountains
• Gastronomic city break – discovering cafes, bistros, and street food

5.2 Step 2: Decide how you will travel – and where you will rent a car

Transportation combination options:

• Cheap flight + car rental on site – the classic model for European city breaks.
• Train/bus + car rental in the destination city – a comfortable and more environmentally friendly option.
• Direct trip by car from home – rent a car in Bratislava (e.g., PAYLESS) and set off directly from the city.

Tip: when planning, consider not only the price of the flight, but also the availability of car rentals at your destination and parking costs.

5.3 Step 3: Car reservation – what not to forget

When reserving a car online for 1–3 days, check:

• the mileage limit (ideally unlimited or sufficiently high),
• the amount of co-payment in the event of an insured event,
• the insurance included (accident, theft, assistance),
• conditions for drivers under 25, if you are traveling as a group of young people,
• the possibility of traveling abroad, if you are going outside Slovakia.

PAYLESS in Slovakia offers 24/7 assistance throughout Europe and new or nearly new vehicles as standard, which reduces the risk of technical problems during a short stay.

5.4 Step 4: Pack light, but think carefully

For micro-vacations, the following applies:

• smaller suitcase = faster travel,
• versatile clothing = less decision-making,
• don't forget a power bank, travel insurance, and a basic first aid kit.

Trends that will influence micro-vacations in the coming years

6.1 Off-season and "hidden season" travel

International travel reports (e.g., Accor European Travel Trends 2024) show that up to a third of Europeans plan to travel outside the peak season to save money and avoid heat waves and crowded destinations. This plays in favor of micro-vacations:

• more short stays in spring and fall,
• more affordable accommodation and car rental prices outside of peak holiday periods,
• the possibility of "spreading" your vacation throughout the year.

6.2 The growing generation of young travelers

According to surveys, Gen Z and young millennials will drive demand in the coming years for short, intense trips that combine:

• authentic experiences (local cuisine, culture, events),
• flexibility (the ability to change plans at the last minute),
• digital convenience (online reservations, contactless payments, mobile navigation).

Renting a car for 1-3 days fits perfectly into this lifestyle – a car is a service, not an asset.

6.3 Sustainability and efficient use of resources

Even in car rental, there will be growing pressure for:

• more economical engines and lower fuel consumption,
• a gradual increase in the proportion of hybrids and electric cars,
• optimal route planning (fewer miles, more experiences).

Short rentals for micro-vacations may be more environmentally friendly than owning a second car that is rarely used.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

1. Is it worth renting a car for a city break if I'm only going for 2-3 days?

Yes, especially if you are traveling as a couple or as a family. Renting a car will save you time on transfers, allow you to visit more places, and for larger groups, it can be cheaper than a combination of taxis and public transport.

2. What type of car is ideal for a short micro-vacation?

An economical city car is ideal for a couple or two people. Families will appreciate a station wagon or compact SUV. If you are traveling with a larger group, choose a 7-9 seater vehicle or van.

3. How much does it cost on average to rent a car for 1-3 days?

The price depends on the date, vehicle category, and demand. In Bratislava, prices for economy cars start at around a few dozen euros per day, and you can save money on weekend packages thanks to promotions such as "3 days for the price of 2."

4. Do I need special insurance for a short rental?

Basic insurance with a certain deductible is included in the price as standard. However, it is recommended to consider additional insurance with a reduced deductible or insurance for windows and tires, especially if you are planning longer trips or more demanding routes.

5. Are micro-vacations also suitable for families with small children?

Yes, families with children often appreciate shorter but more intense stays. It is important not to underestimate planning—shorter trips, child seats in the car, accommodation with good facilities and opportunities for relaxation.

6. How to choose a reliable car rental company?

Look for reviews, price transparency, vehicle age, and clear terms and conditions. The advantage of established brands such as PAYLESS is their international presence, standardized processes, and many years of experience with both short-term and long-term rentals.

8. TL;DR – key findings in brief

Micro-vacations lasting 1–3 days and city breaks are among the fastest growing travel trends in Europe.

In Slovakia, stays of 1–3 nights account for almost three-quarters of all domestic trips.

Renting a car for 1–3 days increases flexibility, saves time, and can be more economical than other forms of transport for larger groups.

PAYLESS offers affordable short-term rentals of new cars in Bratislava, including weekend and special offer packages.
 

Keywords and entities

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• weekend rentals

PAYLESS

Related keywords and entities:

• short-term car rentals
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• family city break
• Generation Z travel
• Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic – tourism
• Eurostat – tourism statistics
• European Travel Commission
• urban experiences tourism (CBI)
• off-season travel
• flexible operational leasing
• van rental