Experts Agree That a Quick Four-Day Vacation May Be Better Than a Full Week

Sometimes a stretch of seven days may be a bit too long to be away. We’ve asked experts for their take on why four days can be the ideal length to re-charge your mental mindset and physical wellness without the hassle of preparing for your absence or subsequently stressing out about being away from your everyday life.

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Having a four-day vacation can be great because it means you’ll be able to take a few more vacation “breaks” throughout the year, all of which will give you something to plan for and look forward to.

“The anticipation before going on vacation is one of the healthiest and best parts of the whole process, so having more, albeit shorter, vacations throughout the year adds welcome breaks into one’s schedule,” says business coach Stacy Caprio.

Spend less time traveling

When you travel closer to home, you can spend more time being there and less time traveling to get there, says Inma Gregorio, the travel blogger behind A World to Travel.

And, less traveling can reduce your carbon footprint, if that is something you consider: “Several short trips along the year will likely bring more pleasure than just a couple long ones, it is also great for the environment as we tend to stick closer to home when we only have three or four days and, therefore, cheaper,” says Gregorio.

Embrace your spontaneous streak

Shorter getaways can allow last-minute deals and the ability to “try out” a new city before committing to a full week, says Cherise V Stewart, owner of Irgo Travel in Philadelphia.

“It’s definitely helpful if you are on a budget and can’t splurge for a week long all-inclusive all the time.” Stewart’s last four-day trip was to Memphis, TN for a 3-day music festival with a day trip to Tupelo, MS and a visit to the National Civil Rights Museum. She said the duration was perfect. “I had a ball,” she adds.

Make every day count

Sometimes travel expenses to get to a destination may make travelers stretch the time out to rationalize spending. “We’ve been guilty of this — that feeling that if you’re going to take a trip, you need to stretch it out,” states Annick Lenoir-Peek, travel blogger at The Common Traveler.

Instead, Lenoir-Peek insists a four-day vacation is more relaxing. “We truly unplug during that time,” Lenoir-Peek says. “Because we know that it is only a four day commitment, we appreciate each day. Ever notice how by the end of your vacation you start thinking about all the emails you have at work or all the chores you need to do at home? You don’t have that during a four-day vacation. You’re really in the swing of relaxing each and every day.”