Summer vacations are in full swing, and for those who don’t want to break the bank on their next weekend getaway, Texas’ capital city could be a good option. We already know it’s one of the best cities in the South, but Austin was also recently named one of the best U.S. cities for a “micro-cation,” aka a short day or week-long trip.
Employee experience platform Blink identified the top U.S. cities best for workers who want to go on a micro-vacation, based on hotel prices, number of attractions, and more. Austin was ranked the No. 2 best city nationwide for a micro-vacation thanks to its budget-friendly stays and popular tourist spots, according to the report.
The state’s capital city was also the only Texas town to make Blink’s top 20 most popular cities for micro-vacations in the country. To determine the rankings, Blink analyzed each city and compared factors including hotel price ranges, estimated number of attractions, weather reliability, local accessibility and search volume of a ‘ weekend trip’.
“Micro-vacations are quickly becoming a popular way for employees to reset without committing to long periods away from work or using up their PTO,” said Lauren Burns, Chief Operating Officer of Blink. “These short getaways can help employees avoid burnout, especially when they choose destinations with plenty of attractions and easy transportation options, so they can focus on making the most of the few days they have.”
Phoenix, Arizona was named the No. 1 best U.S. city for a micro-vacation. Coming in second place was Austin, which the report says “offers an affordable opportunity for workers looking for some relaxation, with 60% of hotels costing under $150.”
Austin is home to around 464 attractions, with some of the most popular being swimming in Barton Springs Pool and bar hopping in the city’s bustling Sixth Street. The Capital City stood out for having a high weather score of 76 and clear, sunny skies 62% of the year.
The demand for an “Austin weekend trip” is also high as data showed it had a search interest of 14,770. Other U.S. cities after Austin that made the top five best for a micro-vacation were: New Orleans, Salt Lake City and San Francisco.