And how it has changed the way I think about travel.

I can still remember the way San Francisco smelled when I arrived late that June night.

I would have around 24 hours to soak up as much as I could.

24-Hour Vacation

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Then, I got my suitcase and happily exhausted and rather sunburned left for the airport, and home.

On the contrary, it felt more full and vibrant and energizing than almost any trip to date.

By the time we went to bed at 9 p.m. By then, its nearly time to leave.

24-Hour Vacation

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I find that a short timeframe jump-starts the process.

I make the most of every minute.

But of course we were doing something: We were lazing on the porch.

24-Hour Vacation

Courtesy of The Graham

I am sometimes so eager to make the most of my time that I miss the minute Im in.

When I know my time is limited, I tune in.

I notice how the light looks and the way the air smells.

I have onlyonelunch to eat in this place so I savor it.

Being acutely aware of the passage of time makes me more awake.

The significance of this is not lost on me.

The same is true, it seems, formany young people.

I’d propose that overnight trips are the evenmoreattainable version of the micro-cation.

(Its now more feasible, too, with same-day booking apps likeOne Night.)

You dont even need to take PTO if you dont want to.

you might be spontaneous.

Sure, this shouldnt replacelonger stretches of real, restorative time off.

Butmicro-micro-vacations can be a much-needed reset.

To take a 24-hour trip, first look at whats realistic.

Is there someplace nearby youve been wanting to check out?

Can you tack an extra night onto a work trip?

Then, consider the best use of your time.

If traipsing all over does not sound like a vacation to you, thats okay.

Reading by a fireplace is a perfectly excellent way to spend a day.

Put an anchor or two in your day, but dont over-schedule.

Leave time to wander.

Remember: the idea is not to have your time blocked out hour by hour.

The idea is to lace up your sneakers and see where the place takes you.