There's a new trend in travel: the microbreak.

It is exactly as the name implies: a short, one- or two-night getaway — and it could be a good alternative to a more expensive, extended vacation.

"Microbreaks are super, super quick and easy trips for people to take not only in between longer vacations, but also just to scratch that wanderlust itch if maybe you can't get away or afford a trip to Hawaii," Expedia spokesperson Alexis Tiacoh said.

Short trips are also the most popular type of vacation, according to a recent survey commissioned by the travel website. More than 90% of Americans have been on a short trip (four days or less) in the past 12 months, and more than one-third have taken an ultra-short microbreak in the past year, the survey found. It was conducted by Google Consumer Surveys in December, polling more than 1,000 U.S. residents ages 18 to 65.

One appealing factor is cost, since a truncated trip is easier on the budget.

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In fact, money is a big reason that 26% of Americans aren't planning any vacation this summer, a recent survey from BankRate found. The personal finance website polled 2,577 adults in the U.S. at the end of March.

Those who said they were going on vacation expected to spend an average of $1,979 on all related expenses.

For a fraction of the cost, a microbreak could provide some of the same benefits of a longer getaway.

"After a short trip, travelers report feeling rested and recharged, having a better attitude and [feeling] reconnected with their family," said Tiacoh, who noted that she herself feels more productive after taking last-minute microbreaks.