Slowcation is the hottest new trend in vacationing

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Hello there! An Aldi diehard tried using their weekly budget at Trader Joe's instead. Here's how the two stack up.

In today's big story, we've unlocked a new vacation trend: the "slowcation."

What's on deck:

• Markets: The SEC takes a shot at a Wall Street Icahn.
• Tech: The companies that are making the most of AI.
• Business: How to know if you actually nailed that interview.

But first, let's take it slow.

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The big story

What's the rush?

Taking a trip these days is all about taking your time.

The "slowcation" is the hottest new trend in vacationing this summer as travelers look to book longer trips with a slower pace, writes Business Insider's Joey Hadden.

It's hard to pinpoint what a "slowcation" entails, but it's generally about spending more time in a location than jet-setting around to maximize your Instagram feed. One report on the trend describes it as "exploring somewhere on a deeper level" and "making space mentally and physically for things to happen spontaneously."

The result has been travelers taking longer trips. One luxury travel agency told Joey 11-day vacations are now the most commonly booked trips. (The irony of writing about this trend after only taking two days off from work isn't lost on me.)

A catalyst for "slowcations" has been a focus on destressing. Whether it's fears over the economy, the job market, the election, or something else, Americans have plenty to be worried about. Adding a multi-stop vacation to the mix isn't the best way to unwind.

Not everyone has the luxury of a longer vacation, but you can still optimize trips.

US workers, on average, take 11 days off a year, meaning a two-week vacation isn't realistic for many. But as a self-appointed expert of the short-term trip, here are some tips to make the most of your time off.

Clean before you leave. Between packing, confirming trip details, and wrapping up work, you've got enough on your plate before heading out the door. But tidying up goes a long way when you finally get back home.

Always book the early flight in. Not everyone's a morning person, but a late flight can cost you in the long run. You're less likely to get stuck with delays in the morning, especially in the summer when afternoon and evening thunderstorms can lay havoc on flights.

Don't forget the most important meal of the day. I've skipped my fair share of breakfasts, but carving out time for it on vacation keeps me on track. The food and caffeine serves as fuel (it doesn't have to be fancy) and you can figure out what you want to accomplish for the day.

Book the early flight out. I know what you're thinking: "If I'm trying to maximize my trip, shouldn't I leave as late as possible?" Flash cut to you milling around a Hudson News store at your terminal three hours before your flight because you're tired of dragging your bags around and just want to go home. First one in; first one out.

Give yourself an extra day at home. If you can spare a bit more time, don't be afraid to spend it at home. Heading into work right after vacation is a great way to destroy the relaxing vibes you accrued. But knowing you have an extra day or two once you get home — I call it an "encore vacation" — makes your actual trip that much sweeter.

News brief

Top headlines

• At the DNC, Biden finally kept his promise to be a bridge to the Democratic Party's future.
• US says Israel accepted a cease-fire deal — and warns Hamas may not get another chance to say 'yes.'
• Who is Mike Lynch? The controversial tech tycoon is missing after a superyacht disaster.
• Donald Trump said he'd want Elon Musk in his Cabinet.
• The Canadian company behind Circle K wants to buy 7-Eleven's Japanese owner in a blockbuster deal.
• Serial liar George Santos pleads guilty, avoiding a looming criminal trial.
• Elon Musk's X is being sued again — this time over $120 million worth of server parts.
• Pelosi defends role in pushing Biden out, saying she's 'sorry' for those who are upset but 'the country is very happy.'
• Business Insider wins Murrow Award.

3 things in markets

1. The stock market's showing some green flags. One signal — the 40-Day Trading Index — indicates stocks were oversold last week. Another was the recent 10:1 day, which happens when rising stocks outpace declining ones on a 10:1 ratio. Strategists at Ned Davis Research noted these short-term indicators seem to have "confirmed the bullish message" in stocks.
2. Carl Icahn gets hit with a fine from the SEC. The billionaire investor was fined $500,000 and his firm, Icahn Enterprise, $1.5 million for failing to disclose billions in stock pledges. The SEC's probe was sparked by a short-seller report highlighting Icahn's use of margin loans in addition to accusing the investor and his firm of inflating the value of its assets.
3. How four possible presidential election results could impact stocks. UBS conducted a market-scenario analysis for four possible election outcomes, depending on the results of the presidential contest and who wins control of Congress. Here's how the bank thinks the stock market will react.

3 things in tech

1. "I'm not your dream girl — I'm literally just a girl." A female software engineer shared how her career success has made dating tricky. She said men are often intimidated by her success, or overly idealize her as their manic pixie dream girl.
2. Netflix is flexing its power in its latest TV deal. Whereas it used to have to depend on media companies to get what it wanted, the tides have since changed in Netflix's favor. Its new deal with AMC Networks, the home of "Breaking Bad," shows just how much leverage Netflix has.
3. These nine companies are putting AI to work. The AI hype isn't over just yet. According to Bank of America, the tech is expected to revolutionize corporate efficiency in the next five years. It found that Starbucks, JPMorgan, and other companies are already using AI to transform their businesses.

3 things in business

1. Donald, now we've got bad blood. Taylor Swift's fans are furious with Donald Trump after he posted photos that appeared to show Swift and her fans endorsing him for president. Many of the photos bear telltale signs of AI. Swift has yet to respond — but she could definitely sue him if she wanted to.
2. Can't stop thinking about that job interview? You can't always trust your gut feeling about how you did in an interview, according to longtime HR exec Michael Doolin. But body language, building a rapport, and these five other signs might help put your mind at ease about how you did.
3. Your new favorite TV shows might feature a whole lot more product placement. Brands increasingly want to be part of filmed entertainment, and filmmakers are in search of new funding as Hollywood trims budgets. Sonic Gods Studios is bringing the two goals together: It's already got one reality show on a major streamer fully financed by brand deals.

In other news

• The top 10 holdings of the Mormon church's $55 billion stock portfolio include a new AI stock.
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• Meta director who used to work for Elon Musk says companies without an internal AI tool are 'already behind the curve.'
• Fast-food price hikes reach 'tipping point' as chains try to reset their menus with value deals and combos.
• Why your favorite S&P 500 index funds are in for a decade from hell.

What's happening today

• Barack Obama speaks at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
• Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) resigns. Last month, a federal jury convicted him of accepting bribes from the Egyptian government.
• Lowe's and other companies report earnings.

The Insider Today team: Dan DeFrancesco, deputy editor and anchor, in New York. Jordan Parker Erb, editor, in New York. Hallam Bullock, senior editor, in London. Milan Sehmbi, fellow, in London. Amanda Yen, fellow, in New York.