How to Plan a Work-Free Vacation
Do you struggle to take a work-free vacation? I sure do! I daydream about relaxing days with my family away from my laptop, but it’s really difficult to check out for an extended period of time knowing that my office and my clients depend on me. My husband and I both run businesses, and we haven’t taken a true work-free vacation for eight years. That works for us most of the time (read more about our that here).
But here’s the thing–we all need a break sometimes! A well-timed work-free vacation could be just what you need to come back to your career better than ever. And a work-free vacation really is possible with a little bit of planning.
2+ Months Before Your Work-Free Vacation
- Before you schedule a vacation, look at your work calendar and find a few different blocks of time that doesn’t involve deadlines or pre-existing responsibilities.
- Compare those dates to the schedules of your spouse, kids, or whoever else will be going on the trip with you.
- Once you find a couple options, start looking into destinations to see what is available during those time periods. Remember that this doesn’t have to be a dream vacation, it just has to be a place you can get away from work and enjoy with your people!
- Block out your work-free vacation dates on your work calendar and in your own personal planner.
1 Month Before Your Work-Free Vacation
- Work to complete any projects or assignments that you don’t want to come back to so they aren’t hanging over your head while you’re on vacation.
- If possible, collaborate with a co-worker on any ongoing projects or assignments that might need attention while you’re gone.
- Call/email your best clients to check in on them and let them know you’ll be out of the office. Ask if there is anything you can do for them either before you leave or after you return.
1 Week Before Your Work-Free Vacation
- Set your email “out of office” auto-responder to let your contacts know you will be out of the office without immediate access to email for the dates you’ll be gone.
- Check on any ongoing projects or assignments so you know where everything stands.
- Make notes to remind yourself where you left off and what the next step will be when you get back to the office.
- Designate one person from your office who is allowed to call you on your trip, and write a very short list of reasons why that person can call. This list should only include situations that would cause you more stress not to know about.
The Day Before You Leave
- Record a custom “out office” voicemail greeting.
- Clean off your desk.
- Shut down your computer and get out of there!
The most important part of this process is consistently reminding yourself why this matters. You have to be intentional about the decision to take a work-free vacation. This is a time for taking a breath of fresh air, relaxing, and enjoying yourself. No need to feel guilty!
You work hard to provide a good life for yourself and your family, and that good life includes taking a break from your work. Safe travels, friend!
