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1. Know Your Company’s Vacation Policies

• Some companies have a use-it-or-lose-it policy, meaning you may forfeit any unused days by year-end. Familiarize yourself with your organization’s vacation policies to avoid missing out on earned time off.
• Some company’s offer unlimited PTO… ask around and understand the culture and how much PTO others are taking.

2. Plan Ahead for Peak Times

• Aim to schedule vacation days well in advance, especially if you want time off during holidays or peak vacation seasons.
• Start by checking your company’s vacation policy. Is there a “use it or lose it” policy, or can you roll over unused days? Does the policy allow flexible use, or are there restrictions around certain times of the year? Coordinating with your manager and colleagues helps avoid scheduling conflicts and ensures a smooth workflow.
• Tip: Some companies offer additional time off for specific occasions like birthdays or service anniversaries. Don’t let these extra days slip by unnoticed

2. Use Long Weekends Strategically

• Maximize your days by scheduling vacations around public holidays, extending a long weekend into a mini-getaway with minimal use of your vacation days. . For instance, a single day off on a Friday before a Monday holiday turns a three-day weekend into a mini four-day getaway.
• Tip: Review your company’s paid holidays and consider planning shorter trips throughout the year to recharge and avoid burnout.

3. Create a Vacation Checklist*

• Once you’ve chosen your dates, inform your team well in advance. Discuss your workload, reassign responsibilities where needed, and provide any key updates to minimize the impact of your absence.
• A hand-off document can be a lifesaver for both you and your team. Include essential information like key deadlines, points of contact, ongoing tasks, and any anticipated issues.

4. Make Unplugging a Priority

• Setting boundaries on your time off is essential.
• Set your email out-of-office reply, silence notifications, and let colleagues know you won’t be checking in.
• Resist the urge to “just check in”—your break is most effective when you’re fully unplugged.
• Sometimes you may need to take a meeting or check in, in order to have the flexibility to accomodate your preferred dates. That’s okay. Try to plan it in advance.

5. Combine Vacation with Career Growth

• Heading to a conference or event for work? Rather than flying in and out, see if you can extend your time and explore the area! You may be able to add in a great vacation at a fraction of the cost.
• Look for travel destinations that offer networking opportunities or skill-building experiences. Take the vacation time to attend a retreat or take a class completely unrelated to your field of work.
• Explore: Search for conferences or workshops that align with your field using platforms like Eventbrite.

Finding the Vacation That Will Rejuvenate You

When it comes to vacation, there’s no one-size-fits-all. The right trip will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to jump back into work. Here’s how to find a vacation style that suits your budget, interests, and schedule—whether you’re flying solo, on a budget, planning a romantic getaway, or gathering a group of friends.

• Solo Adventures: Take time for reflection and self discovery. Whether you choose to explore a city, visit a retreat center or head to a resort that caters to singles,
• Budget-Friendly Escapes: An entry-level salary doesn’t mean no vacation. Consider a camping trip, off-peak destinations or staycations.
• Romantic Getaways: Reconnect and focus on your relationship. Think a scenic Bed-and Breakfast, a couples only resort or event a weekend getaway in a charming town with great restaurants.
• Getaways with Friends: Create new memories and get energized with your friends. Whether you choose to rent a beach house, head to the slopes for a ski weekend, plan an adventure excursion or organize a weekend away to see a concert or sports event, Trips with friends are all about fun, shared experiences, and creating memories together.

Taking time off is an investment in your well-being and professional longevity. Start viewing vacation days not as days “away from work” but as essential breaks that support your productivity and health. With these strategies, you’ll maximize your time off and come back ready to reach new career heights!

*Vacation Prep Checklist

2-3 Weeks Before Vacation

• Review your company’s vacation policy and PTO request procedures
• Check your available PTO balance to ensure you have enough days
• Submit your formal vacation request through proper channels
• Once approved, add your vacation dates to your team’s shared calendar
• Schedule any important meetings for before/after your time off
• Create a list of ongoing projects and their deadlines

1 Week Before

• Identify key responsibilities that need coverage during your absence
• Create a detailed handover document for your temporary replacement
• Schedule briefing sessions with colleagues covering your work
• Set up your email auto-reply message (but don’t activate yet)
• Review project timelines and adjust deadlines if necessary
• Document passwords and access information for shared resources

3 Days Before

• Complete all urgent tasks and time-sensitive projects
• Update your project status documents
• Brief your supervisor on the status of major projects
• Organize your digital files so others can find important documents
• Clean up your email inbox
• Create a clear contact list for emergencies

Last Day at Work

• Activate your email auto-reply message
• Update your status on any workplace chat applications
• Leave an organized desk with clear labels for any important papers
• Double-check that all handover documents are accessible
• Brief your team one final time on any last-minute updates
• Set a clear boundary for what constitutes an emergency worth contacting you

Emergency Contact Protocol

• Specify preferred contact method (text/call/email)
• Define what qualifies as an emergency
• List backup contacts for different types of issues
• Include timezone information if traveling to a different region

Upon Return

• Schedule a catch-up meeting with your supervisor
• Review emails and messages systematically
• Update project timelines and status reports
• Thank colleagues who covered for you
• Document any issues that arose during your absence
• Update any processes based on lessons learned

Reminders

• Never apologize for taking your earned time off
• Plan to truly disconnect – avoid checking work emails unless specified as emergency contact
• Set realistic expectations about your response time to non-emergency issues
• Remember that proper planning prevents most vacation-related issues
• Take detailed notes about your preparation process for future vacations

Remember: Taking vacation is not just a benefit – it’s essential for your wellbeing and long-term career success. Plan well, communicate clearly, and enjoy your time off!