Why Vacation Planning Matters

By Guest Blogger: Ken Byler, Owner, Higher Ground Consulting Group, LLC

We all know the benefits of vacation time – reducing stress, boosting morale, improving personal happiness, and preventing burnout. The sad fact remains that too many Americans don’t take advantage of their company vacation benefits. According to Robert Half, 25% of us forfeited vacation time in 2020.

I’m beginning a vacation tomorrow that will last for 8 days. As a small business owner, it is challenging to be away from the office. Billable time ends, clients and prospects can’t reach me, and the emails and work projects pile up. But I have experienced first-hand the benefits of time away to recharge mentally, physically, and emotionally.

Is there a secret to actually taking vacations? According to Project: Time Off’s research there is one thing that works – planning. The infographic below illustrates why planning is so challenging.

Vacation Infographic

Now here’s a list of reminders for your own vacation planning.

DO plan for bucket list items to encourage excitement about the trip.
DO block time on your calendar, even if your actual plans aren’t final.
DO tell you manager about your plans as far in advance as possible.
DON’T have unrealistic expectations about what you can afford or even whether travel is needed.
DON’T feed the urge to have every detail covered.
DON’T be afraid to proactively plan.

I’m looking forward to my vacation and won’t be checking in with clients or monitoring email or social media while I’m gone. My plan is to relax, enjoy my family time, and forget about work (at least for the next 8 days).

Filed in: Client News