A vacation that involves work might seem contradictory, yet for numerous exhausted professionals, taking intentional time to refresh their minds without completely disconnecting from technology is a more feasible and contemporary option. You definitely wouldn’t want to return to an overflowing inbox and chaotic situations that negate the tranquility you just achieved; however, stepping away from work is essential for your wellness and health. You’ll come back to your job feeling rejuvenated and perhaps even more creative, as natural settings can foster innovative thoughts.
“Stepping away from the pressures of everyday life to enjoy a break can alleviate stress and anxiety,” states Alyssa Mairanz, a licensed therapist and the executive director of Empower Your Mind Therapy based in New York. “Physically getting away from your home and workplace can serve as an emotional and mental relief. This creates space for your mind to rest and explore imaginative ideas and motivational thoughts.” You never know; a calming paddle boarding excursion might spark a brilliant solution to a tricky issue.
With some foresight, even the most hectic entrepreneurs can embark on a much-deserved break without jeopardizing their business. The secret lies in preparing your colleagues and clients, selecting a locale suited for blending work and leisure, and defining personal boundaries.
Prepare for your working vacation
Notify clients, colleagues, and partners of your travel itinerary and limit commitments to only the most vital meetings during your absence. Everyone in your team should be informed about your schedule and ideally assist in managing tasks while you’re away. Draft clear instructions for your colleagues and assistants to reduce the likelihood of business-related communications during your vacation.
“It’s crucial to organize itineraries with the client’s workload in mind and keep the family entertained while the client is busy,” advises luxury travel consultant Stacy Fischer-Rosenthal, CEO of Fischer-Rosenthal Consulting and president of Fischer Travel. She also suggests securing refundable lodging and services whenever feasible to accommodate any last-minute alterations to your itinerary.
Make sure to check for Wi-Fi availability during your flight if necessary—but keep in mind that in-flight Wi-Fi may not always be reliable.
Select the right destination for your working vacation
If your availability is critical during business hours in your hometown, it may be unwise to travel across multiple time zones. When traveling to a different time zone, always verify your calendar to ensure that meeting times are accurately reflected. A location that is excessively isolated may be problematic if internet and cellular service aren’t reliable. Conversely, a trip to the Las Vegas strip could be overwhelming with disruptive neighbors and nocturnal celebrations.
Choosing the proper hotel for your working vacation is equally essential as picking the destination itself. Many hotels enhanced their remote work facilities during the pandemic to attract remote employees and extended stays. Basic necessities include fast Wi-Fi and a well-lit, dedicated workspace equipped with accessible power outlets, but properties like the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale offer ergonomic chairs, an “Express Lunch” menu, among other conveniences as part of their “Work at Leisure” program. The Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino provides “special Power Palapas on the beach complete with power and USB charging station, a laptop cooling pad, sunshade privacy cover, bottled water and power bowl with hydrating aloe juice or coconut water,” as per their website.
When booking extended visits, particularly during the off-peak season, hotels might extend discounts from their usual rates. For instance, Shangri-La The Shard, London is promoting a fourth night free when reserving three nights until December 22, while Shangri-La Bangkok is offering up to 25% off for guests who book five consecutive nights or longer until April 30. This is where a travel advisor like Fischer Travel proves valuable, examining hotels based on personal experiences through the perspective of a working traveler and helping to secure additional perks to improve your stay. “Sometimes, although no discounts are available, we can negotiate other inclusions for longer stays, such as spa treatments or food and beverage credits,” Fischer-Rosenthal explains.
Think about using an executive lounge
Fischer-Rosenthal regularly analyzes accommodation layouts before her clients arrive to determine the optimal work setup without disrupting their companions. Occasionally, she ensures a suite or additional lodging with sufficient workspace, away from the main bedrooms.
Executive or club lounges offered by Fairmont, Shangri-La, Langham, and Ritz-Carlton can also provide excellent workspaces during a working vacation. Many include quiet spots and conference rooms for meetings that may require advance reservations. “Our traveling clients often face time constraints and value all-day access to culinary offerings and convenience food,” explains Fischer-Rosenthal. “This is also advantageous for families, ensuring easy access to meals, which is great for kids.”
Honor work/time-off boundaries
Luxury realtor Nick Neacsu from Vancouver recently enjoyed a two-week vacation in Bali. He chose to travel in early January since it typically represents a quieter period in his profession, the only time when a longer getaway could be possible. To maintain healthy boundaries during his working vacation, Neacsu informed his clients he would be in Asia and although they could reach out if necessary, he wouldn’t be able to respond to emails and calls immediately. Due to the time difference, he received messages throughout the night, which he checked first thing in the morning.
“High achievers often overlook how much you’ve drained your energy,” says Neacsu. “It doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing scenario. Grant yourself permission to spend a day without engaging with clients. Generally, people who appreciate you desire the best for you.” There were only a few instances that required him to stay up late for urgent calls, but primarily, he felt at ease and reported that his clients were understanding and respectful of his time off.
Cherish each moment of your working vacation
Fischer-Rosenthal advises her working clients to dedicate time for spa services as a way to unwind after periods of labor. “We endeavor to carve out special, private moments with families and coordinate activities that align with our clients’ interests to ensure that they actually take time to enjoy their travels,” she notes.
Neacsu relishes fishing, and one of the most memorable parts of his Bali trip was enjoying an entire day of fishing with two local guides. He completely unplugged from his phone or computer that day but managed to catch a large trevally on a handline, which the chef at his boutique hotel, Alila Manggis, cooked for dinner that evening. Neacsu describes it as an unforgettable adventure, distinct from salmon fishing in Vancouver.
“Upon returning from my vacation, I felt revitalized to tackle work,” he shares. “Sometimes, the grind is so intense that you forget to savor it. A genuine getaway helps remind you why you strive so diligently.”
