Stress-Free Vacation Planning: Before and After Tips

Getting Ready for Vacation

Embarking on a vacation should be an exciting journey, not a source of stress.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the essential steps to prepare for your departure and ensure a smooth transition back to work. 

From marking your calendar to delegating tasks and setting up your out-of-office notifications, we've got you covered. 

Whether you're taking a short break or a long holiday, these strategies will help you leave with peace of mind and return to a stress-free workspace. 

Let's dive in and make your next vacation the most relaxing one yet."

Getting Ready for Vacation

When you find out when you'll be going on vacation, the first thing to do is mark those dates on your work calendar. Do it right away. Don't wait, even if your vacation seems far off. This is important because you don't want anyone at work to schedule meetings or tasks for you during that time.

The Week Before You Leave

In the final week before your vacation, double-check your calendar. Make sure it's empty for the time you'll be gone. You won't be there to attend any meetings or complete tasks, so your calendar should reflect that. 

If you've been invited to meetings during your vacation, tell the person organizing them that you won't be there. 

Start giving out tasks to others who can handle them in your absence. Do this early enough so they can ask questions and understand what needs to be done. 

The Last Day Before Vacation

On the last day before your vacation, finish all the work you can. Don't leave unfinished tasks for others. 

Check in with those who will be covering for you. Make sure they know what to do and how to reach you in an emergency. Define what counts as an emergency, so there's no confusion. 

Set up your email and voicemail to let people know you're on vacation and who to contact instead. 

Lastly, clean your desk. Coming back to a tidy desk will make your return less stressful.

Returning from Vacation

Try to come back from your vacation well-rested. Consider arriving at work earlier than usual on your first day back. This gives you a head start to deal with any issues that arose while you were away. 

Prepare for the worst, but hope for the best. If you come back to a messy desk or a lot of work, take a deep breath. Tackle one thing at a time and take breaks when you need to. 

Conclusion

Going on vacation should be relaxing, not a source of stress. By preparing your workplace before you leave and having a plan for your return, you can enjoy your time off. Remember, the key is communication and organization. With these tips, you can make your next vacation smooth and come back to a manageable situation at work. 

Now, think about your past vacations. Were they chaotic? 

With these strategies, your next vacation can lead to bliss, not chaos. Whether you're your own boss or work for someone else, these tips can help you enjoy your time off and return smoothly.

I’m Mark Struczewski, also known as Mister Productivity and host of The Mister Productivity Podcast.

I am a productivity coach. I help busy executives cut distractions, prioritize tasks, and gain daily clarity. This way, they can live The Productive Life.

Get free training and join The Productive Life email newsletter. It has productivity and other tips to help you lead a better life clicking here.