5 tips for working on vacation

Sometimes working during vacation time is a must. Maybe you work in a leadership role or are in the middle of wrapping up an important project. Whatever the reason, a remote working vacation doesn’t have to be dull. There are plenty of strategies to employ to maximize fun while still retaining peace of mind that everything is ok back at the office. Follow these five tips to enjoy your time while also creating an easy transition once your vacation days are over.

Tips for a working vacation

1. Choose a time that’s not too busy at work

Schedule your vacation for a period of time that’s not overwhelming at work, whenever possible. This isn’t always possible if you need to book your reservations far in advance. But if you’re planning something within the next few months, choose a time that you know won’t be full of deadlines or other important deliverables you’re responsible for. For instance, if your office has a monthly meeting that you must present at, don’t pick that week. Or if you know a big quarterly project will be wrapping up, push back your vacation time to after that deadline. 

2. Remember to pack all of your equipment

The last thing you want to do during a remote work vacation is waste time going store to store, looking for a power cord or mouse that you forgot. Pack your technology and notes as soon as you wrap up your last day in the office. That way you have everything you need fresh in your head, from laptops and cords, to flash drives and phone chargers. If you’re a pen-and-paper type of person, grab your notebook and planner as well, in case you need to reference them while on vacation.

3. Determine your work schedule in advance

Give your boss and team members advance notice of when you’ll be on vacation. Then let everyone know when you plan to check in, such as checking your email once in the morning and once in the afternoon. Carving out specific work time sets clear expectations for you, your co-workers, and your travel partners. Choose a time that is least disruptive to those you’re on vacation with. Maybe your kids need a nap in the afternoon; or maybe your friends like to sleep in late but you’re an early bird. These are the ideal times to do some work while on vacation.

4. Set an out-of-office reply

Create OOO replies for both your work phone and email before you even head out. This takes off the pressure of feeling like someone is waiting for your response every day you’re away from the office. You can also ask a coworker to be your point of contact for urgent situations while you’re gone. Include their contact information for emergencies that someone outside your department can get in touch with.

5. Schedule an easy morning when you return

Even while keeping up with work while on vacation, your to-do list can pile up when you get back. Make the transition back to work life by keeping your schedule as light as possible on your first day back. Block off time in the morning to catch up on emails and voicemails rather than being thrown into back-to-back meetings. It’s not always possible, but you’ll feel less pressure if you have time to re-immerse yourself with work rather than jumping in headfirst.  

Bottom line: working on vacation

A little foresight and planning can create a stress-free vacation, even if you need to do some work while you’re there. Another way to reduce stress during your trip is to borrow a car with low prices and flexible rental policies. With Avail, there’s also no extra fee to add a second driver. 

Plus, cancellations are free. So even if a last-minute work obligation pops up and you need to change or cancel your reservation, you won’t end up with any hefty fees. 

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