You’ve had this vacation on your calendar for months. It’s finally the week before you get on that plane to travel to your long-planned, long-awaited vacation. However, no matter how well you plan for your trip, the week before you leave can be so hectic that you just want to throw up your hands and say, “I’ll deal with this later.” However, this approach will undo all the good that you’ll experience by taking some time off. So here are four things you can do to make the last week in the office before your vacation bearable.
- Make a list, check it twice
If it’s a big trip that is taking you out of the country or a different climate for longer than an extended weekend, you’re probably having to plan ahead in terms of wardrobe, pet-sitters, foreign currency and luggage fees. In addition, you’ve already made sure your passport is valid, your bags are on their way to being packed, and you’re on your way! Except you have 1000 other things to think of that are job related and home related. So start two lists with the nagging things in each category that you know will keep you up at night. Simply writing them down can keep the feeling that you’re going to forget to tackle them under control.
- Daydream, a little
It’s nearly impossible not to think about what you’re going to be doing on vacation in some way before you leave. However, don’t leave everything to the last minute so you’re forced to take long lunches the week before you leave to get the last minute essentials like sunscreen or a new parka. A little planning before hand will keep you from working non-stop the week before you leave. Your co-workers are likely excited for you and want to chat with you about what you have planned. Plan on a little more chit-chat in the hallways the week you leave, just because you’ll also be asking people to check in on things for you while you’re gone. Assure any co-worker that is covering for you while you’re on the beach or hitting the slopes that you will return the favor when it’s their turn to go on vacation. If you want to make sure you that they know how much you appreciate their support, bring them back a token of appreciation from your destination.
- Have a “Plan B”
It is likely that something will happen while you’re on vacation that you couldn’t plan for in the office. Sitting down with someone who you trust to help you while you’re enjoying some rest and relaxation will allow you to feel like your world will keep spinning at the office even when you’re unplugged. Give them the details of the projects or areas that will need some attention and what they should do if something really terrible happens. It’s always hard to know if the week you plan to leave is a good week for you to actually go by the time it arrives. If it’s a tough time for you to leave the office, make sure you have a “Plan B.” Meaning, if you’re going to have to work, what are your options? Does your hotel have wi-fi in the lobby or will you be able to work from the comfort of your hotel room? Will your cell phone work if you need it to? Will you need to get a separate plan to use it in your destination? -Just make sure that you can get in touch with work if you need to. There’s nothing worse than being on vacation and not being able to check in or be reached if disaster strikes. If you have to wait until you get back to the U.S. or travel to the next town over to get an internet connection, you’ll likely spoil part of your vacation trying to get connected.
- Reward yourself
When you resist the urge to completely check out the week before your vacation, you should reward yourself. Did you get the project done two days before vacation when you thought you’d be sending it to your team the day before you left? You should treat yourself to something you only do for yourself on a special occasion. We know, we know, you’re saving for your vacation, but rewarding yourself for staying the course when all you want to do is get your vacation started is a tactic that can help you keep your “eye on the prize.”
Did you know that the person who takes more than 11 vacation days a year is 30% more likely to get a raise? This was reported by the Harvard Business Review. Not only does a good vacation give you the opportunity to relax and explore something new, it gives you a moment to stop and allow the possibility of looking at what you do for a living from a different perspective. Many people report that they get their best ideas when they’re on vacation. So even though the week before you go on vacation can be one of the most hectic of your year, the benefits you’ll get from getting away for a few days will outweigh the situations you might encounter prior to checking out of the office. Happy Travels!