How to prepare for vacation from work
Wed Oct 24, 8:26 AM ET
A: For anyone planning to squeeze in a vacation before the end of the year, preparation can be the key to a relaxing break — but that means more than just buying a new swimsuit.
Prepping for your departure can spell the difference between a restorative respite and a harried holiday, according to organizing and time management expert Julie Morgenstern.
She offers the following tips for unplugging from the office:
_Let co-workers know a few weeks ahead of time that you'll be away, and ask if there's any tasks that need to be completed before you leave. That allows your colleagues to gear up for your departure while preventing last-minute projects from getting dumped in your lap.
_Visit a resort or stay at a hotel chain you have had enjoyed in the past. If you have only a week or two to unwind, you want to avoid unexpected complications, Morgenstern said.
_Consider breaking up your vacation days into several long weekends, rather than a two-week break once a year. You should be able to arrange for full coverage of your duties, which allows you to handle work only in case of an emergency. Plus, returning to the job will be easier without the loss of momentum that often follows a longer vacation.
"You can keep your finger on the pulse of things," Morgenstern said.
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