As a business owner it’s easy to feel like your work is never done – because no matter how much you do, there is always more that could theoretically be done. Many business owners we’ve spoken with also feel that they have a responsibility to be available to their team and that if they step away they are putting an undue burden on their team. So, we wanted to hear from a broad range of business owners on whether they take vacations and we’ve shared some of their responses below.

James Mason

Believe it or not, I just took my first *official* vacation—and it was amazing! Now, don’t get me wrong, I’ve been on a few family trips, but those always seemed to happen during the slower seasons at work. For the past 3 or 4 years, my friends and I have had this running joke about taking a trip together. Twice a year, we’d hype each other up with grand plans, start looking at flights and Airbnbs, and then, nothing—it would always fall through. Read more>>

Shreeyeh Rajan

Yes, I do take vacations, even though it can be tough as a business owner, especially when the places I visit relate to my content creation. My approach is to separate my vacation from my work by focusing solely on taking photos and videos during the trip. I enjoy the trip without the pressure of editing or creating content right away. Once the vacation is over, I handle the content creation—this way, I’m able to be present and still keep my business running. Read more>>

Lydia Fenet

YES YES YES. I live for vacations, but as an entrepreneur it can be hard in the midst of my busy schedule to carve out that vacation time. Now that I own my own business, I approach work trips like a mini vacation. I travel so much it would be easy to dread it, but that is a wasted opportunity. I travel 80+ days a year for work and pleasure so I have a ton of tips for making every work trip feel like a vacation. No matter where you are headed, plan ahead to ensure you have time to do something you enjoy. When I travel to a city where my best friends live, I stay with them instead of a hotel so that we can spend free down time together whenever possible. I always bring my running shoes to take a jog or take a call while walking around the city so I don’t feel like I am flying in just to fly back out. I never eat in my hotel room, I always venture out and sit by myself at a restaurant and work from there so I get a sense of the town where I am staying. Uber drivers are a wealth of information for the hottest places in town because they usually pick up and drop off all over the city. Plane time is found time so make a list of things you need to get done and spend time checking things off that list while you fly. A vacation starts the minute you walk out of your every day into an unknown place – for work or for pleasure. Shift your mindset to treat every trip like a vacation and don’t squander a minute of it. You will be surprised how that small mindset shift can make every trip more fun. Read more>>

Victoria Alata

Yes, I do take vacations and when I do, I have some projects already prepared that I can post during that time, or I also repost old projects that new followers may not have seen. Having some time away from social media helps me reset and come back with new energy and ideas. Vacations are a period of reconnection with my origins and life purposes. Read more>>

Tayo Lasaki

Personally I believe that taking a break is a necessity no matter how busy you get because if you don’t take it voluntarily and in good health, you may end up taking it involuntarily on a sick bed or worse. I love vacations and I believe it helps my mental state and rejuvenates me. It’s important to find time to step away from ones business for a short break which doesn’t even necessarily have to be a vacation. When I come back from such breaks, it’s feels so good and makes it seem like I’m coming back refreshed and better. Read more>>

Brittney James

ABSOLUTELY!! Traveling is so important for me. I love experiencing new cultures, vibes and sights! Growing up I always dreamed of traveling on my own accord which is one of the reasons I started my business. I wanted to be able to travel whenever and have the financial freedom to do so. If you’re an entrepreneur, I highly advise getting away from your business to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Read more>>