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.

Jenna Valentine

ABSOLUTELY! My clients love that I take exceptional care of myself because it means that I am able to show up for them in deeper and more meaningful ways. Taking vacations rejuvenates me and helps me keep my metaphorical cup so full that it naturally overflows for the benefit of all those I work with. Vacations also allows me time to learn about new places and cultures, which gives me more connection points with both current and future clients. If I am preaching about self care, but not taking care of myself, I’m doing it wrong. Vacations are a nonnegotiable! Read more>>

Frank Wickstead

I go places but I don’t know that I take vacations. Meaning that I don’t typically detach from my professional life. And that is okay; I’ve designed a professional life that doesn’t really weigh be down (26 years into my professional life). It isn’t something that I need to escape to find relaxation or joy. On the other hand, I really love going places. And when I go places, I find myself reflecting on myself and my business and coming back with a better version or each. Read more>>

Marie Miller

When I transitioned out of teaching to start my own business, I thought I would be working 24/7 to get my business off the ground. Just in the few short months of the start up, I have learned that taking a “vacation”, or at least time to rest, makes me more productive and driven when it is time to get back to work. Starting my own business has been overwhelming and exhilarating: from learning how to market my brand, to networking, and following up on leads. I became absorbed in my new endeavor, never wanting to put my phone down or be away from my computer in fear of missing a possible lead. Read more>>

Robert Mitchel Owenby

Yes! I absolutely do! I’m a huge travel enthusiast and I absolutely LOVE budget travel! In fact, by the time you read this, I’ll have probably just gotten back from the trip that I’m currently planning: 18 Days in Greece! Almost every time I travel, my goal is to do, see, and experience as much as possible while spending the least amount of money that I can. Earlier this year, I backpacked Nicaragua for two weeks and spent well under $2000, including my flight, accommodations, food, etc. I hiked volcanos, I partied like a college student during Sunday Funday in San Juan de Sur, and I got “lost” exploring Ometepe Island by ATV. Read more>>

Asya Watkins

Absolutely! I took a solo trip earlier this year to Maui for my birthday and it was such an amazing experience. I bonded and created memories with a few awesome women who were also vacationing, we had a blast! Read more>>

Amal Hantash

Who doesn’t love vacation? Studies have shown that taking time away from the job can have physical and mental health benefits. People who take vacations have lower stress, less risk of heart disease, a better outlook on life, and more motivation to achieve goals. I’ve been to many places in the world. I’ve been to all of Western Europe, Middle East, the Caribbean Islands, Egypt, and Thailand. I’ve visited parts of the USA and of course locally here in Canada. I love travelling. It exposes me to different cultures, food, and adventures. It creates pleasant memories to remember and fun stories to tell. Read more>>

Marvin Brown

Yes. Vacations are the core of what I desire in life, I love to feel new experiences daily and understand the different cultures and cuisines from the various places I travel too. Read more>>