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.

Sarah Cummins

Vacations are essential. While sometimes I travel to awesome locations for shoots and weddings and it feels like a vacation, my husband and I always make sure to book at least 2 trips a year. One for just the two of us and one for our kids. Sometimes we have more if if possible. I believe it’s important to take breaks to reset your mind and body and we love making memories with out two young daughters. Read more>>

Shannon Bonneau.

My husband and I love to travel! We try our best to carve out time to travel just the two of us but also with our children; whether it’s a big vacation or short trips to the beach. It can be difficult to get away with our business, but everyone needs a break once in a while! Read more>>

Claire Curtis

When running a small business there is almost no time off as you’re wearing so many different hats and responsible for everything. For me personally, setting and maintaining boundaries has been the hardest part of being a small business owner as I try to be present for my family and not get burnt out. Over the past two years, I have taken some time off to travel and most recently move. Read more>>

Andrea Cothern

Managing my life and my career takes a lot of balance. It sounds shopworn but the adage “work hard, play hard” comes to mind. It’s true, the more I work the more time I need to decompress. As far as vacations yes, I travel a lot and I have a network of friends that join me on amazing adventures but also, I love to decompress and vacation at home with my dog and a simple meal. Read more>>

Sheridan Taylor.

Yes I do but not as often as I’d like. I travel for work so to me that doesn’t count as a vacation. I remember growing up my mom would always plan trips for my brother and I. It would be the three of us going on adventures during the summers or holidays. I enjoyed that so much growing up. Now that I’m older and work can get busy I don’t want that to be an excuse not to take a vacation. It’s perfectly fine to take time off and relax. Read more>>

ALISON MASSON.

Since I just got back from two and a half weeks in Europe, and my first “real vacation” since 2019, I thought this was a perfect question to answer. Read more>>