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.

Miranda Tillinghast

I feel like a lot of entrepreneurs feel they need to be 100% focused on their business and they put LIVING aside in life. I’ve managed to make LIVING my #1 priority all while making enough to LIVE and support me and my dogs lifestyle. We travel constantly and If I’m not exploring a new city or culture, or planning a fun new country to see then I feel I am not hitting my ultimate bucketlist of things I want to do before I die. Read more>>

Kelsie Tomlinson

As a photographer, I get to make my own schedule, giving me an advantage as a business owner taking a “vacation”. I put quotes around vacation because most of my travels are incorporated with my work as well. I work in my local area during busy times for photographers and work as much as I can. Right after Christmas is typically a slower period for photographers, however, I use this slowdown to my advantage. I save most all of my earnings from my busy period and use it for something that is extremely important to me, Travel. Read more>>

Courtney Malott

The few years I have owned my business I’ve learned that you definitely have to take time for yourself in order to grow better. We all need our moments to destress and relax, so I try to take at least two bigger trips or even staycations a year. My busy season is during most of the summer and fall so I try to plan my time off in the spring, when I have tiny bit more personal time. Read more>>

Patrick Long

Having worked in Silicon Valley for many years and being a business owner, I have felt the pressure to never take time off. It took me years and several close calls of complete burnout to understand that extended time off is critical to remaining fresh and motivated. I am not talking about long weekends, but a minimum of 7 days. Read more>>

Connie Costa

Absolutely! One of my specialties is creating luxury experiences for hard-working entrepreneurs in Sicily, Italy. I custom-design these magical itineraries where entrepreneurs can relax, reboot, recharge, and regenerate. I don’t just suggest that entrepreneurs take vacations; I urge them to! We often get so caught up in our busy lives that we forget how crucial it is to stop and take time for ourselves. Read more>>

Becka Payne

Yes, absolutely! Vacations (and rest) help with productivity and motivation. Whether it’s a quick weekend trip away or a full vacation for a week, I always feel more ready to work when I return. A huge part of my role as a sleep consultant, is coaching parents to rest — we all need it. None of us function at our full potential if we’re always “grinding.” Read more>>

Victoria Grace

Do I take vacations now? Yes. Have I always? No. In the first few years of my business the only time I took what could be considered “vacation time” was when I had an out-of-town session or wedding. Or, and this is not sarcasm, if I ran myself so ragged with stress that I landed myself sick and in the hospital for a few days and literally could not work. Read more>>

Jenn Doyle

Taking a vacation when you wear all the hats can be a challenge. I try to travel at less busy times, give my clients plenty of notice and be ready to jump back into action if i need to. That means making sure I have any information I might need on my phone and that it is always charged. Yes, there are always battery packs in my bags. I love my new Magsafe charger. Read more>>

Megan Ewing

Let me tell you, it’s been quite a journey juggling this crazy world of entrepreneurship with mom duties and a personal life. But yes, I absolutely do take vacations. In fact, I love to think of them as my “mini retirements.” I know that might sound strange, but it’s all about changing our perspective, right? Read more>>

Ruchita Varma

Yes! As much as possible and as many times as I can with work, kids and a dog! I truly enjoy seeing new parts in US and in the world, so much to see and experience I used to panic about shutting my business while traveling as a sole business owner but now see it as an opportunity to get inspired by travel, sights, experiences and bring it back to my work Read more>>