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.

Greg Meade

Yes, I travel nearly every month to a new location whether its for a few weeks or days. Getting the mind a new environment is the best form of creativity and motivation for myself. Read more>>

Caressa Cameron – Jackson

I’ve learned over the years that you cannot pour from an empty cup. As a wedding planner it was really easy to fall into patterns where I was constantly accessible to my couples, or feel like if I stepped away for even a moment things would fall apart. What I soon found out is by not stepping away I often ended up feeling burnt out & not being able to show up as my best self in any area of my life. Read more>>

Lindley Favor

YES absolutely! One of the main reasons I decided to work for myself was so that I was in charge of MY OWN schedule. Being that I am a one person team, communication is huge when working with my clients. I let them know before hiring me that a work/life balance is incredibly important to me and that while I absolutely love designing interiors, I equally love traveling to get that inspiration to design! Read more>>

Nakia Starr

Vacations are my definition of mixes business with pleasure. I find time to photograph my products in beautiful locations outside of LA. I always use travel as a way to get thinks accomplished without solely focusing on just business. It is really fun to learn about other cultures while growing your business. Read more>>

Shannon D

Vacations are not only to experience fun, enjoyment, and good times. They also can have an impact on your mental outlook. So, yes I take vacations. I have incorporated travel into my lifestyle, that now I made it my career you might say. Vacations allow one to be removed from the ordinary mundane duties of work. Read more>>

Fletch Power

As an employee, I used to take vacations, but since becoming a business owner, I’ve embraced the concept of holidays, thanks to a valuable insight from a friend in London. She explained that a vacation is typically something you need to request from superiors, while a holiday is yours to take at your discretion. The term ‘holiday’ carries a sense of agency that resonates with me as a business owner. Read more>>

MaryAnne Wendt

I enjoy vacations! As a solo entrepreneur who works 7 days a week, I feel it’s crucial to take time off and enjoy some downtime whenever possible. If a 7-9 day family vacay doesn’t work for financial or scheduling reasons, then mini trips are great! I live in Southern California, with so many options just a car ride away. Read more>>

Melissa Kanarek

Because travel is such a massive part of my life for the last 25 years, having it be a part of my business was mandatory. Having a brick & mortar means that my travels always have a work component in sourcing. Wherever I find myself in the world, I am able to reach beyond the touristic sights and really immerse myself in the culture. Read more>>

Tanya Geisler

I am a BIG proponent of taking vacations. Read more>>

Jessica Powell

Yes I absolutely take vacations! Although maybe not as many as I’d like. I understand though how it can feel impossible to step away from those work obligations – you are the one keeping the business or the project afloat, you’re not sure if you can afford it, you don’t want to let your clients or your team down, you are the only one that can do what you do… ! Read more>>

Amanda Sullivan

Yes, taking a vacation is a must as a business owner. While having a business some of us have families and we need to also focus on family! I personally keep things going by telling my customers we are on vacation. Any questions or concerns they can email us. We also let everyone know by a social media post of the vacation days etc. Read more>>

Vernell Davis

Balancing Business and Bliss through Travel for Self-Employed Entrepreneurs is essential. Read more>>