Every summer, millions of Americans take time off from their commitments, pack bags and hit the road for vacation. Going on vacation and avoiding hiccups in the office while gone takes a little more preparation than you might anticipate. Nobody wants to return to chaos, so here are some tips to help you stay organized and prepare for your summer getaway:
Communicate with the Right People
You’ve probably told your office buddies by the water cooler about your travel plans, but do your teammates and supervisors know? Tell them a soon as you make a vacation plan, so they can work around your schedule. You don’t want to leave anybody hanging!
Set Expectations for Availability
Will you periodically check your email or completely unplug while you’re away? Either way, make sure you tell your teammates, so they know if and when they can reach out to you. 
Prioritize Your Work
It may seem too simple, but making a prioritized checklist is a great way to keep yourself on track before your trip. After you create this list, start with the most important projects and work your way down.
Set Up Away Messages
Write a customized auto-response for your work email and set a new voicemail greeting detailing the dates you’re out and if you will be checking messages. It’s a courtesy for the people trying to contact you, so they know when they will hear from you or if they should try to reach your teammates instead.
You want to enjoy your vacation, not spend your time stressing about what’s going on at the office! Remember these tips before you leave, and enjoy your trip.
Have additional advice? Please leave a comment!