Add some digital time-off to your vacation

Now that our cell phones are actually multi-function devices, setting them aside completely while on vacation may not be feasible. Not only do they serve as a camera for those holiday pics, they are also our time keepers, our route maps, and our kid trackers. So, if you’re not ready to leave the phone behind, let’s at least look at some ways to minimize the work related disruptions.

Set an email auto-responder

Most email systems have an auto-responder that will send an automatic reply to everyone who emails you. You write the message yourself, so you can state the dates you are away, as well as who they might contact if the issue can’t wait until your return. Two things I’ve learned: Set the autoresponder for specific dates, so you don’t forget to turn it off when you get back. But, give yourself an extra day on both ends.

Change your voice mail message

If you’re not in the habit of changing your voice mail each day, change it the day before you leave on vacation with the same info as the auto email. Don’t give your cell number on that message.

Turn off notifications

Agree on one method of staying in touch with those travelling with you. Ideally, choose one that your work contacts don’t have or don’t use to contact you routinely. Then, turn off notifications for everything else.

Consider wearing a watch

If you really want to unplug, consider wearing a watch and buying them for the rest of your travel crew as well. You can get some pretty inexpensive ones, and you won’t be tempted to check your phone quite so often if you don’t need it to check the time.

Pack old-school activities

A pack of cards, a few engaging board games, and a bit of creativity, will give you things to do together, rather than all playing games on your separate devices.
Save the social media posts for when you get home
This is a good practice for security reasons as well. We all want to share, but waiting until you’re home to post those vacation pics, will also keep you from scrolling through all those posts from everyone else.

Wishing you a safe and restful vacation.