Out of Office, Out of Excuses! How I Finally Took the Trip & My Own Advice!
Jun 30, 2025
Newsflash, I am not an avid vacationer. Not because I don't enjoy a change of scenery, a glimpse into another culture, or sampling new cuisine. And I'm definitely not vacation averse, as I’m always game for a 3 day girls trip or a long weekend with the family. But a true vacation, we’re talking 7 days plus, seems daunting! The time away from my businesses, the reliance on others to fill in, the catch-up when returning, and don’t forget the exhausting prep and planning that a long vacation truly involves. The mere thought of these obstacles is enough to keep me planning comfortable 3 day jaunts. But time is not static. I have aging parents and a growing daughter, and knowing there is nothing like the present to seize your opportunities, I decided it was time!
So the fact that I just survived, enjoyed, and truthfully thrived on a 10 day vacation with my family is a testament that we can all make the hard choice to prioritize ourselves. How did I do it, you ask? I outsourced! I planned ahead. I hired professionals. I relied on the people in my sphere. I asked for help! I started Insomnia Mom to help women resist the stigma of asking for help and to give them resources to help outsource their overwhelm. Looks like I just needed to take a little of my own advice.
Check out my list of resources, from the mundane to absolutely necessary to help you enjoy & thrive on your next vacation!
1. โ Create a Shared Packing Checklist
Whether it’s a Google Doc or an app like PackPoint, make one list for the whole family and reuse it. Delegate packing tasks to older kids or partners—this isn’t a one-mom show.
2. ๐ Book Your Airport Ride Now
Seriously. Schedule your Uber or car service ahead of time. Future-you will not miss that mad dash and overpriced last-minute surge pricing.
3. ๐ฆ Order Travel-Size Essentials Online
Skip the drugstore scramble. Create a saved cart with your go-to mini toiletries and hit "order" before every trip.
4. ๐ฉ๐ป Set an Out-of-Office Email That Actually Sets Boundaries
This isn’t the place for “I’ll try to check email while I’m away…” No, you won’t. And you shouldn’t.
5. ๐งพ Block Off a Catch-Up Day After You Return
Don’t land back into meetings and laundry. Schedule your return like an introvert: with space. This changed everything.
6. ๐งน Book a Cleaning Service for the Day You Return
Coming home to a clean house = instant nervous system reset. Bonus points if you get fresh sheets. CLICK HERE to check out our Marketplace cleaning service providers.
7. ๐ฒ Use a Travel Planning App or Spreadsheet
Everything—flight info, reservations, packing list, budget—goes in one spot. Your brain deserves the break.
8. ๐จ๐ฉ๐ง Assign Vacation Roles
Divide and conquer. One person books excursions, one tracks logistics, one handles food plans. Kids can help too.
9. ๐ Line Up Your “Home Team”
Dog walker. Plant waterer. Neighbor to check the mail. Don’t leave gaps that leave you stressed.
10. ๐ฉ๐ผ Delegate With a Real Handoff
If you run a business (or even just your household!), don’t assume others know what to do. Write it down. Record a Loom video. Don’t ghost your responsibilities—transfer them.
11. ๐งโ๏ธ Schedule a Buffer Day for You
The day before you leave, or after you return. Block it off. No appointments, no laundry, no to-dos. Just decompression.
12. ๐ Hire a Travel Concierge or Local Expert
I know, I know—it sounds indulgent. But it's a game changer! Travel consultants really do have the inside scoop on how to maximize your vacation, get great deals, book everything you want on your itinerary & fix things if they go wrong. CLICK HERE for our Marketplace Travel service providers.