As you read this, I’ll be on safari in Africa. Now, my idea of a summer vacation is plopping down on the beach with a good book, strolling back to the cottage for lunch, and maybe taking a nap—not running for my life from a lion. But alas, vacation decisions are not mine alone to make. Nevertheless, I am excited to be exploring this amazing continent for the first time.

Perhaps you’ve already taken your vacation or you’re simply too busy to take time off, but for those who still have their summer break ahead, here are 10 tips for you to get the most out of your time away from work:

1. Plan ahead (but not too much)

As an AE firm principal, you’re probably used to meticulous planning. Gantt charts and timelines are your bread and butter. However, while a bit of planning is essential for a successful vacation, remember to leave some room for spontaneity. You don’t need a minute-by-minute itinerary. Instead, have a rough idea of what you’d like to do, but allow for those unexpected adventures—like finding the perfect hidden beach or stumbling upon a quaint village.

2. Delegate like a pro

One of the toughest parts of taking a vacation is stepping away from your work. Your team relies on you, and it might feel like the sky will fall if you’re not there. Trust me, it won’t. Delegate responsibilities to your trusted colleagues before you leave. Ensure that everyone knows their roles and has access to necessary resources. Consider setting up a point of contact who can make decisions in your absence. Remember, effective delegation not only gives you peace of mind but also empowers your team and helps them grow.

3. Disconnect to reconnect

We live in an era where we’re constantly connected. Emails, Teams messages, and project updates can follow us everywhere, even to the most remote locations. Set boundaries for your digital devices. Inform your team and clients that you’ll be offline and stick to it. Designate specific times if you must check in, but otherwise, let yourself be present in the moment. You might be surprised at how refreshing it is to disconnect and enjoy your surroundings.

4. Indulge in your hobbies

Vacation is the perfect time to indulge in your hobbies or even discover new ones. Whether it’s reading that book you’ve been meaning to get to, taking up painting, or exploring underwater worlds through scuba diving, engaging in activities you love will help you unwind and recharge. These moments of fun and relaxation are what vacations are all about.

5. Explore new cultures and cuisines

Apply the creativity you summon at work to your vacation. Immerse yourself in the local culture, try new foods, and interact with locals. Whether it’s savoring street food in Bangkok, learning to tango in Buenos Aires, or participating in a traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto, these experiences will broaden your horizons and provide fresh perspectives that can be surprisingly useful when you return to work.

6. Embrace the power of nature

There’s something inherently rejuvenating about spending time in nature. Whether it’s hiking through a national park, snorkeling in a coral reef, or simply lying on a beach listening to the waves, nature has a way of recharging our batteries. Time spent in natural settings can reduce stress, improve mood, and increase overall well-being. So, give a mountain trail a try, or maybe roll a hammock under a grove of palm trees.

7. Balance adventure and relaxation

While it’s great to have some adventurous activities on your itinerary, don’t forget to balance them with relaxation. For every day of zip-lining through the jungle, have a day where you lounge by the pool. This balance will ensure that you return from your vacation both exhilarated and rested, rather than needing a vacation to recover from your vacation.

8. Capture memories, not just photos

Allow moments to savor your vacation experiences in real-time. Sure, take photos to capture memories, but also truly be there. Otherwise, instead of surfing real waves, you might as well just surf the internet for pictures that will be pretty close to the ones you’d have taken anyway.

9. Reflect and reset

Vacation is a great time for some personal reflection. Take a little time (I repeat, a little time) to think about your goals and aspirations. What do you want to achieve in the next year, both professionally and personally? Use this time to reset your priorities and return to work with a clear mind and renewed sense of purpose and vigor.

10. Bring a bit of vacation home

Once you’re back, try to incorporate some of the relaxation and fun of your vacation into your daily life. Maybe it’s enjoying a quick breakfast on your porch, setting aside time for a hobby, or planning short weekend getaways. These small changes can help maintain the vacation bliss and keep stress at bay.

– Morrissey Goodale is a content partner.

Original content can be found at Morrissey Goodale.

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