Freelancing makes its own schedule, no matter how organized you want your time to be. Whether it’s utter chaos or an occasional disorganized to-do list, planning your life as a freelancer can be challenging. One of the things that often gets pushed to the wayside is vacationing. So, how do you take a vacation as a freelancer? Read on to find out!

Vacationing as a freelancer isn’t impossible

Sometimes it may seem as though it is, but it isn’t! In the many years, I’ve been a freelance writer, I can tell you that successfully taking a vacation is all about planning. And by “successfully,” I mean that you enjoy your vacation and aren’t obsessing about work or checking your email every 5 minutes.

Tips for keeping your vacation freelance-free

Depending on what kind of freelancer you are, some of these may work better than others. These are the ones I use to help me unplug and enjoy some much-needed R&R.

• Don’t take “no” for an answer: This “no” could come from you, a client, a well-intentioned friend or family member, etc. Regardless of who is warning you away from your vacation, stay firm in your plans. You need this. You deserve this. You can take time off successfully without your business tanking.

• Don’t bring your computer with you: This is hard for many freelancers. If you really must take your computer, sign out of all your freelancing-related sites. If you have a tablet or smartphone, rely on that for your online needs while you’re on vacation. While you’re away, work doesn’t exist, remember?

• Travel somewhere that prioritizes offline time: This doesn’t mean you have to travel far or even at all, but go somewhere or do something that doesn’t mean you are sitting at the computer thinking about work. As far as what that thing is, it depends on what gives you the most enjoyment! Anything from a coffee shop to a museum is fine.

• Have an accountability buddy: I’ll be honest — this is my most important tip. If I have someone that I “report” my vacation time to via photos, text updates, etc., I’m less likely to miss freelancing work or to think about it. This buddy doesn’t have to be another freelancer, just someone in your personal life that loves you and wants you to relax and enjoy your time off.

Freelancers are people too

Whether you’re planning a big trip with lots of traveling or going for a staycation, it’s essential for your mental health and self-care. These tips will help you keep it as positive as possible and ensure that you can sit back and relax for a bit of time for a well-deserved recharge. And that’s what a vacation is all about, right?

What are some of the best vacations you’ve taken as a freelancer? Do you unplug like I do, or stay plugged in?  Do you have other tips to help other readers enjoy their own a bit more?  Share below