From office pool to resort pool

Juggling the work-play combo

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I shouldn't have to supply a list of case studies to convince you that time away from your work and distance away from your workplace can reduce your stress, improve your health, clear your mind and reinvigorate your soul.

Thanks to the same benefits, vacations can have a payoff for your business, too. Who among us doesn't perform better when rested, refreshed and rejuvenated? For business travelers and the companies who employ them, time off is a win-win situation, because it allows individuals traveling for their companies the chance to mix work and play on the same trip.

Successfully pulling off this work-play combination, however, is another matter. Sure, it can be done—but it is always a challenge to make sure that neither pursuit interferes with the other. Here are some tips that can help.

Schedule it right
According to Dr. Stephen Smith, professor of tourism at the University of Waterloo, it's generally best to vacation following the business portion of your trip, so you won't have thoughts of work looming over your leisure time. Moreover, you can use your vacation as an incentive to get the most out of your business trip.

An exception to this rule is if the business you will be conducting requires that you do immediate follow-up work. In those cases, vacation first. Or better yet, postpone the vacation until you can schedule it to follow your work.

Schedule it right away
Once you've decided that combining business and leisure makes sense, arrange both with equal thoroughness. Attention to the details of business travel can help to accomplish your goals, and careful vacation planning can get you the best selection of accommodations and activities at the best price.  

Prepare your troops
Just as you should keep your boss and compatriots advised of your business travel plans, do the same with your plans for vacationing. As soon as you make your plans, let everyone in your work stream know what you're up to.

Cut the cord
If you feel that you must leave an "emergency" telephone number behind at work, make it clear what you define as an emergency—e.g., flood, fire, famine—not Bob in accounting wanting to know about the purchase you made last quarter.

Brief your traveling companions
Professor Smith notes that in about three quarters of the cases when business travelers extend their trips to add on some fun, they bring along a family member or friend. If that's your plan, make it clear to your traveling companions that you will be unavailable during the working portion of your trip. Encourage them to plan activities, so they neither interfere with your business nor feel left out.

Draw the line
Don't use your vacation time to catch up on business—and, of course, don't play around when you should be working. When you complete the business portion of your combined trip, ship your work materials home or send them back with a colleague. If that doesn't work for you, at least pack away your business materials in a separate bag you will not open until your vacation is over.

Ease the transition
The purpose of a vacation is to "decompress" from the tension of your job. Consequently, you may need some extra time upon returning to work to "recompress." Plan to ease back into the saddle. Avoid making important decisions or scheduling any activities that require intense concentration for the first day or so. Instead, use your initial time back in the office to catch up on email and phone messages and to learn about any company changes.

If you're planning a work-and-leisure combination trip, these tips should help. But if you're reading this on the job—stop. Make your vacation plans and get back to work.

If you're reading this on vacation—stop. Take another dip in the pool.

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Related Err Travel columns

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Traveling with the boss -- It could be your ticket up (or down) the corporate ladder
Stress free(er) travel -- Manage what you can
Prevent packing on vacation pounds -- The skinny on travel and diet
Occupation revelation -- There are worse jobs than mine

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