“A vacation is having nothing to do, and all day to do it in.”

I’m writing this from Denver, Colorado. I’m taking a four-day mini-vacation, which I do at least four times per year. I like to get away on a quarterly basis, which helps me to rejuvenate. Plus, it’s fun!

There’s been a lot of attention in the media lately about vacations. And the stories are disturbing. Fewer people are taking vacations, due to increased work demands, and the difficulty of dual-income couples to coordinate vacation schedules.

According to one new study, conducted by Harris Interactive for Expedia.com, only 12 percent of Americans plan to take a two-week vacation in 2007. This is down 16 percent from 2006.

With entrepreneurs, the trend is even worse. A survey commissioned by Discover revealed that 23 percent of small business owners have not taken even one week-long vacation in more than four years!

It’s extremely important to take time off. Even though we often feel like we can’t get away, that’s actually when we most need to get away. In addition to clearing your mind, vacations are fun, and provide memories (for both you and your family) that will last a lifetime.

I know it’s hard to be gone for two weeks. I’m planning a two-week vacation right now for August, and coordinating not only adult schedules, but kids’ schedules, isn’t easy. It will also be difficult to be away from my business for that long. The business will survive my absence, though, and I will enjoy an amazing time with my family.

If you can’t take a two-week vacation this year, here are some additional ways to work less and enjoy more time off:

- Take a four-day mini-vacation. Although long weekends won’t rejuvenate you as much as a week or two, they do provide enough time for a quality family (or alone) getaway. Four days is enough time to enjoy a long weekend practically anywhere in the country, and can also be enjoyed closer to home.

- Take a four-hour vacation during the week. Four hours is enough time to recharge your batteries during the week. Put this “appointment” into your schedule, and reward yourself. You could enjoy a long lunch in the park, go to a movie, go shopping, or just take a walk and see where it leads you.

One final thought about these vacations, whether four hours or four weeks long: If you’re tied to technology (cell phone, PDA, etc.), then you’re not really on vacation. I’ll write more about that next time.

* * * * *

What vacation plans do have? Please share your ideas for "working less" this summer.