Do any of the following apply to you?

You can’t go a weekend without checking your e-mail. Your work day lasts a minimum of 12 hours. You’ve lost contact with friends and family. You can’t remember the last time you got a good night’s sleep.

If any of the above sounds like you, then you're in need of a little relaxation. Work is important, but so is the rest of your life. What good is all that dough you’re bringing in if you’re not spending a little of it on yourself? Here are a few quick vacations guaranteed to bring things back into perspective.

Splurge on a Luxury Hotel

What better way to reward yourself for all your hard work than sliding your weary body between 1000 thread-count sheets? High quality hotels can be pricey, but if you can afford it, they’re worth the money.

Stay in a hotel that offers a number of services and facilities, such as a mini-spa, gym, pool and gourmet restaurant. Take advantage of all of them while you’re there — and ask the concierge to ban you from the in-house office equipment.

Hit the Spa

What every workaholic needs is a little stress-relief. Spas offer incredibly luxurious ways to relax and rejuvenate. Splurge for a weekend or just go for the day. One facial, hot stone massage and restorative Yoga class later and you’ll feel like a new person.

Rent a Cottage

Feel like going to a home away from home, except quieter? A cottage is your best bet. Relax in the comfort of your own space far away from traffic, cell phones and e-mails.

Many cottage owners are willing to rent their properties for weekends and even weeks at a time. Start by asking friends and family if they know of anyone who’d be willing to rent out their place. Internet listings are also a great resource.

Go Camping

Camping is an inexpensive way to enjoy a vacation close to nature. If tenting isn’t your idea of comfort, consider renting and R.V. Choose a back-country site if you really want to get away from it all. Provincial and State parks are great places to start your search for the perfect camping experience.<pagebreak>If you don’t have the time or money to get away from home, consider a vacation right where you live. Here are a few suggestions.

Explore your City

Take a road trip around town. Enjoy the monuments, activities and tourist attractions your city has to offer. Chances are you’ve never noticed them before — probably too busy rushing from meeting to meeting!

If you live on a body of water, see if any boat cruises are offered. Some provide dinner and entertainment. You can even book a room overnight on some boats.

Relax at Home

Simply relaxing at home for an extended period of time can be a fulfilling getaway from your work life. Try sunning yourself on a lawn chair in your back yard with a tropical drink in hand and your cell phone turned off. Of course, that might be difficult now that the summer has passed, but you get the idea.

Have friends in for a movie night, potluck barbecue or poker game. Make the time to enjoy their company and inquire into their lives. You’ll realize there’s more going on in the world than just your company’s merger!

Paint the Town

If your job is comprised of you sitting in a lonely cubicle all day long, I suggest you reconnect with people and have a little fun.

Grab some friends and search for the best parties around town. Try a different club each night of the weekend. Make an effort to take in the social life of your city.


take a break

It’s easy to become completely absorbed in your profession, especially if you’re just starting to establish yourself. But sacrificing health, relationships and personal happiness won’t make you successful in the long run. Take a break — you deserve it!