Why I Negotiate for Vacation Days: The ROI of a "Strategic Reset"

With this view, we could have spent the whole trip sitting on our balcony at Katerina Mare Hotel

In the US corporate world, we wear "exhaustion" like a badge of honor. We brag about not taking time off. Since moving to Europe, my mindset has shifted entirely. Here, rest isn't a reward for burning out; it's a prerequisite for high performance. This trip to Greece wasn't just a "girls' trip" - it was a necessary system reboot.

Even as a girl who loves and priorittizes travel, big trips like this can sometimes feel overwhelming in the lead up. But the second your host delivers wine and cheese to a balcony overlooking the sea with your besties? Any stress is gone so quickly you almost forgot it was there.

I've found that for ambitious women, our constant juggle of career demands, personal responsibilities, and the ambition keeps pushing us forward. And sometimes finding true 'reset' time can feel like another thing on an already overflowing to-do list. But trips like these have taught me that intentional pauses aren't just a luxury; they're a necessity.

So last year, I hopped on a flight to meet some of my closest friends in sunny Greece. One of my favorite things about these girls' friendship is that for 10+ years we've always created time for each other - despite being cities and oceans apart. So this trip to Greece (and especially our time in Paros) was a perfect example of how one girls trip can enable us to strategically recharge, deepen friendships, and return home ready to tackle new horizons.

The European Approach to PTO

One of the main reasons I advocate for moving abroad is the work-life balance.

• The US Norm: 10 days off (scared to use them).

• The Expat Norm: 25+ days off (encouraged to use them).

  
  

This trip was possible because I work in a market that respects the "Disconnect." We didn't check Slack. We didn't answer emails. And guess what? The world didn't end.

Our trip was all about the quality time you just can't get in quick catch-up calls. We picked up right where we left off, starting our conversation and the airport arrivals gate and not ending it until we departed a week later. These included the deep conversations that make female friendship so special, from career struggles to relationship goals and future plans.

Our Serene Home Bass #Hotel in #Paros

From the moment we arrived at Katerina Mare hotel, with its gorgeous views and the incredibly welcoming host, we knew we'd made the right choice. Starting our day having coffee and local pasties (shout out to baklava and chicken pies!) on our balcony - watching sailboats bobbing along the clear Aegean Sea - almost convinced me to move there.

Fueled by our relaxing ritual, we were able to leisurely navigate the island of Paros - soaking up the sun while visiting every incredible recommendation from our lovely local host Dimitra. Did we mention that everyone we met in Paros - from hotel hosts to restaurant staff and boutique owners - was the friendliest person EVER? Every detail of the hotel and the local atmosphere contributed to our feeling of complete rejuvenation.

Our Delicious #Cooking Class

Beyond the flowing conversations, Paros offered the perfect backdrop for our strategic reset. One of the absolute highlights was a one-day cooking class at Margarita Studios. Stella, our host, was a "girls' girl" through and through. We made amazing fresh food right from her farm that I will genuinely never be able to recreate (despite being given the recipes). This was such a wholesome, healthy living experience that reminded me how beautiful it is to embrace simplicity and connection to nature. Trust me, I've done A LOT of amazing activities over decades of travel. This was a Top 3 travel experience for sure.

Final #Reflections on our Girls Trip

Paros was an island full of vibrant culture, welcoming people, and successful women. Not only did DImitra and Stella give us an incredible lesson in hospitality and business ownership, but we also met so many amazing local (female!) artisans in the boutique shops on the island. All of these experiences were wonderful ways to connect with the island's culture and find those small, intentional joys that make a trip memorable.

I, for one, returned a new woman. This wasn't just a vacation; it was an investment in well-being, friendships, and ability to show up fully in our ambitious lives. The relaxation, the calming atmosphere, the fresh food, the friendly locals, and most importantly, the deep quality time with old friends, all combined to provide a powerful reset.

How will you take your next #Strategic Reset

If you're a driven woman constantly chasing your next big goal, remember the power of the strategic reset. These moments of intentional connection allow us to refuel our ambition and prepare for the horizons ahead.

Share your plans with us below so we can live vicariously through you.

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