Being a blogger and taking a break; the two don’t easily mingle. I remember the first time I went on a holiday ever since I started blogging - I was 19 at the time and half of my views probably came from just me. But my blog, called This chick’s got style at the time, was my biggest passion project and I couldn’t bear the idea of losing readers or letting go of my quality standards (that at the time meant a mirror selfie a day, but who’s judging).

As a result, I spent hours dripping in sweat in an ancient internet cafe in Barcelona writing about Zara’s new collection while my boyfriend at the time got grumpier and grumpier. Not my idea of a holiday.

No matter if your blog is a part of your company, or something you do for yourself, there are plenty of ways to make sure your blog is alive and kicking while you are able to truly kick back and relax.

ONE MONTH IN ADVANCE
Start producing bigger articles
After you’ve overcome your panic attack (only THIRTY days left? How?) begin thinking about a tight schedule. Since your vacation is a reward for all your hard work, this is the time to step it up a notch. Start producing bigger articles now you still have the time to schedule them in. This way, you’ll keep your last-minute stress to a minimum.

Research your recent top articles
While you’re away it’s difficult to tap into the news. There’s no need to type about random actualities when you know what your readers really want. Dive into your stats and comments and get to know what really hit home with your readers in the last weeks.

Reach out to your core audience
Big chance summertime is the season when your site is at it’s slowest, so the readers that will stick are probably your most loyal visitors. Use this time to serve their needs without worrying so much about new people visiting.

Focus on deepening your bond while you’re away
While there’s still some time before your holiday, go and talk with your readers via a poll, a mini-vlog or social canals. Ask them what they want to read about. Schedule a few of those articles along the same line while you are gone.

Amp up the get-togethers
Make your team or blogging companion know what’s going on in the agenda. Talk your plans through and make sure you’re all on the same page.

ONE WEEK IN ADVANCE
Start planning
You might want to post less frequently when you’re away, but consistency is key! Keep your blog style recognizable and plan in at least one in-depth article per week which makes your unique expertise stand out. Make these posts tiny packages: title + text + image + relevant links. Schedule and don’t forget to plan your posts in on Facebook.

Wrap up your brand collaborations
If you’re working with brands, make sure you finalized your collaboration. Do not plan this kind of posts when you’re on holiday and make sure your agent or agency know you have limited internet access.

Announce to your readers that you’re going on holiday
Let your readers know that there might be a few changes in your posting rhythm and give them a few things to look forward to - give them a peek of the articles they can aspect when you’ll return and what will be published in between.

Create little exciting moment when you’re away
You now know what content and subjects make your readers happy. Make sure your blog is still appealing and worth a visit. Create little happy moment by organizing a giveaway with one of your favorite brands or write a personal article to be published when you’re away.

TWO DAYS IN ADVANCE
Include your audience in your holiday plans
Since you’re both on the same page, share your pre-holiday excitement. Rather than ignoring the fact that you’ll be gone for a few weeks, include your audience in your journey. You have to pack your suitcase anyway, so involve your readers and write an article on your in-flight essentials, favorite travel Instagrammers, three outfits you’d style with the same shorts and so on… Ideas are endless!

Connect the dots
Tidy your desktop, make sure you save important items and make an extra copy of your hard drive before you press ‘shut down’ on your laptop.

Create a backup plan
A very common scenario in blogging: you’ve misspelled a name in an interview, scheduled your Facebook post at 3 AM instead of PM, a link in an advertorial isn’t working… you name it, it has happened to either you or me. Make sure to have a backup plan when you’re in need of help. Are you going to bring your laptop or are you going to put someone in charge while you’re gone? Are you going to close your comment section or are you going to let someone else moderate it? Some pretty important things to cover while you’re out of town.

DURING YOUR HOLIDAY
Blogger burnout is a very real thing. If you feel like you need a break just take it easy and don’t about posting. If you’re one of those people, however, that gets re-energized by being in a new environment, these are a few things that you might be interested in doing while you’re away:
• Take a break from your blog, but share your day-to-day adventure on Instagram
• Make scenic outfit posts
• Experiment with photography by only using a polaroid or disposable camera
• Create a city guide of your tropical destination

Do you recognize my sweaty Barcelona anecdote or are you a blogger who can easily lets go of the pre-holiday stress?

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