10 Best Vacation Notice Email Sample Templates for Your Out of Office Message

Hey there!

It’s always exciting when vacations come around, isn’t it? But sometimes, preparing for them can be stressful. Between packing, scheduling, and making sure everything in the office is taken care of before you leave, it can feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day.

But fret not! We’ve got you covered with a vacation notice email sample that will help take the hassle out of your vacation planning. This sample can be found on our website, where you can also find other examples and edit them as needed to fit your specific situation.

So whether you’re taking a quick weekend getaway or an extended trip, use our vacation notice email sample to let your team and contacts know that you’ll be out of the office and who to contact in your absence. With this taken care of, you can relax and enjoy your well-deserved break to the fullest.

And as Tim Ferriss would say, “escape the 9-5, live anywhere, and join the new rich.” Happy vacationing!

The Best Structure for a Vacation Notice Email Sample

As Tim Ferriss, the renowned author and entrepreneur, emphasizes in his book “The 4-Hour Work Week,” proper communication is a cornerstone in any successful endeavor. This applies to your vacation notice email sample as well. In order to make the most of your time off and avoid any confusion or misunderstandings, consider the following structure for your email:

1. Start with a clear subject line

Your subject line should be concise but informative, so your colleagues or clients know exactly what to expect. For instance, “Upcoming Vacation Notice: [Your Name]” would be a good option.

2. State the purpose of your email

Let your recipients know that you’re sending this email to inform them of your upcoming vacation. This could include the dates, any significant events during your time off, and who to contact in case of emergencies.

3. Express appreciation for their understanding

This is an excellent opportunity to express your gratitude for your colleagues or clients’ support during your vacation. Mention that you’ll be back soon and looking forward to continuing your work together.

4. Provide contact information for emergencies

In case of any emergencies, it’s important to include contact information for someone who can help. Make sure you leave clear instructions, so everyone knows who to call or email and what kind of emergency qualifies.

5. Close politely

End your email on a positive note and include a formal closing such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards”. You could also insert a casual note, such as “Wish you all the best” or “Looking forward to reconnecting when I get back.”

By following this structure, you ensure that your vacation notice email sample is clear, informative, and professional. Your colleagues or clients will appreciate the heads up and look forward to your return, while any emergencies are covered by your clear instructions.

Vacation Notice Email Samples

Vacation Notice for Family Emergency

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I regret to inform you that I will need to take an emergency vacation due to a family emergency. My grandmother has been hospitalized and is in critical condition. I must travel to [location] to be with her and my family during this difficult time. I plan to be away from work for [number] weeks, from [start date] to [end date].

I have already arranged for coverage of my responsibilities during my absence. [Co-worker’s Name] will be taking over my projects and will be in charge of communicating with my clients. I have also provided detailed instructions and notes on how to complete my tasks, which will be left on my desk.

Thank you for your understanding during this difficult time. I will be in touch with [co-worker’s name] and checking my email periodically while I am away. Please let me know if there anything else I can do before I leave.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Vacation Notice for Wedding

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I am excited to inform you that I will be getting married in [location] on [date]. I plan to take a vacation to celebrate this special occasion and spend time with my new spouse. I will be away from work for [number] weeks, from [start date] to [end date].

I have already coordinated with [co-worker’s name] to cover my duties while I am away. [He/She] is familiar with my projects and will be able to provide assistance as needed. I will also be available via email and phone in case of any urgent matters that may come up.

Thank you for your understanding and support as I take this important step in my life. I will return to work with renewed energy and enthusiasm. Please let me know if there is anything else I should do before my departure.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Vacation Notice for Maternity Leave

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I am writing to inform you that I will be taking maternity leave starting on [start date] and expect to return to work on [end date]. I plan to take [number] weeks off to care for my newborn and adjust to the demands of motherhood.

I have already informed the HR department of my leave and have discussed the necessary arrangements with [co-worker’s name]. [He/She] will take over my responsibilities and ensure that my projects are covered while I am away. I have also documented my tasks and procedures to make the transition as smooth as possible.

Thank you for your support and understanding during this important life event. I am excited about this new chapter in my life and look forward to returning to work with renewed energy and enthusiasm.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Vacation Notice for Mental Health Reasons

Dear [Manager’s Name],

As you may have noticed, I have been experiencing burnout and stress from work. After discussing this with my therapist, I have decided to take a mental health vacation to recharge and recuperate. I plan to be away from work from [start date] to [end date].

I have already spoken with [co-worker’s name] to arrange for coverage of my duties while I am gone. [He/She] has agreed to take over my tasks and responsibilities and ensure that everything is running smoothly in my absence. I have also documented my procedures and projects to make the transition easier for [him/her].

Thank you for your understanding and support during this time. I believe that taking care of my mental health is essential to my well-being and productivity, and I look forward to returning to work with renewed energy and enthusiasm.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Vacation Notice for Personal Travel

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I am writing to inform you that I will be taking a personal vacation to [location] from [start date] to [end date]. I have made sure that all my duties and tasks are up to date and handed over to [co-worker’s name] for coverage while I am away. [He/She] is more than capable of running the projects and communicating with clients during my absence.

Please let me know if there is anything else I need to do before my departure. I will be checking my email occasionally in case of any emergency situations that may arise. Thank you for your support and understanding, and I look forward to returning to work with renewed productivity and inspiration.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Vacation Notice for Educational Purposes

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I am delighted to inform you that an exceptional educational training program has come up, which would directly impact my work, and I would like to apply for the educational leave from [start date] to [end date]. This program would help me acquire new advanced skills that are imperative for optimally carrying out my job responsibilities, and thereby it would benefit the team and the organizational growth.

I have an arrangement with [co-worker’s name], who will be handling my duties and projects while I am away. I have documented my processes and procedures to help make the transition as smooth as possible. I understand how important my responsibilities are and assure you that I will return to work as soon as I complete my training.

I appreciate your understanding, and I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and advance my skills and knowledge for the good of the company.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Vacation Notice for Religious Observance

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I am writing to inform you that I will need to take a break from work due to the upcoming religious observance of [Name of Holy Day]. My religion requires me to take this day off work and dedicate it to prayer and reflection. I plan to be away on [date].

[Co-worker’s Name] has agreed to handle my duties and responsibilities while I am away. I have also arranged to hand over my work projects and tasks that need to be completed on this day. I assure you that I will be readily available via phone or email, in case of any urgent matters.

I appreciate your understanding and support during this important time. I hope to return to work refreshed and motivated.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Tips for Writing an Effective Vacation Notice Email

Are you planning to take a vacation soon? Don’t forget to inform your colleagues and clients about your absence. Writing a vacation notice email is a professional way to let people know that you will be away and to set expectations regarding your availability. Here are some tips to make your email clear, concise, and courteous:

  • Start early: Give people ample notice by sending your email at least two weeks before your departure date. This will allow your colleagues and clients enough time to prepare for your absence and adjust their expectations accordingly.
  • Be specific: State the exact dates of your vacation and when you will be returning. If you plan to check your emails or work remotely during your vacation, be clear about your availability and the best way to contact you.
  • Leave a point of contact: If there’s an urgent matter that requires attention in your absence, provide the name and contact information of someone who can handle it. This will ensure that your work won’t come to a standstill without you.
  • Keep it brief: Your email should be concise and easy to read. Avoid using complex language or detailed explanations unless necessary, as it can confuse or overwhelm your colleagues and clients.

Additionally, it’s essential to maintain a positive and courteous tone in your email. Remember that you are informing people of your absence, not seeking permission. Here are some useful tips:

  • Show gratitude: Thank your colleagues and clients for their understanding and for their support during your absence. Let them know that you appreciate their cooperation and help in ensuring a smooth transition.
  • Apologize if necessary: If your vacation may cause inconvenience or delay to any project or task, apologize for it and try to make amends before you leave.
  • Be respectful: Avoid using humor, sarcasm, or negative language in your email. It may appear unprofessional and could damage your reputation among your colleagues and clients.
  • Proofread before sending: Ensure that your email is free of typos, grammatical errors, or any formatting issues. This will help you to create a good impression and to avoid any misinterpretations or misunderstandings.

By following these tips, you can write an effective vacation notice email that keeps your colleagues and clients informed and sets clear expectations. Remember that a well-written email not only helps to create a positive impression but also makes sure that your absence doesn’t cause any inconvenience to anyone.

Vacation Notice Email Sample


What should be included in a vacation notice email?

A vacation notice email should include the dates you will be gone, who people can contact in case of emergency, and if you will have access to email while you are away.

When should I send a vacation notice email?

You should send a vacation notice email at least one to two weeks before you leave to give people time to plan accordingly.

Who do I need to notify in my vacation notice email?

You should send your vacation notice email to your supervisor, colleagues, and anyone you work with on a regular basis. You may also want to let clients or customers know if they will be affected by your absence.

Should I provide an explanation for my absence in my vacation notice email?

You do not need to provide a detailed explanation for your absence, but it can be helpful to let people know if you will be out of the office for personal or professional reasons.

What should I do if I receive a vacation notice email from a colleague?

If you receive a vacation notice email from a colleague, make note of their absence and who you can contact in their absence. You should also avoid sending them work-related emails unless it is urgent or they have indicated they will have access to email while they are away.

Is it necessary to send a vacation notice email if I am taking a day or two off?

You do not need to send a vacation notice email if you are taking a day or two off, but you should let your supervisor and colleagues know ahead of time so they can plan accordingly.

What can I do to prepare for my absence before sending a vacation notice email?

Prior to sending your vacation notice email, make sure you have taken care of any urgent tasks or deadlines. You should also delegate responsibilities to colleagues and provide them with any necessary information or instructions.

Happy Travels!

And there you have it, a vacation notice email sample that will save you time and hassle while you’re on vacation. Thanks for making it to the end, and I hope this article serves you well. Remember to let HR, colleagues, and clients know of your absence, set an auto-reply, and pack with ease. Bon voyage, my friend! Come back again to read more helpful articles.