What’s that? You’re too busy to take a vacation?

The experts say that taking a vacation is a great way to improve your mental health, find creative inspiration, renew relationships with your loved ones, and even become more productive. And yet, we find so many excuses not to get away.

I’m guilty of it too. There is always something something that needs to be done, a commitment to honor, a deadline to meet. And before you know it, the year has gone by and you are trying to convince yourself that next year you will take that vacation. Sound familiar?

Instead, make a commitment to yourself, and to your family, and take that much-needed getaway this year. Step away from your work and get ready to step into a relaxing vacation with these 5 tips:

1. Clear your schedule. Pick a week, or two, and mark it on your calendar. Do not plan anything else during your time away. That includes conference calls. Let everyone at work know that you will be unavailable. If you can delegate tasks to a colleague or assistant, even better.  Also, avoid setting any deadlines during your immediate return, so that you don’t feel as if something is hanging over your head the whole time you are trying to relax.

2. Set a budget. There is no point in going on vacation if you are going to stress over money the entire time you’re away. Instead, figure out what you can afford to spend and set aside that amount in advance. Having a realistic budget in place will help you to relax more while on vacation, and you won’t spend the rest of the year paying for it.

3. Determine your priorities. What is most important for you on vacation? Would you rather enjoy 5-star dining or full-day excursions? With your budget in place, you can start to figure out what is most important for you and plan where to spend your money accordingly.

4. Book in advance. I’m not talking about trying to re-create the Griswold’s European vacation, where every second of the day is planned out in minute detail, but do at least do some research to determine which hotels, restaurants, and companies you would like to do business with before you leave home. Make reservations early, if possible, so that you can avoid having to scramble at the last minute when your preferred attraction is booked. A little bit of planning can go a long way when you are in a strange area and are trying to decide what to do.

5. Unplug. Once you leave for your vacation, turn your phone off. Leave the laptop at home. Focus your concentration on your loved ones. Set up an out-of-office auto-reply for your email so that people will know that they should not expect a response from you until you return. Provide the name of someone else they can contact should they need immediate assistance. While you’re at it, do the same for your voice mail. You deserve to be able to relax without such distractions, and your family deserves some time with you when they are not competing for your attention.

Remember, the world will not end while you are away. (And if it does, wouldn’t you rather be laying on a beach somewhere rather than stuck in the office?) You can catch up on anything you missed when you return happier, more rested, and with a renewed energy that helps make you more productive.

All this being said, I am taking my own advice this year and going on vacation. How about you?

Book a flight early in the day: The earlier you fly, the less likely it is for your flight to be delayed. Those who fly earlier in the morning experience less time waiting in line and are more likely to arrive at their destinations on time. Also, the earliest flight tend to be the emptiest and you have a better chance of getting a good seat and, also, upgrading your seat.

Check in and print your boarding pass from home: Check in to your flight and print your boarding pass at home. This will save a long wait in line. If your airline has curb side check in, take advantage. Curb side check ins take minutes, as opposed to the half hour to hour you may spend waiting in a long line. Many hotels offer printers so you can print out your boarding pass for the return trip home. Once you try it,  you’ll never go back to the old way.

You know how they say to get to the airport two hours ahead of time? It’s a good idea. No, really. Yeah, you may have to wait those two hours but there are times when you’ll need it. It’s better to get to the airport early and wait then to get there at the last minute and hold up a flight. Besides, you may have to endure check in and security lines. Airports have restaurants, book stores and WiFi (at a cost) so you won’t be bored while you wait. Don’t miss your flight, and don’t hold up the plane for others. Get to the airport early.

Check your airlines regulations regarding toiletries, food, liquids, sharp stuff and any other questionable items you wish to carry with you: The last thing you want is to be pulled aside from the security lines because you’re carrying something you shouldn’t. Banned items will be confiscated, which means you may have to buy more when you reach your destination. Packing your toiletries, nail clippers and razors in your checked luggage will save you the hassle.

Don’t put your ID away until you’re through the security checkpoint: Keep your driver’s license or passport in your hand until you reach the security checkpoint. You’ll be asked for it on more than one occasion. To keep walleting it means you’re holding up yourself – and the rest of the line. Once you’re through security you can put it away for good.

Wear shoes that slide on and off with little or no effort: Wear shoes that are easy to slide on and off. Don’t wear boots or other difficult to manage shoes. Not only does this hold up your own progress, it holds up the rest of the security line. No one wants to wait for you to take off your shoes and no one wants to wait for you to put them back on again.

Check your luggage or don’t, just know what you’re getting into: If you check your baggage, you can get around the airport quicker because you’re not lugging around a big heavy suitcase. You don’t have to find a spot for it at restaurants, log it through shops or put it in an out of the way place in seating areas. You also don’t have to hold up the line on the plane as you finagle it into the overhead compartment. Not checking luggage means you won’t have to wait at the baggage carousel and can run out to your cab or car as soon as you’re allowed off the plane.

If you’re working while you’re waiting sit near one of those charging stations: Many waiting areas have “charging stations” to plug in your electronics. Using these means you save your batteries. Find them and use them.

Don’t ask anyone to watch your stuff. Ever. The easiest way to have something stolen is to ask someone to watch your stuff. Watching someone else’s stuff is dangerous. Plus, you’re stuck sitting there until they come back which might take a while. If you have too much stuff to take to the bathroom or restaurant, check it. Otherwise be responsible for your own gear.

Keep the iPod low: The last thing you want is to miss important announcements about gate changes or flight delays or cancellations because your music is too loud. Turn down the iPod so you can hear special announcements.