The Rise of Extended Working Vacations: Advisors Ditch Office Boundaries

As the pandemic has subsided, more professionals are embracing the idea of combining work and vacation. This shift in mindset is driving a trend of taking longer trips with scheduled work time, allowing individuals to recharge while keeping clients' needs top of mind. According to Deloitte's 2025 summer travel survey, 39% of "laptop luggers" (those who intend to work on vacation) are more likely to take longer trips, up from 31% in 2024.

Key Takeaways:

• Andrea Thompson, founder and certified financial planner with Modern Cents, is spending July in Syros, Greece, with her family while working from a co-working space daily to meet with her team and work on client files and business operations.
• Thompson's decision to work while on an extended vacation aligns with a growing trend, as advisors are increasingly choosing to take longer working vacations.
• Preparing to work internationally requires planning, such as holding off on scheduling virtual meetings due to time zone differences, working asynchronously, and structuring schedules to accommodate clients' needs.
• Advisors should check with compliance about working in the U.S. or overseas, as firms may have requirements relating to technology use or the type of work an advisor is conducting abroad.
• Transparency is key when working with clients from abroad, and advisors should be upfront about their plans and availability to avoid delays or technology issues.
• Benefits of flexibility and balance include being able to recharge, create space for new ideas, and ensure daily communication with teams to maintain smooth operations.

Statistics:

• 39% of "laptop luggers" say they're more likely to take longer trips, up from 31% in 2024 (Deloitte, 2025 summer travel survey).
• 29% of workers plan to take an extended working vacation (Deloitte, 2025 summer travel survey).
• 1 in 5 workers intend to work while on vacation, with 39% saying they're more likely to take longer trips (Deloitte, 2025 summer travel survey).

Sources:

• Deloitte (2025). 2025 summer travel survey.
• Thompson, A. (Interview). Founder and certified financial planner with Modern Cents.
• Levitt, A.-L. (Interview). Partner and business coach with the Personal Coach.
• Shipley-Strickland, J. (Interview). Principal, founder, and senior wealth advisor with Julie Shipley-Strickland Wealth & Risk Management at Wellington-Altus Private Wealth Inc.