The only prep work I tend to do is to make sure any projects I'm presently working on are at a safe stopping point.

I don't expect anything more than fire fighting while I'm gone, and when I get back, I pick up where I left off. I don't burn extra hours making up for the time off.

It's supposed to be time off, if nobody can cover for you, that isn't your fault.

Yes I bring my laptop, yes I have my smartphone. My boss will only pick it up when the fires are truly blazing and nobody else has any idea of what to do. In the past 6 years, while on one of the two vacations I take annualy, I have been called all of twice. Both times I was far from where I could immediately help, in one case my laptop was on the other side of Oahu, while I was attending my sister's wedding. I did my best to help, and they ultimately muddled through.

The thing is, in general, nobody is *THAT* necessary, and if they are, and they don't have a backup, then the business is being stupid.