Photo credit by Unsplash/Lionello DelPiccolo

Let's be real: We could all use some time away from the office. Even if it's just a business trip to middle-of-nowhere Kansas – I can say that because I’m from KS; don’t @ me – a change of scenery is one of the best things there is for the soul.

But with all the things we have to do to prepare for said excursion – book tickets, pack, plot out the location of each and every bar within walking distance of the conference center – a few are bound to fall through the cracks, like your out-of-office auto-reply.

Thankfully, though, KAYAK has you covered. With their new out-of-office message generator, you'll never again have to sacrifice precious brain power trying to figure out a tactful way to inform your professional contacts you have absolutely no interest in communicating with them for the next three to five business days.

And you may actually score some serious personality points because these messages are frankly hilarious.

Say you're heading out for a family vacation, your letting-loose drink of choice is whiskey, you have a (weird) penchant for snacking on anything edible that happens to be left at your desk, and you like to keep things professional:

"Thanks for checking in. But I’m away from my desk and won’t be back until Mon 5/6 after getting my fill of snacks (I’m embarrassed to say exactly what) and whiskey while on my family trip. While I’m away, I’ll be occasionally signing on. Otherwise, I’ll return your message as soon as possible. Have a great day."

The message is to the point while also providing interesting details. Your contacts will certainly start wishing they knew you IRL. 

But if you want to take it up a notch and let everyone know how you really feel about being away from your desk, go ahead and push that switch up to 11. 

Knock, knock. Who’s there? No one, because I’m out of the office.

But it looks like you’re not. Because you’re emailing me. Bummer.

Back to me: I’m away until Mon 5/6 for a family trip and will be occasionally signing on. But if your matter is urgent to the point where you’re debating contacting local authorities, then you can post your request on social media using #interruptingyourtrip. I’ll find it somehow. But only after setting a new record on my daily intake of snacks (I’m embarrassed to say exactly what) and whiskey before I return.

Congratulations, you've just become your contacts' new hero.

Happy travels!