I generally take about 3 weeks, but make it clear that I can take as many as 5 if I'm so inclined. I don't take anyone on who doesn't have back up and a certain amount of flexibility. My vacation days are all unpaid, hence my not using all 5 weeks....but it's nice to know they're there if an awesome travel opportunity comes up I try to take my vacations in 1 or 2 weeks segments for which I give 4 months notice. However, for bigger trips, like my upcoming trip to NZ which is 2.5 wks, I give 1 year notice. I try to very rarely take days off here and there. My clients are all fine with me dashing out quickly if I need to over nap time, provided my teen boys are here of course.