Heading out on a summer vacation? 😎(Or two…or three?) While you’re gone, keep your contacts up to date on your travel plans with funny out-of-office emails!
That auto-responder feature in your email isn’t just for sharing the details of who to contact when you’re gone, it’s also a great way to showcase your personality and connect with your contacts. So rather than using the same old boring, cookie cutter response, why not try something that will help you connect with your audience (and leave them laughing)?
Whether you’re road-tripping, backpacking around Europe, lying on the beach, or camping with the fam, we’ve got a funny OOO message to suit your summer vacation.
The entire point of email is communication and connection. So when your emails get overly brief or utilitarian, you’re missing out on a big point of connection with your audience.
Yes, even the humble out-of-office email can help you connect more deeply with your contacts!
And in the age of AI, keeping the HUMAN in that connection matters more than ever. Just like blogs, websites, social media posts, and other content, if your emails sound just like everyone else’s (or worse, sound like a robot wrote them), they’ll be ignored.
But when they’re unique, engaging, and funny? That builds a connection. It makes you more approachable, accessible, and memorable.
So, the moral of the story is: Keep the humanity in your email communications by injecting some personality and fun into them!
And I’m here to help you get started. Take the following emails (which were written entirely by a real human, with no help from AI 😉) and tweak them to your liking. Even better, use them as inspiration to write your own funny emails!
Taking a beach vacay? Whether you Hang Ten or spend the whole time lying in the sun with a cocktail, share your love of the sand and surf with your contacts.
Here’s an example:
Subject line: 🏄Surfin’ USA … until [Return Date]
Dude,
Have you SEEN these waves??
Oh, sorry, I forgot you’re not sitting here on the beach with me. Take it from me, there are some rad barrels out there!
While I’m out catching tasty waves and sipping Mai Tais, I won’t be checking my email. If you need to get in touch with someone while I’m gone, shoot [Contact Name] an email at [Contact’s Email Address]. They’ll totally help you out.
Otherwise, I’ll get back to you when the surf chills out and I’m back on land (most likely [Date You’re Returning to Work]).
Hang loose 🤙
[Your name]
If you’re planning to sleep under the stars for your summer vacation, this one’s for you! Share your love of the outdoors — and some fun nature facts — with your contacts.
For example:
Hi friend,
Did you know that a group of bears is called a sleuth?
Or that the s’more was invented by a Girl Scout troop leader?
And the biggest fish ever caught in Minnesota was a 120-lb sturgeon?
These are just some of the fun nature facts I’ve learned getting ready for my camping trip. While I’m really hoping I won’t run into a sleuth of bears, I do plan on roasting my fair share of marshmallows and catching the biggest fish I can (though probably not a 120-pounder!).
While I’m off snacking on GORP and exploring the wilderness, I’ll probably be out of cell phone range (and definitely won’t be checking my email regardless). So if you need something urgently, contact [Contact Name] at [Contact Email Address]. Otherwise, I’ll respond to your email once I’m back in the office on [Date You’re Returning to Work].
From my campfire to yours,
[Your Name]
Is July 4th your favorite holiday? Do you spend the day frolicking through the neighborhood, swathed in red, white, and blue, waving sparklers, and singing “America, the Beautiful”? Then share your festive spirit with a funny OOO message while you’re off celebrating.
Like this:
Subject line: 🎆🇺🇸Stars, Stripes, and BBQs Forever!
Happy 4th, friend!
In my opinion, the 4th of July is the BEST holiday there is!
Sunshine…
Parades…
BBQs…
Fireworks…
Emergency room visits after getting a little too close to said fireworks…
Ok, I may or may not have personal experience with that last one (long story), but the rest of it? *Happy sigh* It’s my absolute favorite day of the year!
So naturally I won’t be checking my email today. But if you need to get ahold of someone urgently, you can try [Name of Contact] at [Contact’s Email Address] (although, TBH, they’re probably out celebrating too).
Otherwise, I’ll respond to your email when I’m back in the office tomorrow (or the next day, if I end up in the ER again…).
Stars and stripes forever,
[Your Name]
Packing the kids into the family car and hitting the road this summer? Consider your OOO message written for you!
Example:
Subject line: 🚙 Help, I’m trapped in the car with my kids
Hi friend,
Sorry I can’t respond to your email right now, but I’m currently wedged into our family station wagon with the whole fam (including the dog, the cat, the hamster, and enough gear to outfit an army of vacationers). That’s right — we’re on an epic road trip!
While I’m seeing the sights, playing I Spy, refereeing backseat sibling fights, and feasting on roadside picnic fare, I won’t be checking my email.
If you need immediate help, contact [Contact Name] at [Contact Email Address]. Otherwise, I’ll connect with you when I’m back in the office on [Date You’re Returning to Work].
Happy Trails!
[Your Name]
Or are you planning to escape the heat and crowds by staying in for your vacation? Whether you’re working through that Netflix watch list, spending hours playing the latest video game, or soaking in the tub with a good book, share your plans with a side of humor.
Like this:
Subject line: Currently being swallowed by my couch 🛋️
Hi friend,
I can’t respond to your email right now, as I’m currently on vacation!
What am I doing, you ask?
Look … I know it’s summer, and you’re probably expecting me to say I’m lying on an exotic beach or spending my days cruising the lake in my boat. But seeing as I burn the second my skin sees the sun, and I don’t own a boat anyway, I’ve decided to spend my vacation indoors, doing the things I always wish I had time for!
If you need anything while I’m sleeping till noon, burning through my Netflix watch list, finally getting through my TBR pile 📚, and spending hours playing the latest video games, contact [Contact Name] at [Contact Email Address]. Or, once I’m back in the office on [Date You’re Returning to Work], I’ll get back to you.
Best wishes from this couch potato,
[Your Name]
Are you more of a world traveler? Want an out-of-office message that screams, ““Be jealous of my luxurious European vacation?”
How about something like this:
Subject line: Bonjour! Ciao! ¡Hola! from the other side of the world! 🌎
Hi friend,
Yes, that’s right, I’m off on a tour of my favorite European locales! Until [Date You’re Returning to Work], I’ll be sipping champagne atop the Eiffel Tower, viewing precious works of art in Florence, walking the storied streets of Barcelona, and eating my way through the best restaurants in the world.
While I’m enjoying the finer things in life, feel free to contact [Contact Name] at [Contact Email Address] for help with any urgent needs. Otherwise, I’ll respond to your message upon my return.
Au revoir, arrivederci, and adiós!
[Your Name]
Hitting the amusement park for your vacation? Share your enthusiasm for roller coasters, Pronto Pups, and Mickey Mouse in your OOO message.
For example:
Subject line: Ridin’ the Rails 🎢… until [Return Date]
Hi friend,
I’m off riding the rails…the roller coaster rails, that is!
I’m packing up the fam and taking them to [Your Favorite Amusement Park] to ride roller coasters and eat foot-long hotdogs and cotton candy (in that order…because we all know what happens if the food comes first! 🤢).
While I’m off riding rides I’m way too old for (and hopefully not cleaning up after sick kids), feel free to reach out to [Contact Name] at [Contact Email Address]. Otherwise, I’ll get back to you as soon as I’ve recovered from my trip (hopefully by [Return Date]).
All aboard! 🎢
[Your Name]
If your vacations are anything but typical; if you’d rather be scaling mountains than lying on the beach; or if your idea of fun is biking from coast to coast … this one’s for you. Share your adventurous spirit with your contacts in your out-of-office message.
For example:
Subject line: My vacation is cooler than your vacation.
Hi friend,
I can’t answer your email right now, because I’m off on yet another epic adventure!
While I’m [scaling X Mountain/deep sea diving/biking from coast to coast/braving the Amazon jungle…or whatever adventure you’re taking on], I won’t have access to my email. After all, what kind of epic adventure involves answering emails??
No, I’ll be far too busy skirting danger and tempting fate to answer your message (at least, until I’m back in the office on [Date You’re Returning to Work]). In the meantime, feel free to reach out to [Contact Name] at [Contact Email Address] if you have an urgent request.
Wish me a safe return,
[Your Name]
Is a quiet day on the water, fishing pole in hand, more your style? Prefer a nice fish fry to a Michelin-starred restaurant? Share your love of fishing with your contacts.
For example:
Subject line: 🎣The lake is calling …
Hi friend,
I’ve packed my rod and reel, stocked up on lures and bait, and tuned up the boat. That’s right, I’m gone fishin’! 🐟
While I’m basking in the quiet of nature, reeling in the big ones, and enjoying all-I-can-eat fish fries for every meal, I won’t be checking my email (and I just might chuck my phone into the lake). If you have an urgent need while I’m gone, contact [Contact Name] at [Contact Email/Phone].
Otherwise, I’ll respond to your message when I’m back in the office on [Return Date].
Until then, wherever the fish are bitin’, that’s where I’ll be!
[Your Name]
If you, like Herman Melville, like taking to the sea whenever you find yourself “growing grim about the mouth” (or, in less dramatic fashion, you just love getting out in your boat whenever the summer sun is shining) this one’s for you.
Set your OOO message to this:
Subject line: Out and about in a boat 🛥️
Ahoy, friends!
I can’t respond to your message right now, as I’ll be out to sea (ok, on the lake) until [Return Date].
While I’m out jet skiing, cannon-balling off the side of the boat, or simply floating along, watching the clouds go by, I won’t be checking my email. Feel free to contact [Contact Name] at [Contact Email/Phone] with any urgent matters — otherwise, I promise to respond once I’ve returned to the office.
See you when I’m back on dry land 🫡
[Your Name]
All tried-and-true Minnesotans (and most other midwesterners) either have a cabin “up north” or know someone who does. If your summer vacay is taking you to the cabin, your OOO message might look …
… a little something like this:
Subject line: At the cabin 🏡until [Return Date]
Hi friend,
I can’t respond to your email right now, as I’m locked in an epic cribbage match with my Uncle Chuck. That’s right — I’m at the cabin for the week!
While I’m here challenging the kids to games of Marco Polo in the lake, making every meal on the grill, and listening to Grandpa Bill tell stories around the campfire, I won’t be checking my email (honestly, I’m not even sure if I have service up here).
If you have an urgent need while I’m gone, feel free to contact [Contact Name] at [Contact Email/Phone]. Otherwise, I’ll respond once I’m back on the grid.
I’ll save you a s’more,
[Your Name]
So you’re a MN State Fair* fan, eh? Do you wait breathlessly to hear what the latest snack-on-a-stick menu items will be? Count down the days until you can see Cousin Sara’s newest herd of llamas in the 4-H barn? Or maybe watching Miss Minnesota being sculpted in butter is more your style?
If you’ve ever considered starting a petition to make the MN State Fair dates official work holidays, share your state fair joy with your contact list.
*Not from Minnesota? That’s cool, I bet your state has some perfectly nice fairs too. Feel free to adjust this one to reflect your fave state or county fair!
Example:
Subject line: Hello from the Great Minnesota Get-Together! 🎢
Hi friend,
Yep, you can go ahead and be jealous of me, because not only am I out of the office this week, I’m spending my time at the Minnesota State Fair!
Since I’ll be busy eating everything on a stick — followed by an entire pail of Sweet Martha’s Cookies — then hitting the rides, looking for the biggest gourd in the FFA booth, and dancing to Weird Al at the Grandstand, I won’t be checking my email.
If you need anything while I’m gone, feel free to contact [Contact Name] at [Contact Email/Phone]. Otherwise, I’ll get back to you once I’m back in the office on [Return Date].
See you at the all-you-can-drink milk bar,
[Your Name]
I think you’ll agree that funny out-of-office emails are WAY more engaging than the boring old default ones. However, in all this fun, don’t forget to include the important details they’ll need to know while you’re gone:
Also, don’t forget to record a voicemail OOO message! You can use the same script you use in your email, or switch it up to something else. Again, make sure you include the important details listed above.
And finally, include some kind of call-to-action in your email. Direct them to your website, an informative webinar or podcast you recorded, a blog post you wrote, etc. If your CTA doesn’t quite fit into your quirky email, leave it as a P.S.
For example:
P.S. While you’re waiting for me to get back from vacation, check out this great blog our team just wrote! [link to blog post]
Alternatively, your CTA could be as simple as inviting them to follow you on social media to keep up with your travels. If you do this, include clickable links to your social accounts to make it easy to find you.
I hope these examples inspire you to start using funny out-of-office emails that engage and entertain your contacts. Feel free to copy and paste the ones in this blog or use them as templates to create your own.
And, most importantly, enjoy your summer vacation!
Want more funny out-of-office message ideas? Luckily, the Figgy team loves writing them! Check out our Funny OOO Message Ideas ebook for perfect messages for every season of the year. Or, schedule a discovery call with Kari to chat about your marketing needs and how we can help (including writing you customized funny out-of-office emails!).
All GIFs are from giphy.com.
1 min read
Jamie Beebe : December 20, 2022
Originally posted Dec 2022; Updated Dec 2023 Taking some time off for the holidays? Need a unique out-of-office message to use while you’re gone?...
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Allie Krueger : March 9, 2023
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Kari Switala : February 23, 2023
Because sharing is caring.
Jamie Beebe