Vacations in Corporate America can be difficult to navigate. Even in more casual settings, corporate culture is very hierarchical and more senior professionals are going to get priority when it comes to scheduling adjustments.
Effectively taking a vacation starts with your work product and your work brand. The first is a matter of doing good work and working hard. The second is a matter of being known as a hard worker who does good work.
Once you are known to be a hard worker, the vacation will seem "earned" or "deserved".
The next step is providing notice. I notify my team about my vacation days by email in 3 month blocks, i.e. "These are my days for August, September, and October." These days include anything from long weekends to full length trips abroad.
After the initial notice, I send an email reminder 2 weeks prior to the scheduled dates, and I tell people verbally 3 days before I go. These reminders may seem repetitive, but they will prepare your team and make the transition less stressful on you.
If you are taking vacation for a special occasion (Honeymoon, Wedding, Graduation), let your supervisor and team know. People are less likely to bother you.
The final step is controversial for some, but this is Corporate America. While you are on vacation, set aside one hour per day (early afternoon is best) to check and respond to urgent emails and make sure your supervisor and, if you have one, your assistant has your cell phone number in case of emergencies. I know this is your time that you earned, but that one hour per day will win you major points and add to that "hard worker" brand. Also, in many corporate jobs not checking email is inexcusable even on vacation. Know your office culture and the general expectations.
Vacations are meant to be taken. They help you decompress and can improve work performance. Using best practices like the ones above or those employed in your office will make the time away more enjoyable.
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