For the past 3 years I have been taking at least one vacation a year to somewhere that my Blackberry won't work (I was smart enough to not ask my company for worldwide coverage on the BB they give me). So, I CANNOT check work emails at all. I accept the risk that my direct reports may make decisions on their own, and that my designated replacement has to actually do my job for the couple weeks I'm away. Other vacations, I remain in contact for emergency purposes, and generally check the BB every day or two, once a day as opposed to throughout the day, if only to screen for those high-priority situations where my early intervention might save me trouble down the road.
There is an enormous difference in my mental state during the two different types of holiday (stay in touch or be out of touch). When I can't check my emails, I am fully refreshed, zoned out, recharged, happy, reflective, etc, pick your word. The vacation works its magic when I have left my work BB at home and have no idea what's going on in the office. The North American holidays, when I can and do check my emails, I am still relaxed of course, but I'm still at work, mentally. I do not separate from the office to nearly the same extent as when I am out of touch completely. They are two incomparable experiences. Having your BB with you on holiday defeats the purpose of a holiday. It does not recharge you.
Blackberries suck. I like them so that during the workday, when I'm out and about, I can remain in touch with the office. But after working hours we should not have to check our BBs. Managers checking their BB after working hours should carry the same financial compensation as blue collar guys being called in to work after hours, ie. 4 hours minimum pay no matter how long they work. My company should have to pay me.... pick a figure.... $100??... each time I respond to a BB email after work. They are intrusive and are fucking up our lives. We are always at work, like it or not. And as senior management/executive branch, you can't simply say no. Wah wah wah.