5 Simple Steps to Making Your Career Break Happen

Planning a break in your career can seem like a daunting and intimidating task. With endless possibilities around the world, a myriad of projects to get stuck into, and unlimited adventures to choose from it can be hard to even know where to begin. Many travellers end up following the beaten track rather than creating their own adventure. Fear not, for if you follow our five simple steps you will be well on your way to your dream destination before you can say adios, au revoir, ciao, zài jiàn, or mah krow.

1. Where do you want to go?

Take some time to sit down with a map and think about the countries you have always wanted to visit. Perhaps there is a city that has caught your imagination from a young age, a culture that particularly intrigues you, or activities which are only available in a particular place. By physically mapping out your dream destinations you can get a feel for the path you might like to take and how it logistically fits together.

There will probably be countries you will have to save for another time and there may be others that you fancy taking a chance on, but remember to think big and stay open minded – there aren’t many chances in life that you will have this kind of freedom!

2. What do you want to do?

Think proactively and for the future.. sure you want to chill out on the beach and take some time out from your career or education for a while (who doesn’t!?) but why not use this time to learn something new on a course or give something back to the local community on a volunteer project? Not only is this an incredibly rewarding way to spend your time, it is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the local community and looks amazing on your CV, should you want to be changing your career path on your return!

3. What is going on?

Now you have your chosen destinations it is time to get researching! Search travel blogs, forums and guidebooks to find out the best cities to stay in, recommended hostels and attractions you would be a fool to miss. If you are a culture vulture or just partial to a good old knees up, make sure you look up festivals and events in the area and plan your trip accordingly. It is also worth checking out when that countries seasons fall – nobody wants to be following winter around the world!

4. Raising the Money

Research in guidebooks and around this website for the price of hostels, food and excursions in the countries you visit to work out roughly how much you will need to budget for each day. Do not forget to take into account extra costs such as visas and vaccinations if they are needed and travel insurance. Now you have a set budget, you know exactly how much you will need to raise and can get started on a fundraising plan! There are many ways to raise money, sell some of your unwanted stuff on Ebay (you won’t have room for it in your rucksack anyway!) sponsored bike rides and even cake sales.

5. Grab your things and go!

Now you have done all the hard work it’s time to get ready for the adventure of a lifetime! Grab what you will need for your time away, say those teary goodbyes with your family, and you are off on your career break… freedom awaits! Just remember to head out with an open mind, a willingness to try new things and bucket loads of enthusiasm.