Why consider a career break?
A career break is good for many reasons. First of all, it's a great way to avoid burning out early in your career. We live in a fast-paced World, where there's almost no room for giving your brain a well-deserved break. Secondly, traveling during your career break will boost your communication skills, confidence and cultural awareness - qualities that employers value. In this blog post we will elaborate the benefits of a career break as well as give you the best tips and tricks if you're planning one.
10 tips to plan your career break
Taking a long-term travel break, whether it’s a 3-month adventure, a 6-month sabbatical, or even a year abroad, can be one of the most transformative experiences of your life. It’s not “just a vacation”; it’s intentional time to explore, grow, and return to work with new energy and perspectives. If your current employer don't see the benefits of this, we're sure your next employer will.
1. Set clear goals for your break
Ask yourself:
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What do I want to learn or experience?
- Will this be pure travel, skill-building, volunteer work, or a mix?
Defining your goals helps you plan purposeful experiences and explain your break to future employers.
2. Budget smartly
Plan a realistic travel budget and figure out how many months you can sustain it. Include:
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Flights and local transport
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Accommodation and food
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Emergency savings
Consider income streams while away (remote work, freelancing, part-time gigs).
3. Get travel essentials sorted
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Valid passports and required visas
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Travel insurance (backpacker policies if you’ll be on the move a long time)
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Vaccinations and health checks
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Budget-friendly banking/currency solutions
4. Pack light, pack smart
Bringing the essentials plus some favorite travel gear. This helps you stay mobile and flexible. Some travelers recommend using packing tools (like compression cubes) to stay organized.
5. Connect with locals and other travelers
Join group trips or travel community events, it’s a great way to meet people if you’re going solo. If you want to join a group trip while on your break, check out our TripMates section.
6. Make time to learn or upskill
Your break is a perfect chance to take an online course, learn a language, volunteer, or deepen a passion project - all of which make your travel more rewarding and valuable for your CV.
7. Document your journey
Keep a travel blog, journal, or portfolio of experiences. It’s great for personal reflection and also shows future employers how you used your time purposefully.
8. Be honest with future employers
When explaining your career break, focus on what you learned. That could be adaptability, cultural insight, real-world problem solving rather than the time off itself. Many recruiters respect thoughtful sabbaticals.
9. Stay connected professionally
Even while away, keep in touch with your network through LinkedIn or occasional virtual meetups - it makes re-entry smoother.
10. Get the Most Out of It
Your career break isn’t just a pause from work. It’s a chance to reflect, grow, explore purpose, and expand your worldview. Plan well, stay open to surprises, and make memories that last long after you’re home.