Planning your sabbatical around travel has personal and professional benefits

Over the course of my career, I learned the best travel opportunities came when I was “in between jobs” (you see, I have this bad habit of leaving a job without having a new one lined up). That’s when I could take longer and more ambitious journeys without having to worry about constant work responsibilities.

Longer travel periods are game changing. That’s when you can justify staying in an authentic house or apartment as opposed to an impersonal hotel. By living in a real neighborhood, you gain a true sense of the local culture, from the neighbors you interact with, the stores you shop in and ultimately what you choose to do while there.

Of course, finding the time for such journeys is never easy. The good news is that more companies are starting to introduce sabbatical policies for extended leave. WorldatWork’s 2022 survey found that 15% of 455 employers offered sabbatical leave, with another 12% considering implementing such a policy within two years. Though sabbatical duration varies, it’s usually for 1 or 2 months, more than enough time to satisfy those longheld travel aspirations.

If you need a justification, research shows that taking a sabbatical from work to travel offers many benefits, both personal and professional:

• Mental and Physical Recharge: A sabbatical provides a meaningful break from work, allowing you to recharge, recover from burnout, and return to work refreshed.

• Digital Detox: Traveling often means disconnecting from the constant buzz of smartphones and work notifications, enabling deep reflection and mental clarity.

• Personal Growth and Self-Discovery: Being in new environments, especially solo travel, fosters self-awareness. It gives time to reflect on life direction and personal priorities.

• Expanding Social and Professional Networks: Travel exposes you to diverse people from various backgrounds and industries, leading to networking opportunities and friendships.

• Learning and Skill Development: Sabbaticals can be used to pursue new skills, hobbies, or personal projects, such as learning how to cook or improving your golf game.

• Inspiration and Creativity: Stepping away from routine helps stimulate creativity and generate new ideas, which can benefit both you and your employer upon return.

• Gratitude and Perspective: Experiencing different cultures and lifestyles can foster gratitude and a fresh perspective on life, helping to appreciate the little things.

It’s true that sabbatical travel is a powerful way to reset, grow, and return to life and work with greater energy, insight, and motivation. But where do you begin? Here are some basic guidelines to follow, based on sabbatical pioneers who have paved the way before:

Clarify Your Purpose and Goals

Define why you want to take a sabbatical. Is it for rest, personal growth, volunteering, or pursuing a longheld passion? And it’s also ok to have multiple aims, both structured and unstructured. Your purpose will shape all other decisions. You may even want to consider working with a sabbatical coach, someone who has helped many others like yourself navigate through this personal journey.

Decide on Activities and Destinations

Make a long list of things you’d love to do and places you’d love to visit. Consider combining activities for a richer experience. Research destinations, optimal seasons, and any special requirements (visas, vaccinations, etc.). In my case, I knew I wanted to study wine, and ended up deciding on London as the best destination for that (I explain why in another blog!).

Set the Timeframe

Determine how much time you can realistically take off, considering your work, family, and financial commitments. If you’re fortunate enough to work for a company with a sabbatical program, there will likely be clear policies in place. Having said that, many people have negotiated sabbatical leave with their employers who don’t yet have a program, sometimes combining paid and unpaid leave, along with any unused vacation days.

Budget and Financial Planning

Estimate the total cost of your sabbatical, including travel, accommodation, tuition, insurance, daily expenses, and any ongoing obligations at home. Consider ways to save: off-peak seasons, vacation rentals instead of hotels and home cooked meals instead of restaurants. And a pro tip, set up an emergency fund for unexpected expenses.

Prepare Your Work and Home Life

Sell your sabbatical to your manager, including the expected outcome: you’ll return re-energized and with fresh perspectives. Arrange coverage for your work responsibilities, and communicate your plans early with your employer, team, and family. The more notice, the smoother the transition. It’s also worthwhile to plan your “re-integration” back into work upon your return, and what that would look like.

Plan the Details

Book major travel and accommodation in advance, especially for the first leg of your trip. Leave room for flexibility and unstructured time, which is key to a restorative sabbatical. Consider using a travel agent for complex itineraries that may evolve during the course of your sabbatical. In short, the last thing you want is the stress of travel planning once your sabbatical has begun!

Disconnect and Downsize

Prepare to unplug: set boundaries for digital communication, and consider what you can leave behind physically and mentally. Downsize your commitments to reduce stress while away. This one is hugely important - your company should ensure you’re truly “off” during your sabbatical, including managing expectations with all key stakeholders accordingly.

Make It Meaningful and Fun

Include activities that are both fun and meaningful to you. Don’t just do what you think you “should” do - prioritize what brings you joy and fulfillment. Plan for personal growth, whether through new experiences, learning, or reflection time. Again, a sabbatical coach can provide proven tools and dialogue to help this process.