Making extended travel realistic and affordable
2010-10-14
Many adults fantasize about quitting their jobs and traveling the world, yet few ever consider the scenario as more than a childish fantasy, reserved for recent college graduates and retirees.
There may, however, be ways to live out this dream in a practical way, without jeopardizing one's career or dramatically decreasing one's standard of living.
The first thing to consider is budget. The New York Times recently reported statistics about a panel of individuals that had taken a career break to travel. According to many of these travelers, it's possible to keep expenses at or under $2,000 a month, especially if the traveler is not changing location too often.
If the extended vacation is short enough, a sabbatical can often be bargained with employers, and budget issues may be alleviated if the traveler is willing to work remotely from his chosen exotic destination. Many travelers are finding that networking technologies on the Internet are making it easy for them to be productive and keep in touch with loved ones during their extended travel.
Some travelers have also found that employer attitudes towards extended time off are changing, and that there are ways to market such experiences as an asset.
For those who may be considering such a trip, resources are available, including small group travel companies and seminars on planning extended trips.
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