The travel bug seems to be rife and our social media feeds are filling up with ‘hotdog leg’ shots and airport check-ins. There’s so many fantastic places to go and sights to see, you may be wondering how you are ever going to get them all ticked off your bucket list.
However, for career driven professionals who want to succeed and progress at work, wanderlust may seem like something that needs to take a back seat. Could a gap year or career break set you back? They’re certainly not the best option for everyone.
If you’re keen to see the world and be successful at work, do not despair! The two can go hand in hand, you just need to find the right balance. It may take you longer to visit every place on your list, but focusing on your career can also open doors to new places and travel opportunities. Here’s how:
1. Spread your travelling out
Top professionals break their travelling down into chunks. Mount Everest isn’t going anywhere and those temples in Thailand have been standing for hundreds of years already, so what’s the rush? You don’t need to see everything in one go, so make a wanderlust list and start ticking your destinations off as you go.
Make the most of your holiday allowance and get some adventures booked. The best part is that with your growing salary and performance bonuses you’ll be able to splash out by travelling in style or booking onto fantastic tours or activities.
2. Timing is everything
If you do have a longer trip in mind, then be sure to get the timing right. Think about where you are professionally and where you are going. Have you just finished university? Are you expecting a promotion? Are you planning a career change?
Just because the time isn’t right now, doesn’t mean the perfect opportunity won’t arise in the future. If you’re thinking of a career change or moving to a new company then it may be the perfect time to slot in some extended travelling. If you’re building a career that you enjoy in a great company then it may not be the best time to up and leave for 6 months. Only you can decide what is best for you and your career, just be sure to think it through carefully.
3. Make the most of your weekends
Your holiday allowance at work may not feel like much when you’re a keen traveller, but don’t forget about your weekends! Weekends are perfect for European city breaks, so make the most of bank holidays and book off 1-2 extra days where you want to. There are plenty of mini-break possibilities!
If you’re a bit strapped for cash (still saving for that Thailand adventure) then don’t forget about places closer to home. Explore new places across England, Wales and Scotland, there’s loads to see and do! Yes, Hadrian’s wall isn’t quite the Great Wall of China, but it’s better than nothing while you plan your next overseas adventure!
4. Travel with work
Depending on your job and the company you work for, you may have opportunities to travel with work! Getting paid to travel? Sounds good!
If you are a keen traveller, you may want to consider applying for companies who have offices abroad and offer travel opportunities. You may even want to apply for jobs that are based in another country.
You don’t need to choose between professional success and seeing the world. If you plan carefully and make the most of your time off you can have your cake and eat it!
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