Most of us have grand ideas about travelling. Sadly, when juggling work, family and finances it can be hard to find a compelling reason to drag yourself away from real life.
But removing yourself from your current perspective and immersing yourself in new adventures can often provide a much needed change of pace and scenery that could jumpstart a diminishing career focus.
So what are the ultimate destinations for the next big career move or business idea? Well, some of these may not always be realistic, but they would certainly be nice. And it’s always good to dream big when considering your next holiday.
Start up in San Francisco
If you’ve often thought about taking a leap of faith and starting your own business but haven’t yet taken the jump out of fear, it might be time to head to San Francisco. A city well known for its innovative culture, it’s a larger and more vibrant version of its near neighbour Silicon Valley where everyone’s looking to strike that entrepreneur pot of gold. Professional, yet relaxed, San Francisco is a hub of paradoxical qualities, boasting diverse cultural and professional resources that will offer any budding entrepreneur the inspiration they’re seeking.
Travel career tip: Attend a seminar or networking session of a particular area of interest. It’s an opportunity to meet like-minded people you can continue to connect with when you return home – social media can be a mighty networking tool.
Volunteering in Cambodia
If you’re looking for some time out to gain perspective but you’re not all that fond of the glacial pace of a resort-style holiday, a volunteer trip could the perfect antithesis. It’s a great way to see the world, get immersed in new cultures, gain a new outlook and — most importantly — make a positive impact.
The Kingdom of Cambodia, with its rich history and stunning ancient ruins, continues to struggle as a developing country after emerging from years of conflict. Always seeking passionate and skilled volunteers from any number of industries, the country will provide a cultural backdrop to make your holiday a time to give something back.
Travel career tip: Start a blog while you’re on the road or use twitter to update your family and friends on your latest travels and share the amazing sights. Being resourceful online could open up new opportunities or even unleash a new desire for blogging.
Get rejuvenated in the South of France
Do you often find yourself staring at your screen saver, dreaming of those annual leave days piling up as fast as the workload is? Now might be the time to cash in your holidays and take that trip to your dream destination. While Paris is a popular destination for sightseeing, the south of France is a picturesque alternative to rejuvenate your creativity and motivation. Take in the luxury of the harbour city of Cannes, stroll through the famous promenades of Nice, hit up the Monte Carlos casino, or indulge in cliff top adventures and cave exploring.
Travel career tip: Take that cooking class you’ve been meaning to sign up for but haven’t been able to fit into your schedule. Learn a new language, or study an art class. Learning a new skill while overseas is a fun way to spend your downtime, will give you a broader focus and help keep you feeling productive.
Learn to switch off in Machu Pichu, Peru
Have you tried – and failed – to switch off from your iPhone? Terrified of unplugging but know your love of technology is doing more harm to your life than good? Sometimes you need to have the options taken right out of your hands.
Located almost 8,000 feet above sea level, Machu Picchu is one amazing feat of architecture and it’s also well out of communication zone. Here’s your chance to change gears far away from the persistent ding of your inbox, and an opportunity to make some much needed professional (and personal) modifications to your life.
Travel career tip: Challenge yourself. Switch off your mobile phone as soon as you arrive at the airport, go skydiving, take a trip alone. Confronting your fears and stimulating yourself outside of your comfort zone will give you new-found confidence to take on the next big career challenges.
Ultimate relaxation in the Maldives
Want to switch off, recalibrate and get as far away from work as the world will take you? The Maldives, nestled in the middle of the Indian Ocean, is the ultimate in stripped-back luxury – complete with clear skies year round, coral blue water and gracious locals keen to accommodate every whim while you unwind poolside.
Travel career tip: Remember that while you’re on holidays, you’re still your own best career asset. Travelling has an almost unparalleled way of placing different kinds of people on common ground. Swap life stories over a drink at the hotel pool with a stranger and you may just find yourself gaining a few important LinkedIn connections.
Career change in the Hunter Valley
You don’t need to go all the way to the Napa Valley to find Wine Country. Located just a few hours outside of Sydney, the slower pace and wide open spaces of the Hunter Valley can make it feel as though you’ve escaped to a new planet. The laid back lifestyle, sweeping vine-line hills — and, of course, the wine — it’s enough to convince yourself that it might be time for a change of speed.
Travel career tip: Fed up with your job but not sure where to go next? Explore your own backyard. Take a destination holiday somewhere outside of Australia’s bustling capital cities. Speak with the locals and learn their stories. You never know, one of them might just be doing the job you’ve always dreamed of doing.