Travel Guest Post: Top 5 Sabbatical Destinations

If you work for a company that allows sabbaticals, it’s well worth taking advantage of this perk to expand your horizons and simply take a break from the daily grind for a while.

Many people use sabbaticals to sightsee, but there’s also the attractive opportunity to give something back to society by joining a volunteer project. Whatever kind of adventure you hope to have, there are several destinations you should consider – here’s our pick of five of the best.

Australia

Research suggests Australia is the most popular destination for those taking a break from work. Given its reputation as a mecca for students on a gap year, it might surprise you to learn that it’s also a big draw for over-50s looking to escape the UK for a few months. So it’s perhaps safe to say that the destination really is for all ages!

The sheer size of the country means you’ll have a different experience wherever you go on your sabbatical, from the cosmopolitan vibe of cities like Sydney and Melbourne to the impressive Great Barrier Reef, the remote outback and the heady tropical rainforests. Specific activities you can enjoy in Australia include working on a ranch and learning the finer points of wine tasting.

Thailand

Thailand’s breathtaking coastline and islands, exotic culture, low living costs and fantastic food make it a hit among Brits looking to really get away from it all on their sabbatical.

You can wander through the streets of cities like Bangkok or Chiang Mai to immerse yourself in local history, relax on golden beaches, check out iconic sights like the bridge over the River Kwai or help out on volunteering schemes that assist local children in learning new skills. Thailand really does have something for everyone!

India

Another relatively cheap sabbatical destination, vibrant India has plenty to offer the work-weary traveller. You can choose from a host of experiences here, from relaxing on the golden beaches of Goa to exploring the Rajasthan desert and helping teach children high up in the Himalayas.

Despite being a technologically advanced country, India is home to many poor communities in desperate need of help – in terms of both money and human labour. So, if you want to do your bit as you travel through the nation, it’s well worth signing up to a volunteer project that lets you do just that.

South Africa

As the land of safaris, wine, spectacular scenery and a diverse culture, South Africa ticks all the boxes for a perfect sabbatical if you want to simply relax and enjoy yourself.

In terms of volunteering, you can spend time in small communities helping children learn to read, assist in the rehabilitation of injured and orphaned monkeys or take care of disadvantaged children in the more rural parts of the country.

Everywhere

Okay, so this might be cheating, but if you can’t decide where to go on your sabbatical, you could consider a round the world trip – especially if you have a few months off work. Think about the countries and activities that interest you and go from there, taking into account your budget and the time of year you wish to travel.

Just imagine flying to the USA and spending a few days there before travelling on to the likes of Costa Rica, Africa, China, Vietnam, Australia and New Zealand. Of course, this is just one potential itinerary; there are countless combinations to choose from for a sabbatical that is tailor-made for you!

What do you think? Are there any other destinations you think are ideal for a sabbatical, based either on experience or your own wish list? Let us know in the comments!

Travel Guest Post: 5 Honeymoon Destinations You Must Consider

A honeymoon is always special not only because it immediately follows a wedding but also because it is the first opportunity for the newly married couple to enjoy intimate moments after all the stress involved with getting married. Most of the couples try to make their honeymoon as memorable as possible and the foremost requisite for achieving this objective entails selecting a perfect getaway.

 

Where to go on a honeymoon is a question which haunts most of the newly weds and in a concerted effort to be of assistance and lessen the confusion, the following list has been compiled –

 

South Africa – Blessed with ample natural beauty in form of beautiful beaches, exotic islands, diverse flora and fauna and home to many ethnic cultures, this country located at the tip of the vast African continent is a perfect honeymoon destination for couples who yearn for an action-packed holiday. Coupled with modern amenities like shopping malls and contemporary sports facilities, there is so much to do in South Africa that people often run out of days but not activities and since each experience is unique, they go back home with enough cherished memories to last a lifetime.

 

Russia – Given Russia’s emergence from the economic oblivion, now this nation is fast acquiring popularity as a favored honeymoon destination by couples around the globe. While the richness of age-old Russian culture and traditions is reflected in the local cuisine and architecture, attractions like the Kremlin exude a timeless charm of their own and the rugged beauty of the Siberian landscape speaks volumes of the power of nature.

 

Mexico – This land of the Aztec warriors is not only one of the most well-connected romantic destinations but is also affordable and hence worth every dollar spent. Experiencing the essence of the ancient Mayans in the canyons has a romanticism which is difficult to beat while lazing around in one of the many luxury resorts is the best therapy for calming frayed nerves and spending time discovering and knowing each other.

 

Tahiti – Popularly known as the ‘island of love’ this is an ultimate paradise for honeymoon couples with its turquoise waters facilitating many water related activities, natural and colorful beauty encouraging hikes and pristine beaches serving as ideal spots for lazing around. Immersing in the Tahitian culture is a must for every honeymoon couple as is sampling local delicacies like papaya chicken, Banana Poe and ‘poisson cru’. Having a Tahitian tattoo impaled on the better halves would act as a reminder of that wonderful honeymoon for many days to come.

 

Europe Tour – Unlike its American counterpart, the European continent has successfully retained its rustic charm and ancient traditions all of which make it worthy of consideration for celebrating a honeymoon. Although Italy is often spoken synonymously with romance, it is France which upholds this emotion in every sphere and Switzerland which lends a zing to it through its ski slopes and activities. Every country in the European continent narrates a tale of its own and this is reflected in its cuisine, chocolates, wine and the Mediterranean coastline.

 

About the Author: Elijah works for the marketing department of  Mega.co.uk, where you can find a useful On the Beach Voucher Code that will allow you to make some savings.