Sabbatical travel: 10-step plan

Want to take 3-6 months off and travel? Here's the practical step-by-step that gets it done without losing your job, savings or sanity.

Step 1: discuss with your employer (6 months ahead)

Many companies offer unpaid leave 'to keep their best people'. Frame it as career break, not vacation. Get it in writing.

Step 2: build a sabbatical fund

Aim for €15,000-€25,000 for 6 months. Stop saving for new things (€500-€1000/month), drop subscriptions you won't use abroad.

Step 3: shape the route

First half slow (one country for 2 months), second half fast (4 countries in 3 months). Start expensive (New Zealand), end cheap (Vietnam) for budget control.

Step 4: rent out your house

Subletting via Airbnb: €600-€1500/month. Or rent out to friend/family for stable income.

Step 5: cancel + pause

Phone subscription pause (€0 for 6 months at KPN). Gym pause. Insurance: keep healthcare, pause car insurance if your car stays parked.

Step 6: travel insurance for long stays

Standard insurance covers up to 60 days. Get an Allianz long-stay or AIG Globetrotter (€20/month for 6 months).

Step 7: visa research

Most Asian countries: 30-60 days visa-free, extendable. Australia/New Zealand: working holiday visa (under 31) gives 12 months. Schengen: 90 days max.

Step 8: bank stuff

Tell your bank. Get a backup card (different bank). Inform your municipality if you're gone 4+ months (no income tax adjustment otherwise).

Step 9: vaccinations

Plan 6 weeks before departure. For SE Asia: Hep A+B, typhoid, tetanus. For Africa: yellow fever, malaria pills.

Step 10: stay in touch

Get a worldwide eSIM (Airalo). Use WhatsApp for friends. Schedule one video call per week with family - keeps you grounded.