Episode 25 - Pre-Trip Planning for Career Breaks: How to Prepare for Life-Changing Travel
Ready to take the leap into the unknown with a career break but not sure how to get started with travel planning? In this special role-reversal episode of Taking a Career Break with Katrina McGee, Katrina takes over as host and interviews podcast co-creator and travel expert James Hammond, host of Winging It Travel Podcast. Together, they dive deep into everything you need to know before your big departure, offering practical guidance, seasoned travel wisdom, and inspiring personal stories.
This is Part 1 of a special three-part travel series that unpacks the before, during, and after phases of travel during your career break. This episode focuses on pre-planning and preparation, helping you figure out what to do in the weeks and months leading up to your trip.
Whether you're a career professional planning a bold sabbatical or a burned-out high achiever ready for a long-overdue reset, this episode is your go-to travel prep playbook.
🎒 What you’ll learn in this episode:
How to choose your destinations based on your personal goals and values (not Instagram envy)
Why pushing outside your comfort zone creates the most powerful travel memories
The difference between travel budgets vs. total career break budgets—and how to structure both
Tools like BudgetYourTrip.com to estimate daily spending by country
Why slow travel and location flexibility are your secret weapon for long-term travel success
How to prepare logistically with travel insurance, VPNs, eSIMs, and accommodation booking hacks
Insider tips on managing phone plans abroad (hello, Google Fi and GigSky!)
The must-have packing list items people often forget but absolutely need
How to mentally transition into travel mode before you even leave home
Why it’s crucial not to overplan—and how to leave space for spontaneity, rest, and personal evolution
💥 Plus:
Learn how James saved money and stayed flexible while traveling through Central America, Asia, and North America.
Katrina shares a deeply honest take on why your break doesn’t have to be epic to be valid—and how your version of freedom might look very different from others.
This episode is packed with actionable advice, budget breakdowns, mindset shifts, and real-world tips for anyone wondering, “What should I actually be doing before I go?”
🌍 Planning a career break that includes travel? This is your essential first step.
🎧 Tune in now and get ready to turn your dreams of travel into a concrete departure plan—with clarity, confidence, and a bit of cheeky fun.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to Travel Planning
01:09 Defining Your Travel Goals
04:04 Budgeting for Your Career Break
07:55 Accommodation and Travel Style
12:03 Essential Travel Preparations
18:02 Planning Flexibility and Itinerary
21:02 Final Tips and Things Not to Do
🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into career growth, work-life balance, and mental resilience.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and every podcast app!
📩 Got a story about your own career break journey? DM us or leave a review—we’d love to hear from you!
If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch today to start your journey!
Book a coaching session - https://kmcgheecoaching.as.me/schedule.php
Join the waitlist for the BreakSpace community - www.gobreakspace.com
Purchase Taking a Career Break for Dummies - https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com/book
