Episode 24 - Why ‘Variation Creates Appreciation’—Essential Advice for Sabbatical Travel

In this episode of Taking a Career Break with Katrina McGhee, we dive into one of the most overlooked secrets of long-term travel: “Variation creates appreciation.” Katrina, career break coach and author of Taking a Career Break for Dummies, joins travel expert and podcast host James Hammond to discuss how embracing change, pacing yourself, and building intention into your travels can make your sabbatical or career break more enjoyable and sustainable.

We explore the real challenges of extended travel, from burnout and boredom to unexpected health issues and travel fatigue. Katrina shares her own experiences from the road, including that moment when even the most beautiful cathedrals started to blur together—and what she did to regain her sense of wonder. We also discuss the importance of varying your environment, whether that involves alternating between hostels and hotels or taking “real life” days off from sightseeing to relax, reset, and reconnect.

James offers his insights from years of constant travel, including a hilarious story of a friend who beat burnout in Bangkok by locking himself in a hostel with a video game console for two weeks. From practical tips on getting good rest and staying healthy while abroad, to the mindset shifts that help you appreciate the journey, this conversation is full of helpful takeaways for anyone planning a break from work to travel.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by too much adventure or wondered how to pace your travels during a sabbatical, this episode will give you tools to create more meaning, more balance, and yes—more appreciation through variation.

Plus, Katrina invites you to BreakSpace, her supportive new online community for career breakers and sabbatical takers. Join the crew at BrakeSpaceCrew.com and start planning a break that works for you, not against you.

In this episode, we cover:

• How to avoid travel fatigue and burnout during your sabbatical

• The importance of mixing up hostels, hotels, and solo downtime

• How to maintain your physical and mental health while abroad

• Strategies for building intention and balance into your travel plans

• Funny real-life stories from James and Katrina’s own travel breaks

• Why taking “real life” days off from sightseeing can actually enhance your journey