Alexis Grant, in her own words, is an entrepreneurial writer and digital strategist with a focus on careers. She is also a writer who has practiced what she preaches – she took her travel break in 2008.

Alexis Grant’s guide is perfect for anyone who’s planning s career break to travel, but it just makes sense for those of us that are rational romantics and risk-takers. What do I mean by rational romantic?

You know who you are. You’d consider sleeping with a stranger, but you wouldn’t do it without birth control (preferably on both sides). You’d quit your job if you hate it, but after you have some savings and a sanctuary plan (like living with parents if need be) beforehand.

I’m one of those people. I take some risks with my heart, and peace of mind, every day; I’m a freelance writer who also writes fiction and is trying to get into Hollywood. There are enough uncertainties in my life to spin anyone’s head.

But I wouldn’t be the friend to offer going skydiving just because or try the foreign cuisine if I don’t know what it is in the dish that I’m eating. And I wouldn’t take a career break without having a plan.

That said, in several ways, it is easier for a freelance writer, especially an established one, to just go ahead and do it. We are our own bosses, our clients can be reached via email from most parts of the world, and we are a bit more used to the unknown.

Yet, even for a freelancer, it’s much easier to go about our free-spirited ways in our own country where we’re used to the customs, body language, health care system (despite how unsatisfactory it might be) and so on. It’s however a whole other escapade to take a career break to travel or to move to an entirely different place.

This is why I jumped at Alexis e-book: it seemed to offer exactly what I needed, and it didn’t disappoint. Here’s a breakdown of contents:

–       Part 1 starts by reminding you why you absolutely need to do this, and the differences between “scheming and planning,”

–       Part 2 destroys your 4 biggest, albeit most logical, excuses like your family obligations, not having a fat enough bank account, your job and your house.

–       Part 3 is called Planning Mode and helps you discover your options like traveling while blogging, earning from your blogging efforts, as well as other ways to make money during your traveling. It also guides you through your trip planning (like picking destinations according to your budget).

–       Part 4 deals with logistics: your potential expenses and a comprehensive to-do list including visas, luggage, footwear, your financial plan and a lot more. Just print out the whole book while you are at it. You’ll want to make notes.

–       Part 5 preps you for when you get back.

*

All in all, How to Take a Career Break to Travel (aff. link) is a 94-page comprehensive and practical guide that starts with smart encouragement, and guides you through all stages of preparation for before, during and after. I recommend reading the book and keeping it as a reference even if you are planning to move to a certain location. The price is $29.

Want to read more about travel breaks? You can check out her posts here.

*

– Do you own this book? Let me know in the comments how it has helped you.

– Are you planning a career break? Have you already taken yours? Please share your experiences in the comments as well.

Click here to view more details