Decision time
When you're a bit older, a bit wiser and have a bit more money in your pocket, the experience can be even more rewarding. As you reach your late twenties or thirties, the constraints of a job, a house and all the responsibilities that accompany them can make the decision to take extended leave a little daunting. After all, you've worked hard to get where you are, and a career break, although increasingly common, is still frowned upon by many employers. However, the very fact that you're considering it should suggest that your current job is no longer satisfying, so why not just take a break of a month, or even a year, before starting your next job!

Taking the plunge
My husband and I were both working increasingly long hours and spending less time together when the idea first came up, and it was the culmination of a particularly bad week and a particularly good bottle of wine that finally pushed us over the edge. There's something very liberating about making that decision, and stress levels plummet instantly; however, it's not as simple as sticking a pin in a map and booking flights. You need to think carefully about you want to get out of your trip: exploring off the beaten track; learning to scuba dive; immersing yourself in another culture; learning a language; or is it a combination? Whatever your priorities, there's a lot to organise and lists are essential. Here's a countdown for the lead-up to the big day.

Three months before departure:
Book your tickets - it sounds obvious, but it's wise to book well in advance, as certain routes get busy. Most round-the-world tickets are quite flexible and will allow you to change the dates of each sector of your trip once free of charge.
Inoculations - once you've decided on your destinations, it's important to visit your doctor for health advice and to ensure you're up-to-date with the relevant jabs.
Passport and visas - check that your passport is valid until after your return date and find out if you need a visa for any of the countries you're visiting.
Estate agents - if you own your property and plan to let it, start visiting estate agents - it's advisable to list your property with more than one agent. The market was slow and our flat wasn't let by the time we left: we ended up negotiating the terms and signing paperwork, via fax, in the middle of Brazil!

One month before departure:
Refining the route - get your maps and guidebooks together and decide on specific places you want to visit in each country. There's never sufficient time to go everywhere and although your plans will inevitably change along the way, it's important to have a basic itinerary.
Insurance - It's worth splashing out on a decent policy. Although it was the last thing on my mind when a salsa-dancing dentist in Peru was drilling my jaw, it was definitely money well spent.
Mail - you can arrange for post to be forwarded to another address. Alternatively, change your actual address with banks and companies so your post is delivered directly elsewhere.
Utilities - Inform utility companies and your council tax office that you're going away and arrange to pay final bills before you leave.
Furniture storage - if you're letting a property, you can market it as furnished, but don't leave anything of real monetary or sentimental value - you don't want to be up a mountain worrying about your antique sideboard. Anything you're not leaving will have to be put in storage, unless you have understanding family or friends with a spare room. It's worth shopping around for the best deal and don't be afraid to haggle!
Finances - make sure you have sufficient money in your current account to cover ongoing direct debits and standing orders while you're away. This is also the time to work out a more detailed budget for your trip and split your money between a couple of accounts in case you lose a cash card or there's a problem with one account.

One week before departure:
Luggage - for a multi-stop trip, a rucksack is by far the best option. Really think about what you need, lay it out and then halve it - now have a trial pack. Remember, you can buy pretty much everything you need while away and you're more likely to live in your flip-flops than your Jimmy Choos.
Copies of documents - take photocopies of your passport and insurance documents and keep a set in your luggage, separate from the originals, in case of loss or theft. It's also a good idea to leave copies with someone back home.

What to pack
Although the old adage 'less is more' definitely applies when packing for an extended trip, there are a few essentials that should be in your pack. A good basic medical kit, phrase books, comfy walking shoes, a multi-purpose penknife, small torch, a calculator (for working out exchange rates) and a money belt are all things we found particularly useful. Obviously, it depends how far off the beaten track you plan on venturing as to whether you need more specialised equipment. A digital camera will save you money on films and development and it also means you can email photos while you're away.

Time well spent
Far from being the nail in your career coffin, taking time out to go travelling is an amazingly rewarding experience that can actually enhance your future job prospects. You'll return relaxed, refreshed and inspired, with a whole new perspective on life and a positive outlook that can only be beneficial to potential employers. So, what are you waiting for?