Here’s a closer look at a few current and recent adventures:
Ten Weeks in France on a Bike (Sabbatical)
Aimee Chauvot recently returned from a ten week sabbatical in France where she and her fiancé, Adam, spent 50 plus nights in their tent, logged over 1,600 miles on their bikes, and consumed more than 240 pain au chocolats. Their trip was the result of a years’ worth of careful planning and budgeting, and was a lifelong dream for Aimee. Despite the obvious draws (wine, cheese, baguettes…history, art, architecture) the trip held greater significance. “When I look ahead to becoming the kind of woman I admire, she’s experienced other cultures and traveled the world,” says Aimee. “You
traveled the world,” says Aimee. “You don’t just wake up that woman one day, you have to do it.” Upon returning home, she discovered that her priorities and values had shifted; after spending two and a half months mostly unplugged she felt a renewed appreciation for personal communication, listening, and laughing with friends. Now, she seeks these moments out and focuses on living a quieter life, valuing quality over quantity. “I’m so grateful that my employer [United Way] gave me the time off,” says Aimee. “The entire trip was the best experience of my life.”
Van Life and Outdoor Adventure (Career Break)
For Sarah and Thor Tingey, their career break is an intentional shift in lifestyle. After a head injury had lasting impacts on Thor’s ability to enjoy his job as a corporate attorney and Sarah decided she was ready to leave the city, they secured jobs with Alpacka Raft in Colorado and realized could spend a few months living in their van while focusing on their mutual love for the exploring the outdoors.
"skimping on vacation isn't just bad for our physical and mental health, it's bad for our employers' bottom lines: the US Travel Association says that companies carry approximately $224 billion in liabilities"