Curved road zig-zags in Sikkim on the old Silk Route between China and India

Sabbaticals

Sabbatical travel where you define every step. Time away from the everyday can be a platform that helps us to redefine our purpose in life. Put your best foot forward, with the vast knowledge of our travel experts, and get that much-needed change of perspective in the places that have long inspired you.

Isolated elephant in a mist of sprayed water, South Luangwa, Zambia
Elephant, South Luangwa, Zambia

What's your purpose?

Whether you take a month, six months, or a full year for your sabbatical, the most important thing is to find your purpose.

It might be that you want to take a break from work and focus on learning new skills and languages, or perhaps giving back to nature and immersing yourself in a conservation project. It may be the perfect time to invest in your own ‘adult gap year experience’, discovering those destinations that have long been on your wishlist, with unstructured time to embrace wandering and exploring with an opportunity to fully immerse yourself in a new place. If you’re not quite sure yet, have a chat to our experts about where your passions can take you.

Get in touch

Yak, Tsomgo Lake, Gangtok, Sikkim, India
Gangtok, India
Scalesia Lodge, Isabela Island, Galapagos Islands
Isabela Island, Galapagos Islands
Hike, Garibaldi Lake, Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
British Columbia, Canada

Where will your sabbatical take you?

We can create you a life-changing sabbatical in a variety of our destinations and regions. You could be trekking in Nepal and the breathtaking Annapurna Massif, journeying across the historic Silk Road, getting involved in conservation projects, whilst on safari in South Africa, follow in the footsteps of the great explorers and cruise the Antarctic Peninsula, or perhaps hiking (and of course followed by wine-tasting) in Argentina.

Below are just some of our favourites destinations to explore. Of course, you could combine different countries across a region or even cross a whole continent too.

Destinations to explore

Mongolia

A place where the nomadic lifestyle is still very much alive.

Mongolia Eagle Hunters

South Africa

Reborn as the 'Rainbow Nation', this enthralling country offers culture, wildlife, landscapes and history – all as varied as the country itself.

Table Mountain at sunset, Cape Town, South Africa

Argentina

A frenetic melting pot of vibrant culture and dramatic terrains. Exploring with us can mean anything from galloping on horseback over sweeping…

Fitz Roy mountain near El Chalten, in the Southern Patagonia, on the border between Argentina and Chile

Chile

From the moment you step off the plane, Chile has a warm European feel which is instantly reassuring and a great start…

Torres del Paine over Pehoe Lake in Chile

Sri Lanka

Relax on the glorious sandy beaches, explore the UNESCO site of Galle or discover Colombo’s fascinating past.

Stilt Fishermen, Galle, Sri Lanka

India

From the white of snow-capped Himalayan peaks and the green of tiger-stalked jungles to the red of Mughal palaces and the opulent…

Morning on the Ghats, Varanasi, India

Vietnam

Magnificent hotels, simply divine cuisine and unquestionably friendly people.

Children, Vietnam

Thailand

Invigorating local cuisine, world-famous beaches and calm nature run through its people.

Close up of colourful decorative faces adorning the grand palace.

Cambodia

Trips to the temples at Angkor and a cruise on the Mekong Delta are musts for any bespoke itinerary

Stone murals and sculptures in Angkor wat, Cambodia

New Zealand

Home to some of the most beautiful and diverse scenery in the world.

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

Australia

Our travel experts can create a bespoke holiday to Australia’s vast expanse of bustling cities, rich aboriginal culture and iconic animals.

Wild koala climbing up a tree in Adelaide Hills, South Australia

Papua New Guinea

Come face to face with friendly tribes and bizarre customs while you traverse this stunning island.

Tribesmen, Mt Hagen, Papua New Guinea

Nepal

Nepal is a country that offers so much variety.

Tibetan Flags, Annapurna Base Camp 4200m, Nepal

Bhutan

One of the first accredited operators for the country, we’ve been enlightening travellers with a holiday to Bhutan for over 20 years.

Punakha Dzong, Punakha, Bhutan
Roxy Dukes
Roxy Dukes

Speak to our sabbatical experts

Organisation and knowing the right people is the key to success when it comes to booking a sabbatical. With three of our own Steppes Travel experts planning a sabbatical trip for themselves (and their partners) across the world, we are certainly the people to talk to.

Meet our team

Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Sue Grimwood

In the late ’90s, I booked myself on an expeditionary voyage into the Antarctic Circle and was instantly hooked. Since then, I’ve returned to Antarctica a number of times and ventured deep into the Arctic – from Svalbard to the Russian and Canadian Arctic – always chasing that same sense of wonder. It’s this rare personal experience of the world’s polar extremes that I bring to every journey I plan.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

Roxy Dukes

My specialist areas are the Americas and polar regions, where I’ve formed lasting connections with both the land and its people. Known for bringing these wild places to life, I design immersive programmes that go beyond the ordinary, helping my clients to connect with nature in a deep and meaningful way.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

Clare Wiggins

My love for Asia began with living there. Based in Vietnam and then Malaysia, I also explored the surrounding regions before eventually finding my way back home via China and the Trans-Siberian railway. At Steppes Travel, I get to share that love for Asia every day, helping clients experience the places I know best as if they were locals themselves.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

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Our knowledge, curiosity and expertise set us apart, driving us to create remarkable holidays and Beautiful Adventures tailored perfectly to you, carefully curated to help protect and conserve our planet.

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