20 Vacations To Take Between Jobs

Years ago, a huge worry was the so called "resume holes" – you didn't work for a period of time and it looked like you were lazy or unemployable. "Now it's completely acceptable and often makes you a more attractive job candidate if you take some time for a trip between jobs," Lee Abbamonte, the youngest American to visit every country, says. "It's a good talking point in any interview and makes you seem more real to an interviewer," he adds. Plus, there's a good chance some or all of the recruiters have been or want to go where you went. This will change the subject from the usual "Where do you see yourself in 5 years" in your favor.

This is the perfect country to travel solo or with your family. Whether you are looking for peace and relaxation or adrenaline pumping fun, Portugal has it all. The Algarve is a very popular tourist destination. Those of you looking to relax will enjoy a variety of golden beaches, picturesque cliffs and incredible shopping. But for you adrenaline seekers, take up a new water sport, hop on sea cave tour, and take your chances on one of the world's scariest cliff dives.

Escape reality for a week and travel to a country that has everything and suits everyone. Visit some of its famous national parks – Ordesa National Park and Timanfaya National Park – relax on the beautiful beaches, and participate in a variety of water sports. Go trail running and sea caving in Mallorca, hike the Camino de Santiago, and make sure you head to Madrid to visit the famous Templo de Debod.

Take advantage of your free time and visit Hawaii, Maui specifically, for some adrenaline pumping fun. Head to the ocean and enjoy surfing the island's awesome breaks and waves, descend down steep terrain on a rappelling excursion, soar through the trees on a zip lining adventure, view Maui from above on a helicopter tour, or take a road trip and drive the Road to Hana. See: The 20 Best Things to do in Hawaii

If you're a nature lover there is no better place than Costa Rica to spend your much needed getaway. Its year-round tropical climate makes it the perfect anytime vacation destination. Visitors enjoy relaxing on spectacular beaches, exploring jungles and visiting beautiful national parks. But adventure lovers are in for the thrill of a lifetime. Go zip lining, surfing, whitewater rafting, hiking, cliff jumping, skydiving and more.

You don't have to be a high-roller to visit Las Vegas; there are plenty of free things to do and adrenaline inducing activities to participate in. Some of their free attractions include the Fall of Atlantic at Caesars, Hershey's Chocolate World, M&M World, The Linq Promenade, and the Volcano at the Mirage. For those of you looking for thrills, head to the Stratosphere Hotel; it's home to some of the most adrenaline pumping rides in Las Vegas – SkyJump, Big Show, Insanity, and X-Scream.

Spend your vacation time at The Galapagos Islands and indulge in some of the world's most pristine beauty. It's a rare destination, with tons of unique wildlife and spectacular nature. It offers an incredible mix of tropical and polar species as well as volcanic rock landscapes. While you are there, make sure that you go hiking along  forest trails, relax on secluded islands that are comprised of unspoiled beaches, and embark on a scuba diving excursion on one of the best diving destinations in the world, Darwin Island.

If you're having trouble deciding where to take your much needed vacation, consider New Zealand, a place full of both relaxation opportunities and adrenaline pumping fun. Navigate your way through the beautiful water in Milford Sound, visit Hot Water Beach, dig your own hot pool right in the sand and relax, bungee jump The Nevis in Queenstown – one of the most terrifying bungee jumps in the world, go camping in their national parks, and make sure you visit the slowly melting, Franz Josef Glacier. See: The Top 10 Things to do on Vacation in New Zealand

If you are debating on where to take your vacation, consider the ultimate arctic paradise - Iceland. Contrary to what many believe, Iceland is more than just a country full of ice. It's a destination for thrill-seekers, nature lovers, photographers and people looking for peace of mind. Admire spectacular volcanoes, unique glaciers, beautiful mountains, stunning landscapes, and breathtaking waterfalls.

Gorgeous beaches, spectacular jungles, a variety of wildlife, historical ruins and delicious food are just some of the many reasons why Thailand should be on your radar. While you are there, make sure to explore the Grand Palace and floating markets of Bangkok, visit the oldest temple in Chiang Mai, and help feed and bathe elephants at a nearby sanctuary. Swim and snorkel hidden lagoons and relax on the beaches of Phuket – this Adventure Life tour includes the best that Thailand has to offer.

Thinking about taking a vacation with your family? San Francisco offers plenty of free things to do. Visit Golden Gate Park, have a picnic, let your children play on the playground and view the beautiful Japanese Tea Garden. Then, take your family to a floating national park –  the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. After that, head to the Bay Area Discovery Museum and don't forget to visit the beautiful beaches.

Visiting one of the most dangerous places on the planet is definitely an interesting story to share. Australia is often described as a paradise for adventure-lovers. After all, how can it not with its expansive coastlines, fascinating wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and rugged outback? Other incredible reasons to go on a trip there include the Snake Lagoon Hike on Kangaroo Island, Seal Bay Beach, koalas and kangaroos, and of course, The Great Barrier Reef, which is larger than the Great Wall of China and the only living thing on earth visible from space.

This will be one of the most amazing island vacations you will ever experience. Bali, which is often called the Island of the Gods, attracts adventurous travelers with its seashores, mountains, and volcanoes. Begin your day early by cycling to Mt. Baur, then get to the top for a sunrise experience. From here, climb aboard an elephant for a jaunt into the jungle where you break for lunch. Tackle six miles of 33 class II and III rapids past rainforests, gorges, and rice paddies. Try kayaking, jungle trekking, paragliding, horseback riding, and sea walking.

You will feel like you're at home in Germany, one of the countries where Americans move to most frequently.  Stay in ancient-old castles for a week, explore towns and villages that look like they are from a fairytale, and visit Berlin for an educational experience. Germany's capital city has undergone a renaissance in recent years. Emerging as one of Europe's most culturally vibrant centers, Berlin is on the cutting edge when it comes to art, fashion, and nightlife, offering visitors a mix of glamour and grit. The city looks back at its dark history through powerful attractions such as the Checkpoint Charlie Museum and Topography of Terror.

Visit the iconic Tulip Fields, one of the most colorful places on Earth. Holland's largest city is an absolute must. The beautiful century-old houses are stunning and an attraction of itself. The city is also famous for its clubs. The country's towns and villages are often pristine and have remained unchanged for many, many years. You'll love the gabled townhouses, pretty canals and church spires. Each town is often a profoundly separate place with its own distinct identity, according to Rough Guides.

Experience the wild, diverse and extravagant world of Kenya, one of the most affordable destinations in 2017. View stunning landscapes, incredible wildlife and educate yourself culturally. Adventure lovers should go on an extreme safari. Embark on a 14-day trip that focuses on unique wilderness encounters. Enjoy gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Known as one of the best country parks, Maasai Mara offers wide range of safaris – hot air balloons, walking, and photography. The best time to visit is between July and October because of the wildebeest migration, famous as one of the "Seven New Wonders of the World." 

Push your personal boundaries to the limits and embark on an authentic, one-with-nature wilderness experience through the Namib Desert. Encounter big game and beautiful scenery along more than 180 miles of rugged terrain. Do you want to go on one of the most dangerous winter hikes in the world? If yes, South Africa's Drakensberg Traverse is your destination. Consider a night tour at the Djuma Game Reserve, a state-run park. Bonus: South Africa is a dollar-friendly nation. A whole meal will cost about $8 and cabs are relatively cheap ($1 a mile).

How about living a nomadic life for a couple of weeks in rural Mongolia? It can be a challenge, but a worthy one. Hiking, biking, rafting, and kayaking are often involved. You'll get to see where Genghis Khan set out to conquer the world. You'll live in a Nomad's ger, and ride horses while learning archery and garment-making skills. You may have to get up early to help your hosts with chores like milking the cows and making your own dairy products for breakfast. Make sure you explore Ulaanbaatar, the capital and one of the coldest places in the world.

Trips to Cambodia usually involve Vietnam. Visit Angkor Wat, an ancient temple complex and the largest religious monument in the world. Along the way you'll get to swim, sunbath, and snorkel. There are also boat tours that are readily available. Learn about the country's tumultuous history, enjoy the beautiful untouched beaches, and encounter wild animals in the lavish jungle. Eventually, make your way to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam's dazzling economic and cultural capital. It is a good off the beaten path destination with clubs that stay open until 4-5 a.m. Go on a tour through the Mekong Delta, a vast maze of rivers, passing by rice paddies and houseboats.

The history and natural beauty are major draws, as is the fact that travelers can enjoy touring the country for less than $30 a day. Explore the untouched trio of mountains, jungles, and white sand beaches. The commercial capital of the country, Colombo, is a popular stop for those looking to take in the culture without breaking the bank. The exotic island also offers access to lavish rainforests, misty mountains, elephants, leopards, and giant whales. Arugam Bay is one of the most fun, and least expensive, Spring Break destinations.

These will be some of the most challenging 8 days of your life, but also some of the most rewarding, thanks to the chance to soak up mighty views of two of Canada's most spectacular parks and the stunning Glacier National Park in Montana. There won't be a lot of traffic on the roads, which will make the experience of enjoying clear blue lakes, massive glaciers, breathtaking waterfalls, colorful wildflowers, and wildlife even more fun. This tour will also take you to the magnificent Going-to-the-Sun Road and Canada's equally splendid Icefields Parkway.