On Sabbatical with Leo Sparkes

At Understanding Recruitment Group, we’re passionate about recognising and celebrating the commitment and achievements of our team members. As part of this, we provide an exceptional benefit: a 3-month sabbatical after 5 years of service, with another opportunity at 10 years. Recently, we caught up with Leo Sparkes, Principal Recruitment Consultant at Understanding Recruitment, our technology recruitment brand based at our St. Albans HQ in Hertfordshire, to hear about his inspiring sabbatical adventure. Read on to learn more about how our supportive culture and standout benefits, like Leo’s sabbatical, can elevate both your professional journey and personal life.

Where did you travel during your sabbatical, and what motivated you to choose those destinations? – Did you go alone or with others?

Over the two months, I took a pretty extensive route - starting in Brazil and making my way through Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Mexico, with a quick pit stop in Miami, and then finishing in Jamaica. I chose this route because these are places you'd usually think about visiting on a one or two-week holiday. So, with the chance to take extended time off, it just made sense to explore them all in one go. Plus, these aren’t your typical holiday destinations, which made the experience even more unique and exciting!

Can you share some of the most memorable moments or experiences you had while travelling?

I’d probably have to say Peru – we did a lot of exploring there and were also lucky enough to experience three of the New Wonders of the World during our trip. We went to see Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It was amazing, such an iconic site but, wow, it was packed with people! Then there was Machu Picchu in Peru, which we reached via the Inca Trail, climbing nearly 8,000 feet. Absolutely breathtaking. We also visited Chichén Itzá in Yucatán while travelling through Mexico—it was fascinating.

Aside from that, we got stuck into some really fun activities. Sand skiing was fun, so different from skiing on snow, I have to say. We also did volcano boarding in Nicaragua which was like sledging, but down the side of an active volcano - such an adrenaline rush! Oh, and we climbed a volcano in Guatemala. It was freezing at the top, but the view made it so worth it!

Were there any destinations or activities that exceeded your expectations? If so, what made them stand out?

Of course, the highlights I’ve already mentioned stand out, but what really made a difference for me were the friendliness of the people, the amazing weather, and the overall value for money. Many areas were surprisingly affordable and offered so much compared to the high costs in London.

On the flip side, I didn’t enjoy Costa Rica as much. It rained constantly while I was there - though I’m sure I was just unlucky with the timing. Also, it was noticeably more expensive, likely because it’s such a popular destination for many tourists.

Did you encounter any challenges or obstacles while travelling, and how did you navigate them?

While travelling in Peru, we took a night bus, and about two hours from our destination, we ran into a bit of an unexpected situation. Miners were protesting and had blocked the roads, which meant our journey came to a halt. We ended up stuck on the bus for an additional 12 hours! It wasn’t exactly the plan, but, honestly, it gave us a lot of insight into the realities people there are facing.

How did you go about planning your itinerary and balancing between exploration and relaxation during your travels?

I was really fortunate because my friend from University, whom I travelled with, took the lead on organising most of the itinerary - though I did add my input here and there! Looking back, we probably didn’t quite nail the balance. We packed so much into a short period that there wasn’t much time to relax. It felt like we were always on the move - either doing something amazing or heading to our next destination. We did manage to slow down a bit in Jamaica, but overall, it was definitely more action-packed than laid-back!

Did you engage with the local culture in any meaningful ways during your trip? If so, what cultural experiences stood out to you?

I really enjoyed immersing myself in the different cultures across each country we visited. Lots of the employees at the hostels were actually volunteers so it was interesting speaking with them and they actually gave us some great tips and recommendations for our adventures.

Were there any particular landmarks, sights, or hidden gems that left a lasting impression on you?

The wonders of the world were absolutely unforgettable - they really left a lasting impression. Central America has so much to offer, but there were still a few things we missed, like the Uyuni Salt Flat in Bolivia and Iguazu Falls in Brazil. Those are definitely on my list for a future trip!

One of the things that really sticks with you while travelling is the people you meet along the way. In Nicaragua, we met up with my friend’s brother and his friends, who are travelling for an entire year. We shared a few beers and spent some time doing beach activities together. We also made friends with an Australian couple and ended up travelling through a couple of countries with them. The mix of people you meet from all walks of life is just incredible and adds so much to the experience.

How did your travel experiences contribute to your personal growth and perspective on the world?

Absolutely, it did. The culture in South and Central America was eye-opening. People there work incredibly hard - many are out on the streets selling goods or doing whatever they can to make a living, often starting from very little. It really gave me a new perspective on resilience and determination. At the same time, I was struck by how much more affordable things were compared to life in the Western world—whether it was meals, activities, or day-to-day expenses.

Overall, it was amazing to take a step back and do something completely different. I went straight from school to university and then into a full-time job, so this break was a refreshing change of pace.

How do you think your travels have influenced your approach to work and life upon returning for your sabbatical? Would you take the opportunity again in another 5 years?

That’s a tough one. For me, the biggest takeaway was having a break from reality and my usual routine, which is always so busy. It also opened my eyes to how challenging life can be for people in countries with poorer economies, something you see a lot across South and Central America. People work incredibly hard for so much less than we’re used to. Would I do it again? Absolutely.

I’d like to see some more of Southeast Asia as I travelled around Thailand during my University years and loved it there. Australia also interests me, I’ve friends and family there so it would also be nice to visit and spend some time with them.

Finally, what advice would you offer to someone considering a sabbatical?

My advice? Don’t try to cram too much into a short amount of time. Take the time to really enjoy the places you visit and make sure you experience everything you want to while you’re there. Also, it’s important to save up a good amount of money beforehand so you can relax and enjoy yourself without stressing if plans change or you decide to do something unexpected.