Authored by Ingrid Burke

Perhaps a story idea has been gnawing at you for years, begging to be written, but you just haven’t found the time to put pen to paper. Or maybe you’re worn down by the rat race and want to spend a year rekindling the sense of creativity that used to flow so freely before life got in the way.

Whatever your motivation, you’re considering leaving your day job in pursuit of your passion. As powerful and life affirming as this decision is, it’s also terrifying. Unless you’re independently wealthy, worries of how you’ll make rent and afford groceries without a steady income will inevitably weigh on you.

The good news is, the world is bursting with idyllic destinations that will provide you with ample inspiration, and where living costs are so low that you’ll be able to stretch your savings much longer than you could ever dream of doing at home.

Destinations to Run Off to When You Decide to Quit Your Job to Write a Book

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Here are four unexpected, but incredible places to run away to when you’ve decided to quit your job and write your book.

Here are four unexpected, but incredible places to run away to when you’ve decided to quit your job and write your book.

Phong Nha, Vietnam: A Truly Rural Experience

Phong Nha is truly rural. You’ll wake every morning at dawn to a cacophony of roosters and as you bike down the main road you’ll have to dodge the cows that meander freely through the village and environs.

But shrouded in mist, framed by mountain peaks and situated along a river dotted with traditional fishing boats, Phong Nha’s beauty is jarring. Each day will boil over with inspiration as you make Vietnam your home.

A comfortable room with internet access in the city center will run you about $15 a night for short term stays. Many hosts are willing to negotiate the prices of longer visits. You can get a generous helping of pho bo – beef noodle soup – at a local café for well under a dollar.

Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic: A Modern-day Fairytale

This small medieval town in the Czech Republic is the perfect choice for those seeking old world charm, but wishing to avoid the hustle and bustle – not to mention the higher price tags – of Prague. Tucked away among rolling green hills and centered around a sprawling castle, Cesky Krumlov is a fairytale brought to life.

You can rent a private room in a guest house for $10-$20 a night, and then stroll the cobble stoned streets along the rushing Vltava River to a cozy restaurant, where you can find a hearty dish of traditional Bohemian fare for about $6.

Lake Atitlan, Guatemala: Incredible Natural Beauty (& Excellent Coffee)

The deep blue waters of Lake Atitlan sprawl for miles beneath volcanos and legendary coffee plantations, its shoreline festooned with a diverse array of villages ranging from traditional to new age to backpacker party towns.

Internet and phone connectivity can be shoddy around the lake, but picturesque views and excellent coffee are abundant, making Lake Atitlan the perfect choice for writers wishing to get away from it all while they pound out a manuscript.

In many of the lake’s villages, you’ll be able to find a gorgeous private room for between $15-20. Dining options around the lake are diverse and plentiful. You can find a tasty local lunch including beans, tortillas and vegetables for as little as $2.

San Sebastian, Spain: Legendary Source of Literary Inspiration 

Each summer, the beaches and bars of San Sebastian are saturated with holidaymakers. But during the colder months, the masses keep their distance, making this gorgeous seaside town the perfect destination for any writer seeking inspiration.

Known for its spectacular beaches, historical architecture and incredible cuisine, San Sebastian has been the source of inspiration for many works of art and literature. Ernest Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises was partially set in San Sebastian, and Finnish power metal group Sonata Arctica penned a popular anthem named after the sleepy town.

As is the case across much of Spain, accommodation costs vary dramatically. You can find a private room near Zurriola Beach for as little as $20 a night. While it boasts an enormous concentration of Michelin star restaurants, many of these will be beyond the reach of the budgetary realities of aspiring novelist.

San Sebastian is known for its pintxos – snacks on small plates designed to be eaten by one person. Typical pintxo bars have plenty of options available for between EUR 1-5, so you can fill up on a variety of different options without breaking the bank.

What These Destinations Have in Common

What these destinations have in common is the fact that they are profoundly beautiful and significantly more affordable than many American, Canadian and European cities.

If you’re ready to take the plunge and focus on the creative project that you’ve been neglecting, know that you can soften the financial blow and immerse yourself in an inspiring new environment at the same time.

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Here are four unexpected, but incredible places to run away to when you’ve decided to quit your job and write your book.

Here are four unexpected, but incredible places to run away to when you’ve decided to quit your job and write your book.

Ingrid Burke is the International Editor at Tranio.com, an international real estate broker with a dedicated and independent team of journalists and real estate investment experts.

They publish real estate news, high quality analyses on foreign realty, expert advice, travel and best destinations tips, and more.

Photo credits: Phong Nha by Hugh Derr. Lake Atitlan by Daniel Mennerich.