Originally Posted by
peachfront
Well, emotional balance or not, I would put shopping for a destination, second to making sure that my unemployment benefits were secure. Most people I've known who were laid off had to prove that they were seeking another job, by doing something every week (so many applications or interviews), or else their unemployment benefits would be terminated. Travel for anything besides seeking work was not on the table. It must depend on the terms of one's laid-off-edness. But I wouldn't be putting it about in public that I was going to Bali, instead of seeking other employment, until I had that hammered down. No doubt the OP is way ahead of us though and just didn't think to mention it. Or maybe this is only the rule in Louisiana. Who knows.
I think that's a rule everywhere. But, you can apply for jobs via Monster.com from an internet cafe anywhere in the world. It's the interview that becomes expensive. However, no one has to know that you turn down interviews because you're half a world away. I'd keep the trip to a month if unemployment pay is critical since at some point, you have to go back to the unemployment office to check in.