Managing a full-time job and a love for travel might seem like an impossible task, but with the right strategies, you can explore the world without sacrificing your career. Whether it’s maximizing vacation days, taking advantage of remote work, or leveraging business trips, here’s how to travel more while keeping your job secure.
Prioritize Travel in Your Life
If you wait for the “perfect time” to travel, you may never go. Instead, make travel a priority.
- Create a travel bucket list and set realistic goals.
- Plan trips in advance to make them happen.
- Treat travel as a non-negotiable part of your lifestyle, just like work and personal commitments.
Understand Your Vacation Policy
Many people don’t fully utilize their time off. Review your company’s vacation rules:
- Can you roll over unused PTO?
- Is unpaid leave an option?
- Are sabbaticals available?
Knowing your options allows you to plan longer or more frequent trips.
Use Holidays and Weekends to Your Advantage
Stretch your vacation days by planning trips around national holidays and weekends.
Make the most of holidays and weekends by planning trips around them. If your company closes for major holidays, especially those on a Monday or Friday, add a few PTO days before or after to extend your vacation without using too many days off. This is ideal for road trips and nearby destinations, helping you avoid peak travel congestion.
Negotiate for More Time Off
Yes, you can incorporate vacation days and time off policies while negotiating a new job offer or promotion. Consider asking for perks that will enhance your work life balance on top of higher pay. Many companies are more flexible with time off than salary increases.
Explore Locally
Travel doesn’t have to mean hopping on a plane to a foreign country. Consider these options for a quick escape:
- Weekend road trips to national parks, charming small towns, or nearby cities.
- Staycations in your own area with new experiences (food tours, museums, adventure activities).
Be Smart About Booking Flights
When you have limited PTO, it may be beneficial to opt for the quickest journey.
Book direct flights whenever possible and consider using tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Hopper to find time-efficient and budget-friendly options. Also consider flying out on Thursday evening or Friday night to maximize weekends.
Take Advantage of Work Travel
Many employers allow you to add personal days to work trips (covering your return flight while you explore a new city) so you can arrive a couple of days earlier or stay longer. Use your per diem or company stipend for food and lodging to offset costs.
Explore the city before or after work hours if you can’t extend your trip.
Leverage Remote and Hybrid Work Options
If your job allows remote work, take advantage of work-from-anywhere, as long as it doesn’t go against company policy.
- Work remotely from a beach town, a cozy cabin, or a vibrant city instead of your home office for a change of scenery.
- Use long weekends for a workcation, balancing work and exploration.
Consider a Career That Offers Travel Perks
If you want to make travel a bigger part of your life, look into jobs with built-in travel opportunities, such as:
- Event Planning
- Remote Work
- Teaching English abroad
- Sales/consulting
Consider Unpaid Leave for Extended Travel
If you’re financially prepared, consider requesting unpaid leave for longer trips. Many employers are open to this for high-performing employees.
Travel Solo
Taking that trip solo means you’re no longer at the mercy of conflicting schedules, budget constraints, or last-minute plan changes. You get to craft an itinerary that’s completely your own—whether that means waking up for a sunrise hike, lingering in a bookstore for hours, or lounging on a beach all day with no one to judge you. Don’t let the fear of venturing alone stop you from maximizing your travels.