Jun 1

Jun 1 How to Travel More When You Have a Full-Time Job: Your Ultimate Guide

“I wish I could travel more, but I have a full-time job." Sound familiar? It’s the most common refrain I hear from aspiring adventurers. Most people assume I’m a full-time travel creator or remote worker, but I’m actually a regular office employee with about 20 days of PTO a year! That is more than the average American, but definitely not enough to be on the road all the time.

The dream of exploring far-off lands often feels incompatible with the reality of a 9-to-5, limited vacation days, and adult responsibilities. But what if I told you it doesn’t have to be?

As a travel blogger who also spent years navigating the demands of a demanding corporate career, I’m here to tell you that traveling with a full-time job is not just a pipe dream – it’s entirely achievable. It requires strategy, intentional planning, and a shift in perspective, but it is 100% possible to see the world without quitting your job. Ready to transform your travel aspirations into actual passport stamps? Let’s dive in.

How to Travel More When You Have a Full-Time Job: Your Ultimate Guide

Master the Art of Weekend Getaways

This is your bread and butter for frequent travel. Don't underestimate the power of a long weekend or even a concentrated 2-day escape.

Look for Direct Flights: Minimize travel time by choosing destinations with direct flights from your nearest airport. A 2-hour flight is far more appealing for a weekend than a 6-hour journey with layovers.
Explore Local Gems: You don't always need to cross oceans. Discover incredible destinations within a few hours' drive or a short train ride from your home base. These can be surprisingly rewarding and much less stressful.
Maximize Holidays: Public holidays are goldmines. Instead of using a full vacation day for a Monday off, combine it with the preceding weekend to create a 3-day adventure without touching your core vacation allowance. Strategically adding one day to a 3-day weekend gives you 4 full days of travel.
Pack Light, Go Fast: A carry-on is your best friend. Skip checked bags to save time at the airport and be more agile once you arrive.

This works better with domestic travel, but that is ok! I have a very long bucket list of USA travel that I am slowly working my way through!

Strategize Your Vacation Days Like a Pro

Your limited PTO (Paid Time Off) is your most valuable travel currency. Treat it as such.

Calendar Mapping: As soon as the annual holiday calendar drops, I start plotting and planning! I look for all the travel opportunities around national holidays, long weekends, and potential "bridge" days (e.g., taking off Monday and Tuesday after a Thursday holiday to get a full week off). Here’s how you can break that down for Labor Day weekend
- Leave for your trip on Thursday August 28th
- Take off Friday the 29th
- Return on a flight that lands late on the 1st or early am on the 2nd and go straight to the office.
- That breaks down to 4 days of vacation for only one day of PTO
Request Early: Early birds really do get the worm! You need to submit those PTO requests as early as possible to make sure your picks get approved This increases your chances of approval, especially if you work in a team where vacation schedules are coordinated.
Combine Short Trips: Instead of taking one long two-week vacation, consider breaking it into several shorter trips (e.g., three 4-day trips). This gives you more travel experiences spread throughout the year.
The "Travel Day" Myth: Don't count travel days as wasted time. Take a red-eye flight on a Friday night, arrive Saturday morning, and you've essentially gained a full day of exploration. Similarly, fly back late Sunday or on a red-eye Sunday night.

Combine Countries Based on Region to Take Advantage of Short-Haul Flights

When in Rome, you don’t have to stop at Rome! Once you’ve made the long haul flight to a certain area, you can easily break up your trip by taking advantage of low-cost flights. I usually prefer flights to trains since they tend to be faster and reduce travel time when you are in a crunch, but there are some great train routes in Europe you can take advantage of.. Here are some combos I’ve done in a 1 week trip:

Istanbul & Cairo

Denmark, Sweden and Norway

Dubai & The Maldives

Optimize Your Travel Budget

More travel doesn't always mean more money. Smart financial habits can fund your adventures.

Automate Savings: Set up automatic transfers to a dedicated "Travel Fund" every payday. Even small amounts add up quickly.
Travel Rewards Credit Cards: This is a game-changer for budget travel. Utilize credit cards that offer points or miles on everyday spending. These points can be redeemed for free flights, hotels, or travel credits, significantly reducing your travel costs. Look for cards with generous sign-up bonuses.
Be Flexible on Destinations: Sometimes the best deals are to places you hadn't considered. Use tools like Google Flights' "Explore" feature to see where you can fly for cheap on your desired dates.
Prioritize Experiences Over Luxuries: Do you need the fanciest hotel, or would a charming boutique guesthouse allow you to extend your trip or take another one sooner? Make conscious choices about where you spend

Cultivate a Travel Mindset in Your Daily Life

Travel isn't just about the grand trips; it's a way of looking at the world.

Be a Local Tourist: Explore your own city or region! Discover hidden gems, try new restaurants, visit local museums. This scratches the travel itch and keeps the adventurous spirit alive.
Read Travel Blogs & Books: Immerse yourself in travel stories and guides. This fuels your wanderlust, helps you plan future trips, and keeps you motivated.
Connect with Fellow Travelers: Join online communities or local meetups. Sharing experiences and getting tips from others who travel with full-time jobs can be incredibly inspiring and helpful.
Traveling with a full-time job isn't about magic; it's about making conscious choices and employing smart strategies. By mastering weekend getaways, optimizing your PTO, exploring remote work, budgeting wisely, and fostering a continuous travel mindset, you can transform your annual leave from a brief escape into a series of enriching global adventures.
So, put away the excuses and pull out your calendar. Your next adventure is waiting, even with a demanding career. What's the first small step you'll take towards more travel this year? Share your biggest takeaway or your own "full-time job travel" hack in the comments below!