A few people may be surprised to learn that I do, in fact, have a full-time office job. As much as I would love to tell people that I am a full-time travel blogger (or in fact, BE a full-time travel blogger), it’s simply not true. Over the course of two years or so, I’ve made it a priority to make traveling a part of my life and have found a way to travel with a full-time job.
I know that I am blessed with a flexible job that allows me to travel more than most. However, I am VERY strategic on how I use my vacation days. I’ve learned to allow myself one big trip (around 5-7 days) a year, while filling the rest of my travel schedule with quick trips.
Here’s how I’ve been able to travel MORE with a full-time job:
Take shorter trips, more often.
One of my goals for 2017 was to take more weekend trips to show that you do not need endless vacation days to see the world. For example, I’ve traveled the past FOUR weekends and have not taken a single day off work. I challenge you to squeeze in a weekend trip to somewhere on your bucket list. Need ideas? You can see how I did Paris in 72 hours, Pittsburgh in a weekend, or how to make the most of a trip in NYC. Guess where I’m going this weekend? Iceland. With that…
Red-eyes and overnight flights.
I am a true believer in the red-eye or the “5am Monday morning flight-take the train to work-suitcase at my desk” flight. Fighting jet-lag is worth every minute if I’m able to make a full-day of exploring on Sunday.
National holidays are gold.
It’s a freebie travel weekend. As a full-time employee, these weekends are my best friend. Research your holidays, and set flight alerts for those exact weekends. It’s a great way to hit up a destination without tapping into your PTO. Which brings me to the next..
Sign up for flight alerts.
Flight alerts are my jam. They can be set for either a time frame or a specific destination. Check out Google Flights or Skyscanner. I always have around 20 flight alerts set. Tip: As soon as you get an alert for a cheap flight, BOOK. The deals tend to go quickly.
Set expectations.
From day one, let your boss/co-workers know that traveling is a priority. Be willing to work harder and longer during the week. Go above and beyond during the week, so when you travel, you can unplug for a few days.
Take Unpaid Vacations.
Not ideal, but if you have a good amount of vacation days already saved, add a day or two of unpaid vacation at the end and you’ll find yourself with a long get-away. I know this is not for everyone – but if time is the only thing holding you back from a trip of a lifetime – it may be the solution.
Negotiate Vacation, Not Salary.
If traveling is a priority, make it your priority. If you are able to negotiate benefits or salary for your role, ask for more vacation days instead of your annual bonus or replace sick days.
Be creative.
Adding more travel to your life takes time, which isn’t something that grows on trees. Thinking outside of the box will help stretch the time you do have. Going to a conference? Add a personal day (or two) and make it a quick getaway. Drive there and plan a road-trip on the way home. Need a quick trip? Visit somewhere close to you. Enjoy a stay-cation. Stay in the neighboring town. Hit up the suburbs.
Still need help adding more travel to your 2017 agenda? Let me know! I’m here to get creative with you and cannot wait to see where your next adventure takes you!
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