How to Travel More with a Full-Time Job (& Stretch Vacation Days)

Hey friend!

Let’s be real: balancing a new career with your travel dreams is no easy feat. You’ve got very LIMITED PTO, big career goals, and an insatiable wanderlust. But guess what? You can make it work! With a little creativity and smart planning, you’ll be exploring dream destinations without blowing through your vacation days. Let’s dive into the how-to:

Step 1: Plan Smart, Not Hard

This is where strategic thinking becomes your best friend. Limited PTO doesn’t have to limit your adventures if you’re intentional about how you plan your trips.

Maximize Long Weekends

Federal holidays are free vacation days you’re already getting. Combine them with a PTO day or two to create extended weekends. For example, if you take the Friday off before Labor Day, you’ve got a four-day trip with only one PTO day spent. These shorter trips are perfect for quick getaways to nearby destinations or cities you’ve been wanting to explore.

Pro Tip: Keep a list of destinations within a 2–3 hour flight or drive from your home. This makes planning spur-of-the-moment trips easy.

Stretch PTO with Half-Days

If your company allows half-day PTO, use it strategically. Book evening flights after work or early morning flights for the next day. By working part of the day and leaving for your trip later, you’re essentially getting more hours of travel time without burning a full day off.

Understand PTO Policies

Every company handles vacation time differently. Some let you roll unused PTO into the next year, while others don’t. If you can roll over days, start banking them for bigger trips. If not, prioritize shorter, well-planned trips throughout the year so you don’t waste unused days.

Pro Tip: If your company offers additional unpaid leave or sabbatical options, plan for these well in advance.

Step 2: Be the Queen of Time Management

When you’re juggling a busy career and travel plans, effective time management is everything.

Batch Work Before You Leave

One of the biggest stressors about taking time off is falling behind on work. Avoid this by organizing your tasks and batching them before you leave. Dedicate a few focused days to complete major projects so you can fully enjoy your time off. I like to use tools like Trello or Notion to track your to-dos and deadlines.

Communicate Clearly with Your Team

Be proactive about letting your manager and team know when you’ll be out. Share updates and delegate tasks if needed. This shows you’re responsible and thoughtful, which helps build trust for future trips.

Leverage Technology

Use automation and digital tools to keep things running smoothly. For instance, schedule emails or social media posts in advance. That way, you’re not tied to work during your getaway.

Step 3: Travel Strategically

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making the most of your time on the road—or in the air.

Red-Eye Flights Are Your BFF

Overnight flights might sound exhausting, but they’re a genius way to maximize travel time. You fly while you sleep and wake up ready to start exploring. Pair them with coffee and a day of low-key activities when you arrive.

Pro Tip: Book an aisle seat so you can easily stretch or get up during the flight or a window seat so you can easily rest your head and take a nap.

Weekend Getaways Rock

Not every trip needs to be a 10-day adventure. A weekend trip can feel just as rejuvenating and adventurous as a longer vacation. Think two or three days in a nearby city, beach town, or nature spot.

Pro Tip: Use tools like Kayak Explore or Google Flights to find destinations within your budget and timeframe.

Closer Can Be Better

Exotic destinations are amazing, but don’t underestimate the gems near you. Whether it’s a charming small town, a national park, or a cool urban area, these trips often require less planning and travel time.

Step 4: Make Every Dollar Work for You

Let’s talk money—because saving cash while maximizing travel is a skill every glowing-up career woman needs.

Get the Right Credit Card

Travel rewards credit cards are a game changer. Every dollar you spend on groceries, gas, or coffee can earn you points toward free flights and hotel stays. Some cards even offer perks like free TSA PreCheck or lounge access.

Pro Tip: Look for sign-up bonuses. Many cards offer huge points bonuses if you meet a spending threshold in the first few months.

Be a Deal Hunter

Flight prices fluctuate like crazy. Use tools like Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Hopper to track deals. Setting up price alerts can help you snag tickets at their lowest.

Pro Tip: Be flexible with your dates and departure airports. Flying midweek or from a nearby city can save you hundreds.

Book Smarter Accommodations

Fancy hotels are nice, but they’re not always necessary. Hostels, vacation rentals, and boutique hotels often offer a better experience at a fraction of the cost. Plus, staying in less touristy neighborhoods can help you feel like a local.

Step 5: Incorporate Travel into Your Career

Why not make your career work for your travel goals? By aligning your professional life with your wanderlust, you can get the best of both worlds.

Volunteer for Business Trips

If your company sends employees to conferences, workshops, or meetings, raise your hand! You can often extend these trips with personal vacation days to explore the destination.

Pro Tip: Use per diem allowances or travel reimbursements to cover part of your trip costs.

Negotiate Remote Work

If you’re in a role where remote work is possible, pitch the idea to your boss. Start small, like working from home once a week, and then suggest working remotely from a different location. Just make sure you maintain your productivity and prove it’s a win-win for both sides.

Build a Career That Travels

If travel is your ultimate goal, consider career paths that let you see the world. From remote tech roles to travel blogging, there are many options. Research industries or companies that align with your travel dreams.

Step 6: Self-Care While You Hustle

You can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking care of yourself is just as important as ticking off those bucket-list destinations.

Know When to Rest

It’s tempting to book back-to-back trips, but over-scheduling can lead to burnout. Give yourself downtime between trips to rest, reflect, and prepare for your next adventure.

Stay Healthy

Traveling often means indulgent meals, late nights, and lots of excitement—but don’t forget the basics. Keep up with exercise, eat balanced meals, and stay hydrated to avoid travel fatigue.

Savor Small Wins

Even if you’re just exploring your own city for a weekend, celebrate it! Travel is about the experience, not the length of the trip or the distance covered.

Step 7: Keep Your Goals in Perspective

Here’s the thing: travel is a journey, not a race. It’s okay if you can’t visit every place on your bucket list right now. Focus on what’s realistic with your current resources and responsibilities.

Remember, every trip—whether it’s a quick weekend away or a two-week international adventure—brings something valuable to your life. Celebrate the freedom and independence you’re creating for yourself as you grow in your career and build the life you want.