How to Maximize Your Time Off and Travel More

Do you dream of traveling more but feel limited by your full-time job? You’re not alone! Many people believe that exploring the world requires quitting their jobs or taking long vacations. But the truth is, you can travel frequently while working full-time. You just need the right strategies to maximize your time off and travel more.

As someone who loves to travel but also juggles a career, I’ve found ways to explore the world without sacrificing my job. Here’s how you can do it too!

1. Plan Smart: Use Long Weekends & Public Holidays

One of the easiest ways to travel more is by strategically planning trips around long weekends and public holidays. Instead of using paid leave for full-week vacations, try these tactics:

✅ Extend a weekend trip: If a public holiday falls on a Friday or Monday, add one or two extra days to turn it into a 4-5 day trip.
✅ Check for midweek holidays: Some holidays fall on a Tuesday or Thursday—take one day off to create a 4-day getaway.
✅ Combine multiple holidays: If there’s a holiday close to a weekend, plan your leave to stretch it into a longer vacation.

🗓 Example:

• In the United States, planning around Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Thanksgiving can give you long weekend escapes.
• In France, some holidays fall on Thursdays, and many people take Friday off. This is called “faire le pont” (bridging the gap) for a long weekend trip.

2. Maximize Your Time Off and Travel More by Making the Most of Your Paid Time Off (PTO)

If you get 20-30 days of annual leave, use them wisely!

🔹 Spread out your leave: Instead of taking all your vacation at once, break it into multiple shorter trips.
🔹 Plan in advance: Book flights early to get better deals and avoid last-minute work conflicts.
🔹 Use slow seasons: Travel during off-peak times to get more time off without work disruptions.

👉 Pro Tip: Some companies allow you to “buy” extra vacation days. Check your HR policies!

3. Book Short & Efficient Trips

You don’t need two weeks in every destination. Many places are perfect for short stays!

✈ Opt for direct flights or short travel times to avoid wasting time in transit.
🏙 Pick destinations that are compact & easy to explore in 2-4 days (e.g., city breaks, beach escapes, cultural hotspots).
🚆 Consider train or bus travel for a stress-free weekend getaway.

Examples of Great Destinations for a Quick Escape (by Region)

🌍 Europe: Barcelona (Spain) – A weekend of culture, beaches, and tapas.
🌎 North America: Mexico City (Mexico) – History, food, and vibrant neighborhoods in a few days.
🌏 Asia: Kyoto (Japan) – A perfect mix of temples, gardens, and traditional culture.
🌍 Africa: Cape Town (South Africa) – Stunning landscapes and urban adventures.
🌎 South America: Cartagena (Colombia) – A colorful coastal escape with history and beaches.
🌏 Australia/Pacific: Sydney (Australia) – A weekend filled with beaches, landmarks, and great food.👉 Tip: Check budget airlines or local transport for affordable short-haul trips!

4. Travel Locally & Explore Nearby Gems

Not every trip needs a plane ticket! You can discover amazing places near home with:

🚗 Weekend road trips to nearby cities, beaches, or countryside spots.
🏕 Nature getaways like national parks or mountain retreats.
🚅 Train trips for a quick, hassle-free escape.

Example:

If you live in London, UK, you can visit Edinburgh, the Cotswolds, or even Paris (just over 2 hours by train) for a short and exciting escape.”

If you live in New York, a quick trip to Boston or Washington, D.C. can be a perfect weekend getaway.

5. Take Advantage of Remote Work (If Possible)

While remote work policies are changing, some companies still allow occasional work-from-anywhere flexibility. If you have this option, you might be able to:

💻 Work remotely from a different city or country for a few days.
🛫 Fly on a Thursday night, work remotely on Friday, and start your trip right after.
🏖 Stay an extra day after a weekend getaway and work from your hotel or Airbnb.

👉 Tip: If your employer doesn’t allow remote work abroad, you can still use remote work days to explore closer destinations within your country.

Final Thoughts:

Traveling more while working full-time is absolutely possible—you just need to plan smart. By using public holidays, maximizing your PTO, and focusing on short trips, you can explore the world without quitting your job.