How to Travel More and Work Less (No, Really)

Most people think frequent travel is only for the rich, influencers, or remote workers living off coffee shop WiFi. But the truth? You don’t need to be a millionaire to travel more and work less. With the right mindset, financial choices, and career strategies, you can escape the full-time work trap and spend more of your life exploring the world. Here’s how.

Rethink What “Work” Means

The first step to traveling more is changing the way you think about work. The old formula—work for 40 years, then retire and travel—doesn’t make sense anymore. Instead, more people are designing their lives to include travel now, not “someday.” This could mean working remotely, switching to a flexible job, or even taking extended breaks between jobs instead of waiting for retirement.

Negotiate Remote Work or a Flexible Schedule

If you love your job but hate being tied to a desk, ask for flexibility. Many companies now offer remote work options, even if it’s just part-time. If full-time remote isn’t an option, see if you can compress your work schedule—working four 10-hour days instead of five 8-hour days, for example—so you get long weekends for travel.

Try Seasonal or Contract-Based Work

Instead of working year-round, why not work in short bursts and take time off in between? Seasonal jobs (like ski resorts, summer camps, or tourist destinations) allow you to make money in peak seasons and travel during the off-season. Contract-based work (freelancing, consulting, or short-term projects) lets you earn money when you need it and travel when you don’t.

Find Jobs That Pay You to Travel

Some careers naturally include travel. Jobs like teaching English abroad, working on cruise ships, becoming a tour guide, or even being a flight attendant allow you to see the world while getting paid. If you’re not tied to a specific career path, look into jobs that align with a travel-friendly lifestyle.

Make Your Money Work for You

Traveling more isn’t just about working less—it’s also about spending smarter. Cut back on things that don’t add value (like expensive rent or unnecessary subscriptions) and redirect that money toward travel. Earning passive income through investments, rental properties, or online businesses can also help fund your travels without constant work.

Embrace “Slow Travel”

Rushing from one place to another is expensive and exhausting. Instead, consider longer stays in fewer destinations. Living in a country with a lower cost of living for a few months can actually be cheaper than maintaining a full-time life back home. Plus, slow travel lets you experience places more deeply.

The Verdict: More Travel, Less Work Is Possible

Traveling more and working less isn’t just a fantasy—it’s a choice. By reworking your career, adjusting your finances, and being open to new opportunities, you can design a life that prioritizes experiences over endless work. It won’t happen overnight, but with the right mindset and strategy, you can make it a reality. So, where to next?