How to Travel More Without Quitting Your Job

Think you have to quit your job to travel the world? Think again. While social media is filled with influencers who have “left everything behind” to explore full-time, the truth is most people can travel more without giving up their careers. With the right strategies, you can maximize your vacation time, stretch your budget, and see more of the world—without sacrificing job security.

1. Make the Most of Paid Time Off (PTO)

If you have limited vacation days, use them strategically. Instead of taking random days off throughout the year, plan around holidays and weekends to maximize time away. For example, taking off just four days around a long holiday weekend could give you a nine-day trip.

Another trick? Book red-eye or late-night flights to travel after work instead of wasting a full day in transit.

2. Work Remotely (Even for a Few Days)

Even if your job isn’t fully remote, many employers allow occasional work-from-anywhere days. If your company offers flexibility, consider taking your laptop with you and working from a different city. Adding just a couple of remote workdays to your trip can extend your travel without using vacation time.

Just be sure to pick a destination with strong Wi-Fi and plan work hours around your sightseeing schedule.

3. Use Business Trips to Your Advantage

If your job involves travel, turn work trips into mini getaways. Arrive a day early or stay a weekend after your meetings to explore a new place. Since your company is already covering flights or hotels, you only need to pay for personal expenses.

Some travelers even pitch business-related reasons to visit certain destinations—conferences, networking events, or company meetups—allowing them to see new places while staying productive.

4. Plan More Weekend Getaways

You don’t need two weeks off to travel somewhere new. Weekend trips can be just as rewarding, especially if you pick destinations within a short flight or driving distance. A Friday night departure and a late Sunday return can give you two full days of adventure without using any PTO.

Bonus tip: If flights are expensive on Fridays and Sundays, try flying out Saturday morning and returning Monday morning. You’ll get nearly the same amount of time away but at a cheaper price.

5. Take Advantage of Work Holidays

Many companies give employees time off for public holidays. Instead of spending them at home, plan a short trip. A single-day holiday can turn into a long weekend, while Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year's often offer built-in extra time off.

If your company allows floating holidays, use them wisely—schedule your time off around less crowded (and cheaper) travel seasons.

6. Use the “Extended Layover” Trick

Many airlines allow you to book multi-day layovers at no extra cost. Instead of flying straight to your destination, you can stop for a couple of days in a city along the way—turning one trip into two.

For example, if you’re flying to Thailand, you might be able to add a two-day stop in Japan for the same price. Websites like Airwander help find these layover deals.

7. Make Travel a Priority in Your Budget

If travel is important to you, adjust your spending habits to make it more affordable. Skip unnecessary expenses—daily coffee runs, expensive takeout, or impulse shopping—and redirect that money toward flights, accommodations, or experiences.

Setting up a dedicated “travel fund” can make saving easier. Even putting aside $50 a week adds up to over $2,500 a year—enough for multiple trips!

8. Choose Destinations That Don’t Require Much Time

Not every trip has to be an international, two-week vacation. Consider shorter, closer-to-home destinations that you can visit in just a few days. Some of the best trips happen just a few hours away from where you live.

Look for destinations that:

• Have direct flights from your nearest airport.
• Are in the same time zone to avoid jet lag.
• Offer a lot to do in a short period.

Think quick city breaks, national parks, or nearby islands for easy escapes.

9. Use Travel Points and Miles

Frequent travelers know that using points and miles can make travel cheaper and more frequent. Many credit cards offer sign-up bonuses and rewards that can be redeemed for flights, hotels, and even rental cars.

Some easy ways to rack up points include:

• Using a travel rewards credit card for everyday expenses.
• Signing up for airline and hotel loyalty programs.
• Taking advantage of bonus point promotions.

Even if you’re not a frequent flyer, you can earn enough points to cover one or two trips a year.

10. Negotiate More Flexibility at Work

If your job isn’t travel-friendly, it never hurts to ask. Many employers are open to flexible arrangements, especially if you’ve proven your productivity. Whether it’s requesting remote work days, switching to a four-day workweek, or arranging for extra unpaid leave, some workplaces are more accommodating than you think.

Even if your company isn’t flexible now, setting yourself up for a more travel-friendly career—like working in a remote-friendly industry—can give you more opportunities in the long run.

Travel More, Work Smarter

You don’t have to quit your job to explore the world. By using time off strategically, budgeting wisely, and taking advantage of travel perks, you can see far more places than you thought possible—all while keeping your career intact. The secret isn’t working less, but traveling smarter.