The Best Tips for Traveling While Working a 9-to-5

I love traveling – obviously. But traveling while working a 9-to-5 job can be really challenging. Over the past four years, though, I’ve been able to visit over 15 countries while working full-time.

So, I’ve compiled a list of the best tips for traveling while working a full-time job that I’ve picked up.

1. Travel Locally

I strongly believe that no one has to go far to find beautiful places. Explore your city or state, or travel to places for just a few days that are only a few hours away.

Of course, depending on where you live, this may extend to just a city over or, if you’re in Europe, even the next country. My favourite place to explore on short trips is either parts of Austria (where I live) or one of the neighbouring countries.

If I plan on traveling further away, I usually do this two or three times per year, when I can take at least two weeks off work.

2. Take your Vacation Days Wisely

It is so tricky to schedule your vacation in a way that you get the most out of them. But, if you do it wisely, you can get more than just your allotted days off. Take vacation days around public holidays to get ‘free’ off days.

Also, I try not to take any days before or after I travel. For example, if I have a flight on Friday, I won’t take Thursday off to prepare. Similarly, I won’t take a day off to ‘recover’ after I get back. Every time I do this, I end up regretting it, feeling like I’ve ‘wasted’ vacation days. I stick to prepping and recovering on weekends.

3. Try to get a Job you can do Remotely

Working remotely is probably the best thing you can do career-wise if you want to travel more while working. Of course, I know that it just isn’t realistic for everyone.

I personally don’t work from home, but I still travel regularly. Most jobs in the field I work in don’t allow for remote work, so it’s really not common at all.

But in 99% of industries, remote work is possible in some way nowadays. If you do mostly office work, you should consider negotiating the possibility of working remotely with your boss. Even if you just work from home one day a week, it’ll open up weekends for you to travel so much more.

If you’re job searching or in between jobs, try looking specifically for jobs that enable remote work. Also, don’t be afraid to ask potential employers about the work options if you’re not directly at home, but in a different country or even state (because some employers don’t like it).

4. Go on Weekend Trips

The best way of traveling while working a full-time job without using up all your vacation days is to take trips on weekends. Leave on Friday after work and spend the evening at your destination, spend Saturday and Sunday morning exploring, then travel back on Sunday afternoon.

Of course, I mostly use weekends to travel to places that aren’t too far away. I try not to travel for more than 4 hours, because it can be a bit tiring.

If you can, try to take Friday or Monday off to make weekend trips a bit longer and more fun.

I generally try not to take two weekend trips right after each other, because I need some time to just recover at home.

Another great weekend option is taking day trips from where you live. I am lucky enough to live in a place where I can take a one- to two-hour train trip and end up in a stunning place with lots to explore. Usually, I plan day trips on Saturdays, so I have a slow day at home on Sundays.

5. Work Extra Hours

If you’re able to work extra hours (check your contract or company policy) and take those hours off work, do it! This is how I have been able to secure month-long breaks from work to travel (multiple times).

If you do this, though, make sure to take it easy. It can be very easy to overwork yourself and get burned out.

Coming from someone who’s had it both ways, traveling while working full-time is much easier when you’re able to take overtime off. When you sign with your company, try to negotiate for this to be in your contract.

6. Travel in the Shoulder Seasons

Most people travel during summer. Personally, I find that the best time to travel is during off-peak seasons, particularly shoulder seasons.

During this time of year, it’s not only cheaper, less crowded, and milder in terms of weather, but it is also easier to schedule vacations. Because flights are generally cheaper, you can be more flexible.

It’s also great because most of my coworkers schedule vacations during summer, so I can’t take time off if I’m not first. So, it’s also less subject to change.

7. Take Unpaid Time Off

If you can afford it, consider taking unpaid time off from work. This is especially helpful if you’re planning a longer trip abroad.

Make sure to plan ahead if you’re planning to use this method. Most companies won’t approve unpaid leave if it’s spontaneous.

Also, choose a time when you know you won’t be missed at work. During summer and other peak travel seasons, there’ll probably be lots of people taking vacation, so chat with your colleagues about their planned holidays before you plan a month off. Avoid planning unpaid time off close to big deadlines as well.

Another little tip to increase your chances of getting approved for unpaid time off is to be flexible. If you can, offer to work part-time while you’re away.

8. Use Business Trips to Explore New Places

If your company ever offers you the opportunity to travel somewhere for a business trip, like for a conference, take it.

Before your flight tickets are booked or the detailed planning begins, request to take a few days off after the trip, depending on when it is. If the company is in charge of your transportation, ask them if your trip back can be moved up by a couple of days.

This way, you can use those extra days to explore a new destination without having to do any additional traveling.

9. Take Advantage of Public Holidays

Public holidays are the secret weapon to maximising vacation days. Using your public holidays is a great way to make the most of traveling while working full-time.

Request vacation for days near public holidays as soon as you can. If you do this right, you can turn a normal weekend into a 5- or 6-day weekend using only one vacation day.

If a public holiday falls on a Friday or Monday, try to use the long weekend for a short getaway.

Remember that prices usually skyrocket around public holidays, and tourism goes up. That means that tickets for attractions sell out faster as well. So, make sure you book everything as early as possible.