How to Travel More Despite a Full-Time Job

For many of us, the limitations imposed by our full-time work schedules often stand in the way of the travel dreams we have. However, it is possible to travel more frequently without mothballing your career. In this article, we'll explore practical tips and strategies to help you make travel a priority in your life.

Overcoming the Current Travel Challenges

At present, global travel can be quite cumbersome, especially when it involves changing flights. Many airlines have strict requirements for COVID-19 test results, necessitating multiple tests and relocations, which can be both expensive and stressful. For instance, if you are traveling internationally, you might have to take a rapid test 72 hours before your flight, and if your test is too old, the airline might reschedule your flight, requiring you to take a new test and potentially requiring a port clearance test. This process can be repeated several times, adding up both in terms of time and cost.

If you are an Australian, there may be some routes that are more straightforward, but for the majority of travelers, the process is highly inconvenient. It is not only stressful but also expensive and requires a significant amount of time and effort. Therefore, for now, unless you are an Australian seeking refuge status in another country, it might be better to wait until travel regulations ease up.

Strategies for Traveling While Working Full-Time

Be Flexible About Dates

Flexibility is key when it comes to arranging your travel. While you may have a general idea of when you would like to travel, you don't have to stick to a fixed schedule. For example, if you live in a place like London and experience the post-summer or post-Christmas blues, you can plan your trips around October and February, when it's colder and the weather in those regions is more mellow.

Take Your Annual Leave Around Public Holidays

Another effective strategy is to plan your trips around public holidays. This approach can help you maximize your annual leave while still making your trips affordable. For instance, if you take three days of annual leave to travel over Christmas and New Year, you can effectively save a significant amount of money on flights and accommodations, as most of the days leading up to these holidays are already public holidays. This means you can travel for longer periods without using additional annual leave.

Balance Cost and Flexibility

While taking your trips during public holidays can save you money, it might not always be the best option for everyone. During peak travel seasons, flights and accommodations can be more expensive. Therefore, it is essential to find a balance that works for you. Alternating between public holidays and other times can help you save money on flights while still enjoying the comfort of extended travel periods.

For instance, you can plan a trip over public holidays one year and during a random period in another year. This way, you can save on flights during off-peak seasons and still enjoy the extended holidays. It's all about finding the right mix that suits your budget and schedule.

Conclusion

Traveling with a full-time job is indeed a challenge, but it is possible to make it work with some strategic planning. By being flexible, taking advantage of public holidays, and finding the right balance between cost and flexibility, you can make your travel dreams a reality. Remember, it all comes down to setting travel as a priority and making the necessary adjustments to your schedule and budget.