Welcome back, thriving professionals (or those ready to thrive)! đđž
If youâre new here, you might not know that back in October 2022, I quit my job of 8 years and took a much-needed career break. I used that time to rest, gain clarity, build my business, spend time with family and friends, and most importantly â travel.
And while I absolutely LOVE to travel (seriously, Iâm always thinking about my next trip), I also love having a career. I love having a home. A routine. I love knowing I have money consistently hitting my account.
So, I get it. Itâs easy to scroll through social media and feel a little FOMO when you see people living their full-time travel dreams while youâre clocked in at your 9-5. But after taking time off and experiencing both, I can confidently say: full-time travel isnât for everyone â and thatâs okay.
The good news? You donât have to choose between work and travel. You can have both.
If youâve been itching to explore more but feel stuck because of your job, let me remind you: with a little strategy and intention, you can make travel a regular part of your life without having to quit your career.
In this issue, Iâm sharing practical ways to seamlessly integrate travel into your life without putting your career on pause.
As a reminder, you can always submit questions to be answered in future newsletters.
1ď¸âŁ Make Travel a Priority
If you want to travel more, it starts with making it a priority. Just like we make time for the things that matter most, your travel dreams can become a reality when you focus on them. Start by identifying what motivates you to travelâis it experiencing different cultures, escaping the routine, or snapping Instagram-worthy photos? Once you have your reasons, create a vision for your travels. Use Pinterest boards, put pictures on your fridge, or set your dream destinations as wallpaper on your devices to keep your goal front and center.
Tip: If obstacles like money, limited vacation time, or responsibilities are holding you back, identify them and develop a plan. For instance, start a side hustle to build a travel fund or consider short trips if longer vacations aren't feasible.
2ď¸âŁ Plan Your Trips Well
Make sure your trips are well-planned to maximize your vacation days. Choose destinations that are closer to home or have direct flights to save time. Once you decide on your destination, make a list of must-see sights, things to do, and great places to eat. The goal is to have an efficient itinerary, especially if youâre on a short trip. Donât waste valuable time figuring out your plans once you arriveâplan ahead and hit the ground running.
Tip: If youâre tight on vacation days, explore destinations that are just a short flight or drive away. A few days in a nearby city can be just as enriching as a week-long adventure.
3ď¸âŁ Map Out Your Public Holidays and PTO
You can fit more travel into your year with some strategic planning. Take advantage of public holidays and long weekends to extend your trips without using too many vacation days. For example, take the Friday before a Monday holiday off, creating a four-day weekend without using up much PTO.
Tip: Book flights in advance, choose off-season destinations, or use points to save money when traveling around public holidays. This helps you get the most out of your vacation time.
4ď¸âŁ Get Away for the Weekend
Not every trip has to be a long vacation. Weekend getaways can be a great way to satisfy your travel cravings while keeping work at a manageable level. Consider flying out on a Friday evening and returning early Monday morning. Even better, extend your weekend by taking Friday off, allowing for a longer break with a shorter workweek.
Tip: Short trips can also provide a mental reset and help you avoid burnout. Even a brief escape can leave you feeling refreshed and ready to tackle your workweek.
5ď¸âŁ Explore Your Own Backyard
Sometimes, the best travel destinations are closer than you think. Explore your own city, state, or region to uncover hidden gems. You donât need to fly across the world to experience something new. You can still enjoy travel while staying closer to home, especially if youâre working full-time and need to maximize your time off.
Tip: Plan day trips or weekend stays in nearby towns or attractions that youâve never explored. A new perspective can provide the relaxation and joy of travel without long flights or hotel stays.
6ď¸âŁ Discover the Joy of Solo Travel
Solo travel can be liberating and a great way to see the world on your terms. Traveling alone means youâre free to create your own schedule and explore at your own pace. If your usual travel companions arenât available, a solo trip might be the perfect solution to get away more often.
Solo travel can be empowering and may help you build new skills, such as navigating new places or making new friends. Plus, solo trips are often easier to plan around your work schedule.
7ď¸âŁ Take Advantage of Work Trips and Conferences
Does your job involve business travel? Consider turning your work trips into mini-vacations. Most destinations offer interesting activities and attractions, and you can use your free time to explore the area. By adding a few vacation days to your work trip, you can see a new place without spending extra time or money on flights.
Tip: Be sure to check your company's travel policies to see if extending your trip is feasible. Sometimes, it can be as simple as adding a few extra days to your work schedule.
8ď¸âŁ Plan "Workations" for Extended Travel
For those who want to travel longer while still working, a âworkationâ might be the answer. Combine work with leisure by staying in a destination for a longer period, and working while enjoying the local sights in the morning or evening (depending on the time zone) or on weekends. Workations allow you to extend your time away without taking a full break from work.
9ď¸âŁ Become a Freelancer
Freelancers have the freedom to work from anywhere. As a freelancer, you can choose projects and clients that align with your skills, set your own work hours, and travel as much as you want. Whether youâre in marketing, design, writing, or other fields, freelancing could offer the perfect balance of work and travel.
Tip: Start building your freelance portfolio and client base while still working your full-time job. Once you have a steady stream of work, freelancing can give you the freedom to travel without worrying about taking time off.
đ Get a Job That Pays You to Travel
If youâre looking for a career that allows you to travel, consider professions that naturally involve travel, such as being a flight attendant, consultant, travel nurse, cruise ship employee, or even an English teacher abroad. These roles allow you to see the world while getting paid to do so.
Traveling more while working full-time isnât just a dream â itâs 100% doable with a little intention and planning. Itâs about getting creative with your PTO, making the most of long weekends, exploring flexible work options, and aligning your budget with your travel goals. The key is to stop waiting for the âperfect timeâ and start making time work for you.
Every trip â whether itâs a quick weekend getaway or a longer adventure â adds something meaningful to your life and career. So start small, stay flexible, and watch how each trip, no matter how short, adds richness and inspiration to both your work and your well-being.
If youâd like to dive deeper into any of these strategies or need help making travel a part of your career and lifestyle, Kareer Noire is here to support you every step of the way. And if you found this issue helpful, share it with someone who might need to hear it too.
đđž Until the next issue,
Kara