Does the idea of traveling the world get your heart racing?
If so, you’re among the select few adventurers of this world. Those who intend on answering the call of their wanderlust.
But there’s one thing standing in the way. And that’s money.
We need work to get money to travel, but then we’re so tied to the job that we can’t go very far. Well, that’s the traditional way. But we’ve already established that you’re not exactly traditional.
So, let’s explore the many ways you can travel the world without quitting your job.
1. Ask to work remotely
Many jobs today can be done from virtually anywhere with an internet connection. The only caveat to this one is that you have to get your boss to agree.
Instead of simply asking if you can work remotely, talk about how remote work will benefit your employer.
With fewer people in the office, your employer can spend less on resources while still maintaining productivity. Naturally, these benefits are most obvious when many employees work from home.
You can also talk about how people tend to be more productive when they don’t have to work at the office. And with all the tools available (like Skype, Zoom, and GoToMeeting), there’s really nothing standing in the way.
2. Travel on the cheap
If you can save enough money on your travels, you can travel more often. Instead of waiting until you can afford a luxurious vacation, consider backpacking and camping. This way, you only need to pay for the flight and meals. If a vacation is cheap enough, you can plan more long weekend getaways and explore the world without having to quit your job.
3. Take advantage of your vacation days
Too many people let their vacation days slide. Not you. If you want to travel the world, you’ll need to take every free day that’s available to you. Just try to plan them as far in advance as you can, so your boss doesn’t give you a hard time about taking your vacation. Vacation time is built into your value as an employee, so this is the time you deserve. Take it.
This also means planning your travel and vacation days well, so you can take advantage of the time you have. One year, you may plan a massive trip where you’ll need to lump all your vacation days together. Another year, maybe you travel locally and take a bunch of long weekends instead of one big trip.
4. Cut corners
The more you save, the more you can spend on travel. Look for ways you can trim your budget while you’re home so that you can fund your travels. This can allow you to take full advantage of every day you have off from work. Instead of driving a fancy new car, drive a reliable sedan that’s a few years old. Or-better yet-take a bike or train to work. Pack a lunch for work instead of eating out, and skip the fancy coffees. You should be able to save enough to live the life of your dreams.
5. Start locally
You don’t have to rush to a faraway land to explore the world. Start in your own backyard. Take weekend road trips to places nearby that you haven’t yet experienced. If you’re like most of us, your travel aspirations reach the far edges of the world. But you forget that people travel from those far reaches to explore your home country too. Start looking at the world as a tourist, and you’ll see travel opportunities everywhere.
6. Get a new job
Technically, this one does involve quitting your current job, but it may be worthwhile. If you aren’t tied to your career, you may want to consider a job that allows you to travel. You could work on a cruise ship, for an airline or at a major hotel chain. You may be surprised to learn that you don’t have to be a flight attendant to travel the world. If you work for a company in the travel industry, you may get discounts that allow you to travel the world whenever you have free time (weekends, holidays, vacations, etc.).
7. Consider freelancing
As a freelancer, you make your own hours and can work from virtually anywhere. But there’s a downside too. It’s also up to you to find your own work – and to make sure you have enough to sustain you.
Many people start their freelancing careers while they’re still working at a traditional job. This way, you can start building clients on the side and feel more confident about working on your own when it’s time. Creative jobs lend themselves well to freelancing. This may include things like writing, graphic design or web design. But you can also start a freelance career as a virtual assistant.
And if you decide to go this route, consider working from places where the cost of living is low. Start your travels in these places as you save money to travel through more expensive destinations, like Europe or the United States.
It is possible to travel the world without quitting your job. You may have to shift your priorities and spending habits, but you can live your best life and show up to work every day.
About The Author:
Rachel is a freelance content writer located in San Diego, California. Over the course of her career, she has written a variety of health, parenting, and fitness articles. In her free time, she enjoys running along the beach with her two puppies and practicing yoga. Find her on Twitter.