Have you ever scrolled through your social media feed, green with envy, as you gaze at the seemingly endless adventures of your friends? They’re lounging on tropical beaches, hiking through lush rainforests, and exploring ancient cities – and it seems like they’re doing it all the time! If you’re like me, with a job that offers a generous six weeks of vacation and a salary that doesn’t laugh in the face of travel dreams, you might still find yourself wondering: how do these people manage to travel for what appears to be half the year? Well, my fellow wanderlusters, I’m here to spill the beans on how to unlock the secrets of frequent travel without giving up your day job or breaking the bank.
The first step to traveling more is embracing a minimalist lifestyle.
I’m not saying you need to sell all your possessions and live out of a backpack (unless that’s your jam), but adopting a ‘less is more’ approach can be incredibly freeing – both for your space and your wallet. My partner Rob and I have found that by focusing on what we truly need, we’ve been able to save a significant amount of money. We live in a cozy apartment, we’re smart about our utility usage, and we’ve ditched the car in favor of public transportation. The result? Thousands of dollars saved each year that we funnel directly into our travel fund.
We’ve become masters of the weekend getaway. Living in NYC, we had a plethora of destinations within a few hours’ reach. Boston, Washington DC, Philadelphia – you name it, we’ve made a weekend of it. And the best part? We barely had to touch our vacation days. By leaving late Friday and returning Sunday evening, we could explore a new city without the dreaded Monday morning blues.
Let’s talk travel hacking. This strategy involves accumulating points or miles through credit card sign-ups and spending, which can then be redeemed for discounted or even free travel. While it’s a bit more complex in Australia, the move to New York opened up a world of travel hacking opportunities for us. With a bit of research and strategic spending, we managed to score a trip to Colombia for a mere $350!
Another savvy move is to take advantage of discounted accommodation.
I’m a member of several loyalty programs, like Hotels.com and Airbnb, which offer free nights or credits for regular use or referrals. It’s important to not get carried away and sign up for every program out there – just pick a few that suit your travel style and stick with them. And always, always compare prices to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
For those times when we’re away for longer stretches, renting out our NYC apartment has been a game-changer. It’s not without effort – taking great photos, writing a compelling description, and managing bookings takes time. But the financial payoff has been substantial, to the tune of over $7,500 across two years. If you’re interested in going down this route, I’ve got a step-by-step guide that could help you get started.
Choosing wisely saves money.
Places where your currency stretches further are ideal. For us Aussies, Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, and parts of South America are goldmines for affordable travel without sacrificing the experience.
The rise of digital nomadism has also opened up new avenues for combining work and travel. As a freelance content manager, social media manager, and travel writer, I’ve been able to work remotely while on the move. This allows for a more relaxed travel pace and the ability to immerse myself in a destination without rushing through it. If your job has some flexibility, it’s worth exploring whether you could work remotely, even if just for short periods.
If travel is your ultimate passion, it needs to be a priority.
This might mean missing out on social events or cutting back on other expenses, but if you’re serious about seeing the world, these are the sacrifices that pave the way to more frequent and fulfilling travel experiences. Remember, prioritizing travel is about making conscious choices about how you spend your time and money.
There you have it – a sneak peek into the lifestyle changes and strategies that can help you travel more, even with a full-time job. But why stop at just dreaming about it? Let’s dive deeper into how you can turn these tips into your new reality. Stay tuned for the next section, where we’ll explore how to craft a lifestyle that not only allows for frequent travel but celebrates it.
Crafting a lifestyle that embraces wanderlust isn’t just about dreaming; it’s about taking actionable steps to make those dreams a reality. For those who yearn to traverse the globe more than six weeks per year, it’s about creating opportunities and making travel a non-negotiable aspect of life. Let’s delve into how you can make this happen, transforming your travel aspirations into tangible experiences.
Traveling more than six weeks per year is entirely feasible with the right mindset and strategies. It’s about embracing minimalism, prioritizing travel financially, taking advantage of remote work, being savvy with travel hacking, renting out your space, choosing affordable destinations, possibly shifting your career, and above all, making travel a non-negotiable part of your life. Why wait for ‘someday’ to fulfill your travel dreams? The world is vast and full of wonders, and it’s yours to explore. Take the leap, craft a lifestyle that celebrates wanderlust, and set out on the journey of a lifetime.
Related posts:
How to Travel More with a Full Time Job (& Maximize Vacation Days) in 2024 (wanderfullyrylie.com)
How to Travel More While Working Full Time: A Step by Step Guide • Wander Eat Write
