Travelling the world while working is a dream for many, but it is possible. Whether you are working full-time, freelancing, or running your own business, there are ways to fund your travels and make money while on the road.
For employees, it is important to get permission from your boss and ensure that you can still fulfil your work obligations while travelling. This may involve working remotely or taking work trips and adding on some personal days. For freelancers, it is crucial to maintain a steady income and keep clients happy while travelling. This may involve networking, building relationships, and being open to new work opportunities.
To fund your travels, you can save money by downsizing your lifestyle, cooking at home, and cutting down on non-essential expenses. You can also look for ways to make money while travelling, such as teaching English, working on a farm in exchange for accommodation, or starting an online business.
In addition to funding, it is important to consider your travel style and destination. Being flexible and open-minded about your destination can help you find cheap flights and accommodation. You can also maximise your time by taking short trips, embracing solo travel, and making the most of national holidays and weekends.
With careful planning, a willingness to adapt, and a sense of adventure, it is possible to travel the world while working.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Work type | Computer-based work, location-independent jobs, freelance work, remote work |
Planning | Researching and planning the whole year, including travel and accommodation |
Travel frequency | Short travels, long-term travel |
Company | Asking for permission from the company, proposing the idea after delivering on an important goal |
Accommodation | Airbnb, hostels, home rentals, couch surfing, camping |
Budgeting | Saving money, earning money while travelling, travel-friendly jobs, cheap flights, free/cheap accommodation, cooking own meals |
Time management | Working during commute time, working in the evenings and on weekends, working in small bursts, having a to-do list |
What You'll Learn
Ask your boss for permission
If you're planning to travel while working remotely, it's a good idea to get your boss's permission first. This can help ensure that you don't run into any issues with your job while you're on the road. Here are some tips on how to ask your boss for permission to travel while working:
- Prepare before talking to your boss: Try to schedule your travel during a slow month or tack it onto a work conference or other work-related travel. Draft a plan that accounts for any necessary meetings, time zone differences, and your ability to stay in touch. Propose the idea after you've delivered on an important goal or target.
- Be transparent: Be open and honest with your boss about your intentions to travel. Share your plan and explain how you will remain productive and accessible while working remotely. Address any potential concerns they may have and assure them that your work will not be impacted.
- Highlight the benefits: Explain how your travels can positively impact your work. For example, highlight the creative benefits of multicultural experiences and exotic surroundings, or the stress-relieving effects of a change of scenery. Emphasize that you will remain committed to your work and will be available during the hours that overlap with your company's working hours.
- Provide a detailed itinerary: Create a detailed itinerary of your travel plans, including dates, locations, and accommodation arrangements. This will show your boss that you are organized and have thought through the logistics of working remotely. It also demonstrates your commitment to staying connected and accessible during your travels.
- Offer solutions: Anticipate any potential challenges or obstacles and propose solutions. For example, if you're travelling to a different time zone, suggest adjusting your working hours to overlap with your team's availability. Offer to be flexible and adaptable to ensure that your travels do not disrupt your work commitments.
- Negotiate and be open to adjustments: Recognize that your boss may have concerns or limitations. Be open to making adjustments to your travel plans or working arrangements to accommodate their needs. Negotiate to find a compromise that works for both parties. For example, you could suggest a trial period to demonstrate your ability to work effectively while travelling.
Remember, the key is to demonstrate to your boss that you can balance your work commitments with your desire to travel. By being prepared, transparent, and flexible, you can increase your chances of getting their permission and support for your working travel plans.
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Plan your travel
Planning is a crucial part of travelling the world while working. Here is a detailed plan to help you get started:
Assess your job and talk to your boss
First, assess whether your job can be done remotely. Jobs that require a lot of computer work lend themselves well to remote working. If you need to be in person, consider whether most of your tasks can be done virtually, such as face-to-face meetings via video call.
Once you have determined that your job can be done remotely, it is important to talk to your boss and get their approval. It is recommended to do this after you have achieved something significant at work, so your boss knows you are a valuable employee. When discussing your plans, present a well-thought-out plan that accounts for meetings, time zone differences, and your ability to stay in touch.
Choose your destination wisely
If you are not tied to a specific location for work, choose a destination that excites you. Consider the weather and try to spend the winter months in the Southern Hemisphere, where it is summer, such as South America, Australia, and New Zealand. Spend the summers in the Northern Hemisphere, in places like the United States, Europe, or Asia.
Organise your accommodation and transportation
When it comes to accommodation, consider Airbnb and hostels, which offer a balance of comfort and social interaction. You can often find cheaper Airbnb apartments if you book for four-week blocks, and it is a good idea to ask the host for a screenshot of an internet connection speed test, as quality Wi-Fi is crucial for remote work.
For transportation, look for cheap flights by using "meta-search engines" that allow you to compare rates from multiple travel sites at once. Book tickets around three months in advance, and be flexible with your travel dates to find the cheapest options.
Plan your schedule
Balancing work and sightseeing requires self-discipline and efficient time management. Create a schedule or to-do list to ensure you are meeting your work commitments, and try to condense your work into shorter, more productive windows, so you have more time to explore.
Make the most of your weekends and national holidays by planning short trips. For longer trips, consider leaving on a Friday night after work and returning early on Monday morning, giving you more time at your destination without using up all your vacation days.
Prepare for time zone differences
If you are working remotely in a different time zone, maintaining a normal work schedule can be challenging. Develop a routine to ensure you don't miss any appointments or deadlines. Have a reliable workspace that you know will be available and quiet 24 hours a day, especially if you are in a different time zone from your colleagues.
Network and build connections
Whether you are working remotely for your company or freelancing, networking is crucial. Join social media groups on platforms like Reddit and Facebook to connect with like-minded individuals who are also travelling and working remotely. Building connections can lead to new opportunities and help you feel less isolated when working remotely.
By following these steps, you will be well on your way to successfully travelling the world while working.
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Leverage your national holidays
One way to travel the world while working is to leverage your national holidays. This strategy involves taking advantage of the public holidays in your home country and using that time to explore new places. Here are some tips to maximize your holiday travel:
Plan ahead: Review the calendar for upcoming national holidays and long weekends. Identify the destinations you can realistically cover during those periods. Consider factors such as travel time, the duration of the holiday, and any visa or travel restrictions. Planning ahead increases your chances of securing affordable travel deals and making the most of your time off.
Choose strategic locations: Opt for destinations that are a short flight or train ride away. This minimizes travel time and maximizes your holiday experience. For example, if you're based in Europe, consider exploring nearby countries that are easily accessible by train or budget airlines.
Bundle your leaves: If you have paid time off or vacation days available, consider bundling them with your national holidays to extend your trip. This way, you can take a longer trip without exhausting all your annual leave.
Look for work exchange programs: Many countries offer working holiday visas, which allow young people to work and travel in a host country for an extended period. These visas provide an opportunity to earn money while exploring a new culture. Examples of countries offering such visas include Australia, Canada, Japan, and New Zealand.
Be mindful of costs: Traveling during national holidays can sometimes be more expensive due to increased demand. Compare prices and consider traveling during off-peak seasons or opting for budget-friendly destinations to make the most of your money.
By strategically planning your trips around national holidays, you can explore new places, gain cultural experiences, and create memorable adventures while maintaining your work commitments.
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Choose a vacation-worthy destination
When choosing a travel destination, it's important to consider your interests and what you hope to get out of the trip. Do you want to relax and unwind, or are you looking for adventure and exploration? Knowing what kind of traveller you are will help narrow down the options. For example, if you're a nature lover, you might prefer hiking in the mountains, while someone who enjoys city life might opt for a bustling metropolis with convenient access to cultural and historical sites.
Another crucial factor is your budget. Calculate how much you can spend on accommodations, food, and activities, as well as transportation costs. Be mindful that international travel may be more expensive, and consider the exchange rate if travelling abroad. If you're on a tight budget, look for inexpensive destinations or take advantage of travel deals and discounts.
The amount of time you have for your trip is also essential. If you only have a long weekend, it might not be worth taking a 12-hour flight to a far-off destination. Instead, choose somewhere closer to home. On the other hand, if you're planning a sabbatical or have an extended period of time off, you can consider more distant locations and take advantage of the extra time to explore multiple regions or countries.
Don't forget to think about who you're travelling with. The needs and interests of your travel companions will impact your destination choices. For example, if you're travelling with children, you'll want to choose activities that are suitable for their ages and interests.
Finally, consider the season and weather conditions for your potential destinations. Are you a summer or winter person? Do you want to follow the sun, or are you looking for winter activities? The time of year can also affect costs, with peak seasons tending to be more expensive and crowded. Travelling during the off-season can often save you money and allow you to enjoy your destination with fewer tourists.
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Balance work with vacation
Balancing work and vacation is an art, and with careful planning, it is possible to travel the world while holding down a full-time job. Here are some tips to help you achieve that dream:
Make Travel a Priority
First, decide if travel is truly important to you. Are you willing to make sacrifices in other areas of your life to enable you to travel more? If the answer is yes, then you need to ensure you are organised and determined.
Plan Ahead
At the start of the year, plan out your travels, taking into account weekends, national holidays, and any other time off. By plotting your vacations in advance, you can ensure you don't miss anything important at work or home. You can also save money by booking flights and accommodations early.
Be a Stellar Employee
Make sure your boss knows you are reliable and hardworking. This will make them more likely to grant you a workation or extended time off. You could also suggest a temporary, flexible work schedule to help balance work and vacation time.
Choose the Right Destination
Pick a destination that excites you, but also be mindful of time zones and practicalities. If you are taking your work with you, ensure your destination has good internet access, and if you are trying to maximise a short break, choose a place where you don't have to spend hours travelling to reach the main attractions.
Take Advantage of Weekends and Holidays
If you work a regular Monday to Friday week, plan trips around weekends or long weekends so you can maximise your time away without using up all your vacation days.
Be Creative
If you work random days or shifts, cluster your work days and travel on your days off. You could travel for a long weekend without using any paid time off. Or, if you are allowed to work remotely, consider staring at your laptop screen from a beach in Thailand or a coffee shop in Spain instead of your usual home office.
Take Unpaid Leave
If you are financially stable, consider asking your boss for unpaid leave, especially if you are an excellent employee. It is more cost-effective for companies to retain staff than hire new employees, so they may be open to this idea, particularly if you are planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Budget for Travel
Finally, ensure you have the funds to travel by budgeting and saving. Consider a "side gig" to bring in extra cash for your travels, and if you are able, keep enough money in your account to take a week-long trip whenever you like.
By following these steps, you can achieve a good work-life balance and see the world at the same time.
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Frequently asked questions
Start with the right mindset and be prepared to embrace a new lifestyle. You don't need to save up a lot of money or quit your job to travel – it's about finding a balance and being open to new experiences.
For those with a fixed job, it's essential to plan your travel and get approval from your boss. Be a reliable employee, and give your manager little reason to say no to your travel plans. For freelancers, focus on building a steady stream of clients and be open to networking.
Cut down on unnecessary expenses and track your spending. Downsize your lifestyle, cook at home, and consider selling items you don't need. Look for cheap flights and accommodation, and be flexible with your travel destinations.
Make the most of your weekends and national holidays. Embrace short trips and don't be afraid to travel alone. If you can, extend your business trips and turn them into mini-vacations.
There are numerous options, including teaching English, freelance work, remote work, travel blogging, photography, and destination marketing. You can also consider getting a location-independent job, such as online coaching or writing an e-book.