Start with the leave you have
The first step is to know exactly how much time you can take. Read your contract or employee handbook for annual leave, public holidays, how unused days roll over and whether unpaid leave, a sabbatical or time-off-in-lieu is possible. Policies differ widely between countries and employers, so check yours rather than assuming.
Then request time early. If your workplace uses a shared calendar, putting your main trips in at the start of the year can help you avoid clashes with colleagues.
Stretch leave with holidays and weekends
The simplest way to get more days away is to wrap leave around days you are already off.
- Add one or two leave days to a long weekend to make a four- or five-day trip.
- Place a week of leave so it includes two weekends and any public holiday in it.
- Check the holiday calendar for the year ahead and mark clusters of days off.
Remember that popular holiday periods may raise flight and accommodation prices, so weigh the extra days against the extra cost.
Shape the travel days
Travel time can eat a short trip. A few ways to protect your leave:
- Take an evening or overnight flight after work on your last working day, so you arrive without spending a leave day.
- Choose early outbound and late return flights when the price is similar.
- Consider closer destinations for short breaks, where the journey is only a couple of hours. Our fun quick getaways guide has ideas by travel time.
- Return on a Sunday evening only if you are confident you will be rested enough for Monday. Many people prefer a buffer day.
Short trips versus one long trip
Both have advantages. Frequent short trips give regular breaks and spread the cost across the year. One longer holiday allows a deeper visit and a slower pace but costs more at once. Many people mix them: a couple of weekend breaks plus one longer trip, such as a two-week trip to Europe or a hut-based five day backpacking trip. Whichever you choose, building a savings habit helps; see how to save up for travel.
Ask about flexibility
If your job allows it, you might be able to:
- work remotely from another place for part of a trip
- adjust your hours to leave earlier on Fridays
- take unpaid leave to extend a trip
- negotiate a sabbatical after a certain number of years
Each employer is different, so a polite conversation with your manager is the best way to find out what is possible. Think about what you can offer in return, such as clear handover notes.
Combine work trips and leisure
If your role involves business travel, you can sometimes add a weekend before or after the trip. Check your company policy first, as rules on extending trips, insurance and who pays for extra nights vary. When you do, cover the extra lodging and personal costs yourself unless your employer agrees otherwise. When travelling for work, it also helps to keep receipts, pack lightly and plan some rest so you stay productive.
Jobs that involve travel
Some people change roles to travel more. Jobs that may involve regular travel include airline and cruise roles, tour guiding, travel writing, consulting, sales, event work and some remote positions. These come with trade-offs such as irregular schedules, time away from home and less control over destinations, so research a role carefully before switching.
Avoid overpacking the calendar
It is tempting to book a trip for every spare weekend, but constant travel can leave you tired. Leave some weekends at home to recover. If you notice you are always exhausted, our guide to travel fatigue explains why and what helps. When you are ready to build the habit into a bigger plan, see planning a year of travel.
Common questions
Do people with ADHD like travelling? Experiences vary. Some people find novelty energising, while others find unfamiliar routines and logistics stressful. Simple systems such as checklists, phone reminders and a fixed packing list can reduce the load. This is general information, so speak to a health professional if you want tailored advice.
What should you do when travelling for work? Confirm expense rules, keep documents together, build in rest time and, where possible, arrive a little early before important meetings.
How far can a job make you travel? It depends on the contract. Check what your employment agreement says about travel, notice and time-off after trips.