Travel the World While Holding a Job |

7 Proven Ways to

Discover 7 proven ways to travel the world while holding a job. Learn practical tips on saving, planning, and finding travel opportunities without quitting.

Many of us dream of exploring the globe, but the idea of quitting a job to do so can feel daunting and, for many, unrealistic. While some stories of one-way tickets and shoestring budgets are inspiring, they often don’t tell the full story of the risks involved. The good news is that you don’t have to choose between a stable career and your passion for travel. It is entirely possible to travel the world while holding a job, and this guide will show you how.

I have seen many people on social media who claim to have travelled to a foreign country with just a few hundred dollars and no return ticket. While this may sound adventurous, it is a risky path that I would not recommend. Without a reliable source of income or substantial savings, you could find yourself in a difficult situation, struggling to cover basic needs like accommodation, food, and healthcare. This post is here to provide you with practical, responsible, and sustainable ways to explore the world without sacrificing your financial security. This is your guide on how to travel without quitting your job.

Why You Can Trust This Guide

My advice is not based on fleeting trends but on over two decades of personal experience travelling and working across the globe. I’ve learned from my successes and my mistakes, and I want to share those lessons with you.

Lessons from the School of Hard Knocks

Experience is often the best teacher. Growing up, I learned the importance of self-sufficiency and being prepared for challenges. These lessons have been invaluable in my travels. However, even with experience, it’s easy to let your guard down. I once became a victim of a scam in Australia because I had become too comfortable. It was a stark reminder that one must always stay alert and prepared. Comfort can be a double-edged sword, and it’s a lesson I carry with me on every journey.

Academic and Professional Background

My formal education has also played a significant role in shaping my worldview. I studied marketing and social sciences at Makerere University, earned a master’s degree in project management in Australia, and have taken courses at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and the Centre for Creative Leadership.

A Career Built on Global Experience

My career has been my passport to the world. I started as a go-getter, travelling regularly for work. My first international work trip was to Durban, South Africa, and Asmara, Eritrea, in 2002.

In 2006, I took an overseas placement in Chipata, Zambia, and I haven’t looked back since. I worked briefly in Papua New Guinea and for two years in East Timor. I have spent over five years as an international development specialist and over 10 working in Australia’s domestic programs. My first role when I arrived in 2011 was with the Australia Red Cross. These experiences have given me a unique perspective on how to travel the world while holding a job.

Now, let’s explore the practical ways you can make your travel dreams a reality.

1. Take Paid Leave

[Image failed to load: Man enjoying a holiday in Timor Leste to illustrate how to travel the world while holding a job] Taking paid leave is a great way to travel while working full time.

This is the most straightforward way to travel while keeping your job. Instead of quitting, plan your travels around your paid leave. If you have 30 days of paid leave, that’s a month you can spend exploring a new country or region. If you need more time, have a conversation with your boss or HR manager about the possibility of taking leave without pay. Many companies are open to this, especially if you are a valued employee.

2. Accumulate Extra Work Hours

A friend of mine from Sudan recently told me he was travelling to Africa for six months. When I asked how he would support himself, he explained that he had been working extra hours, which would be paid out to him while he was away. This allowed him to enjoy his time with his family in the motherland without financial stress. Talk to your manager to see if this is an option for you. It’s a great way to fund your travels without dipping into your savings and one of the best ways to travel and keep your job.

3. Save Money Strategically

Saving money is essential for any traveller. If you have a six-month trip in mind, create a detailed budget and start saving towards your goal. A great strategy is to pay for fixed expenses like flights, accommodation, and tours in advance. This is a form of saving, and it reduces the amount of money you’ll need to have on hand when you travel. These travel tips for working professionals can make a huge difference.

4. Explore Your Own Backyard

Travel doesn’t always mean going overseas. You can have incredible adventures by exploring your own country. Visit national parks, game reserves, beaches, historical sites, and other local attractions. Take a train, a local flight, or even just a day trip to a nearby town. Buy a camera and document your local travels. The possibilities are endless, and you can do it all without quitting your job.

5. Embrace Adventure Biking

Adventure biking is a fantastic way to see your country and neighbouring countries without taking a long break from work. It’s especially well-suited for exploring regions with diverse and challenging terrains. I’ve been following adventure bike riders for years, and I’m inspired by their journeys. My dream is to ride from Cape Town to Uganda, passing through Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania, and Kenya. Inshallah, I will make this trip in 2026. If you’re looking for inspiration, check out African riders like the Nigerian girl Go, Ebaide, and the Ghanaian dude Flying Flags.

6. Start a Blog or Vlog

Blogging and vlogging have become popular ways to earn an income while travelling. You can share your experiences and insights on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram. The key to success is to post regularly and create engaging content. Depending on your popularity, you can earn money from advertising, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing. It’s a great way to combine your passion for travel with a creative side hustle, allowing you to travel while working full time.

7. Volunteer Internationally

Volunteering is one of the most rewarding ways to travel and see the world. It’s a job in itself, and there are several ways to get involved:

• Volunteering for a fee: Many organisations will find a placement for you in exchange for a fee. This is a popular option for young people looking to gain work experience in Asia, Latin America, and Africa.
• Free volunteering: You can also find organisations that will accept you as a volunteer without any fees. In this arrangement, you typically cover your own expenses.
• Paid international volunteering: This is the most competitive option, but it’s also the most rewarding. Organisations like the American Peace Corps and the Australian Volunteers for International Development (AVID) hire highly skilled professionals for overseas placements. They provide a monthly stipend, accommodation, flights, insurance, and training. I was fortunate enough to secure a paid volunteer position in 2006 with VSO International, and it was a life-changing experience.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many ways to travel the world while holding a job. You don’t have to choose between your career and your passion for exploration. With careful planning, strategic saving, and a bit of creativity, you can have the best of both worlds. So, will you keep your job and start planning your next adventure? I believe it’s the best way to travel responsibly and sustainably.