In an age where remote work and flexible schedules are more accessible than ever, traveling more in 2025 doesn’t require quitting your 9-to-5. The secret lies in smart planning, maximizing time off, and embracing creative travel strategies. If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing more of the world while holding down a full-time job, this guide will show you how to make that a reality.

Why 2025 Is the Year to Travel More

The pandemic reshaped the global workforce, accelerating the adoption of remote and hybrid work. In the U.S. alone, over 36 million people are expected to work remotely by the end of 2025. This shift opens up unprecedented opportunities for travel-savvy employees to explore the world without compromising their careers.

Bleisure Travel: A Growing Trend

“Bleisure” travel – blending business and leisure – is becoming increasingly popular. Many employees now extend work trips with a few personal days, effectively turning mandatory business travel into mini-vacations. With more companies open to flexible arrangements, the line between work and play is blurring.

Maximize Your Vacation Days

The average American receives just 10 to 15 vacation days per year. But with strategic planning, you can double or even triple that time for travel.

Combine Paid Time Off with Holidays

• Schedule trips around national holidays to extend your vacation without using extra PTO.
• Use half-days or remote workdays before and after holidays to minimize time away from work.

Book Red-Eye Flights

• Leaving after work and arriving early in the morning saves an entire travel day.
• Red-eyes are often cheaper and less crowded, offering both cost and time efficiency.

Plan Long Weekends

• A Friday or Monday off can turn a standard weekend into a 3- to 4-day getaway.
• Focus on destinations within a 2-5 hour travel radius to maximize time on location.

Work Remotely From Travel Destinations

Remote and hybrid workers can often perform their duties from anywhere with strong Wi-Fi. This makes it easier than ever to explore new cities or countries while maintaining your productivity.

Choose Work-Friendly Locations

• Look for destinations with good time zone overlap with your employer.
• Opt for cities known for digital nomad infrastructure: Lisbon, Mexico City, Chiang Mai, or Bali.

Set Boundaries and Stick to a Routine

• Create a dedicated workspace wherever you stay.
• Maintain your regular work hours and communicate your availability clearly.

Take Advantage of Digital Nomad Visas

Countries like Portugal, Estonia, and Barbados offer special visas for remote workers, making long-term stays legal and accessible.

Turn Business Trips into Mini-Vacations

If your job involves travel, you already have a golden opportunity to explore new destinations.

Extend Your Stay

• Add a few PTO days before or after your business meetings.
• Use your evenings and downtime to explore the area.

Research in Advance

• Identify attractions, restaurants, and experiences near your business location.
• Book accommodations in central areas to minimize transit time.

Negotiate Travel-Friendly Benefits

If you’re starting a new job or up for a review, don’t just negotiate salary – negotiate time.

Ask for Flexible Work Options

• Propose a hybrid or fully remote schedule.
• Offer to make up time before or after travel periods.

Consider Alternative Benefits

• Request additional vacation days instead of a pay increase.
• Explore unpaid sabbatical options or work-from-anywhere weeks.

Build Travel into Your Lifestyle

Sometimes, traveling more isn’t about squeezing more into your current schedule – it’s about shifting your mindset.

Embrace Local Exploration

• Discover hidden gems within your own state or region.
• Treat weekend road trips like mini-adventures.

Use Travel as a Reward System

• Set personal or professional goals, and reward yourself with a trip upon completion.
• This can make travel feel more intentional and satisfying.

Real-Life Examples

Sarah, the Marketing Manager

Sarah works full-time from Chicago and negotiated one remote month per year. In 2024, she spent that month working from Portugal, exploring Lisbon on evenings and weekends.

James, the Sales Executive

James travels twice a month for work. By adding a weekend to each trip and carefully planning his schedule, he visited 8 new cities last year without taking more than 5 vacation days.

Common Questions Answered

How can I ask my boss for more flexibility to travel? Prepare a plan showing how your work won’t suffer. Offer to be available during core hours and ensure consistent productivity.

Is it legal to work remotely from another country? Yes, but it depends on the country’s visa rules. Look into digital nomad visas or short-term tourist stays depending on your length of stay.

Can I still travel a lot with a family or kids? Absolutely. Plan around school holidays, and consider destinations with family-friendly amenities.

Final Thoughts: Travel Is a Choice You Can Make

You don’t have to quit your job to travel more in 2025. With smart planning, honest communication, and a willingness to be flexible, you can blend work and wanderlust seamlessly. Whether it’s a weekend road trip, a remote-work month abroad, or extending a business trip, the world is more accessible than ever.

Ready to Make It Happen?

Start by reviewing your PTO, checking upcoming holidays, and talking with your manager about remote work options. The sooner you plan, the more you’ll explore. Don’t wait to travel until you retire – build your dream into your day-to-day now.

Share this article with a coworker or friend who loves to travel, and start planning your next adventure together!