Balancing a full-time corporate job with a love for travel might seem like an impossible mission and logistical nightmare, but here’s a little secret from me to you—I’ve learned to make the calendar work in my favor. Imagine transforming a simple long weekend into a seven-day escape to Ecuador with just four days off; that’s the kind of travel magic I practice. This isn't just about saving vacation days; it's about creating lifetime memories without sacrificing job responsibilities.

Starting with a strategic approach, I never travel without tying it to a long weekend, it’s the best way to extend my travel time with less vacation days. For the Ecuador example, my travel dates were May 18th to May 25th, Monday May 20th was Victoria Day in Canada. I had 8 days for travel but only took 4 days off work. I managed to explore three cities: Banos, Quito and Galapagos in a new country for nearly a week using just four vacation days. This efficient use of time allows for more adventures without sacrificing those valuable days off.

Initially, my travel itinerary was as rigid as my daily planner, filled with 'must-visit' destinations. But why limit myself? The world is vast, and my ambition to step on every piece of its soil means the order hardly matters. Whether it's the snowy peaks of Switzerland (which is top of my list by the way) or the vibrant streets of Cuba, I would end up visiting both. It's just a matter of when. By setting up flight alerts for a variety of destinations, I keep my options open and my suitcase ready. This way, I’m all set to jet off wherever the wind or better still a flight deal takes me. It would be ignorant of me not to acknowledge that my travel flexibility is tied to my passport privilege. The reason I’m able to dream big enough to visit any country is because I know I have a passport that makes it possible. This flexibility has led to unexpected journeys and experiences, all thanks to setting up Google Flights alerts for various countries.

On the practical side, I’ve learned some valuable travel hacks along the way, especially regarding airport transportation. In Mexico, pre booking my airport ride saved me more than just a few pesos—it saved me from the stress and extra cost of last-minute arrangements. Similarly, in Iceland, opting for shared transportation not only cut costs but also provided opportunities to connect with fellow travelers. So, research as much as you can for your destination and learn what level of preparation or flexibility is needed. Depending on where you’re going, Klook is a great app for booking airport transfers in Asia, in Europe I would say the public transportation system is solid so you should be able to get away with that. 

And then the last smart hack there is for you, travel insurance is another non-negotiable for me. Whether it’s a minor accident or a serious health issue, having insurance is crucial. My own experiences, like an ATV accident in Guatemala and my friend’s altitude sickness in Peru which got her hospitalized for a night in Peru, have shown me the financial and emotional benefits of being insured. These incidents, which could have been major setbacks, were instead managed smoothly thanks to having proper coverage. In Peru, it saved us over $3,000 in medical expenses. These experiences solidified my mantra: never leave home without insurance. It’s your financial and emotional safety net, allowing you to enjoy your escapades without a looming cloud of 'what ifs.'

So, there you have it, my advice for turning limited vacation days into expansive travel opportunities, be strategic with your time, flexible with your destinations, and always plan ahead with thorough preparation. Whether you’re just starting your travel journey or are an experienced globetrotter, remember that with some smart planning and a little spontaneity, you can explore the world—one long weekend at a time.

Feeling inspired to unlock the potential of your vacation days? Why wait for the next big break when a long weekend can be your gateway to the world? Start planning, set those alerts, and pack your bags. Adventure, after all, is just a well-planned flight away.

Tag me in all your adventures, I’d love to see these destinations through your lens! 

Happy adventuring
xoxo 

AdventurouslyBB