The last article I wrote on preparing for solo travel had to do with gathering the monetary resources in order to pay for your trip. This article will discuss how to get the time to take your trip.
If you live in America and have worked for a company less than 5 years, there’s a really good chance that you only have about 2 weeks vacation time. For anyone with a desire to travel and explore the world, 2 weeks off is a bit laughable. Barely enough time to get a true feel of a place, if you enjoy a good journey chances are you’re looking to have at least 4 weeks off, and would welcome 4 months or more. Though it might seem like fantasy it’s actually possible to do. Take a look at the 4 tips on getting the time your need in order to facilitate your travel dreams.
1. Request unpaid time off. Most employers will at least let you have 2 weeks unpaid time off during the year. Anymore than this and it could interfere with your benefits, but 4 total weeks off a year compared to 2, gives you double the time for adventures and explorations.
2. Work temp. If your spouse provides you with health benefits, working temp is a great option. Look for long term assignments where you can work 8 months and have 4 months off. If that doesn’t work for your budget, you can always choose a 9/3 option or 10/2. 2 months off a year and a good deal larger span than even the more time considerate European companies and countries provide.
3. Freelance. Similar to temp work but not exactly the same. If you have a skill that allows you to contract out your skills, working freelance usually offers time and flexibility. I know of people that have worked for many years as a freelancer. They pay for their health benefits and taxes on their own and during the year take anywhere between 4 and 10 weeks off total, along with working a weekly schedule that is from anywhere between 3 and 5 days.
4. Work as you go. Work your way from travel to travel. You can exchange your services for money or travel needs such as tickets, luggage and more. There is always someone willing to trade. Moving from one place to another you can exchange your talents for passage to your next adventure.
Many Safe & Happy Travels!
