Let’s be real: many of us dream of packing a bag, hopping on a plane, and exploring the world without a care. But reality? Most of us need to work to make a living, and quitting your job to travel full-time isn’t an option for everyone. So, how do you actually make travel happen when you’ve got a full-time job and limited leave?
In South Africa, the Basic Conditions of Employment Act grants employees a minimum of 15 days of annual leave per year. Fifteen days! When you think about it, it’s not a lot, especially when you factor in public holidays, family obligations, and the need for actual rest days. Some companies are more generous (lucky you, if that’s your situation), but for most, this is what we’re working with.
Still, limited leave shouldn’t stop you from feeding your love for adventure. You just have to be smart about it.
We all see those incredible stories of people quitting their jobs to travel the world full-time. I find it inspiring, but let’s be honest, not everyone has the privilege or resources to make that leap. For many of us, travelling while keeping a steady paycheque is the goal. And while it comes with its fair share of challenges, juggling deadlines, last-minute meetings, and clashing schedules, it is possible.
Trust me, I know. I get asked all the time how I manage to travel as often as I do while holding down a full-time job. My answer? Planning and prioritising.
For me, it’s about making choices. I save where I can, plan trips months, and stretch those precious 15 days of leave as strategically as possible. I skip expensive nights out so I can afford weekend getaways. I align trips with public holidays to maximise time off. I don’t wait for “someday”. I make travel happen now, within the constraints I have.
And yes, it gets tricky. Especially when your travel partner doesn’t have the same leave days or work schedule. It takes flexibility, compromise, and a bit of creativity to make it work. But it’s worth it every single time.
If you’re wondering how to do the same, you’re in the right place. Here’s your ultimate guide to travelling while working full-time, packed with tips to help you balance career and adventure without burning out or breaking the bank.
1. Plan Around Public Holidays
Public holidays are your secret weapon for stretching your time off. By strategically aligning annual leave with these dates, you can create longer breaks without using many leave days. For example, if a public holiday falls on a Thursday, taking just one day of leave on Friday turns it into a four-day getaway. Map out your company’s leave calendar alongside South Africa’s public holidays early in the year so you can grab those prime spots before your colleagues do.
Don’t underestimate lesser-known holidays either, days like Human Rights Day or Women’s Day can fall midweek and give you a chance to bridge into a longer holiday. If you plan, you’ll avoid the last-minute scramble for accommodation or expensive flights. Planning your travel calendar upfront not only helps you maximise leave but also gives you something exciting to look forward to throughout the year.
2. Embrace Weekend Getaways
Weekend getaways are perfect for scratching your travel itch without touching your annual leave. There are dozens of incredible destinations within a 2–3-hour radius of South Africa’s major cities. From wine farms in Stellenbosch to mountain cabins in the Drakensberg or seaside cottages along the Garden Route, a quick escape can leave you feeling recharged and inspired.
To make the most of a weekend trip, pack your bags the night before and hit the road as soon as work wraps up on Friday. You’ll arrive with enough time to enjoy a relaxed evening and wake up ready to explore. Weekend travel doesn’t need to be expensive either; look for off-season rates, midweek specials extended into weekends, or last-minute deals from local guesthouses. These short breaks help you explore more frequently, even with a demanding work schedule.
3. Extend Your Business Trips
Business travel doesn’t have to be all work and no play. If you’re already flying somewhere for a meeting or conference, why not take on a few personal days? By booking your return flight a day or two later (at your own expense), you can turn a work trip into a mini-vacation. You’ve already covered the airfare, now you just need accommodation for the extra nights.
Explore the city you’re visiting without the pressure of meetings or client calls. Visit museums, enjoy local restaurants, or take a day trip to nearby attractions. This approach works well if you’re travelling to cities like Cape Town, Durban, or Johannesburg, where there’s plenty to see outside of work hours. Just be sure to check your company’s travel policies to extend your stay without affecting the work-related portion of the trip.
4. Book Getaways Close to Home
You don’t have to travel far to feel like you’re on holiday. Explore destinations close to home, places you can reach in two to three hours by car or a quick local flight. Think charming small towns, mountain retreats, bush lodges, or coastal escapes. A nearby getaway saves travel time, giving you more hours to unwind and explore.
Close-to-home trips are ideal for spontaneous weekends or when you can’t take extra leave. Even a one-night stay in a new environment can break up the monotony of work-life routines. You’ll be amazed at how many hidden gems are right on your doorstep waiting to be discovered. Start by researching lesser-known towns or using apps like LekkeSlaap or Airbnb to find unique accommodations within your province.
5. Fly Local
If you’re craving an adventure but can’t spare a long-haul trip, flying locally is the answer. South Africa’s budget airlines make it easy and affordable to explore cities like Durban, Cape Town, Gqeberha, or East London. You can leave early on a Saturday and fly back late on a Sunday, giving you a full weekend of sightseeing without sacrificing a single leave day.
Local flights cut down on travel time, allowing you to spend more time experiencing a destination rather than being stuck in transit. This strategy is perfect if you want to explore cultural events, visit family in another province, or simply enjoy a weekend in a different setting. Keep an eye out for flight specials or subscribe to airline newsletters to score discounted fares.
6. Plan Overnight Stays After Friday Work
Don’t waste your Friday night sitting at home; use it to kickstart a quick overnight adventure. Pack your bags before work, leave straight from the office, and hit the road. By the time you wake up Saturday morning, you’re already at your destination and ready to explore.
An overnight trip doesn’t have to be far. Look for boutique stays, country guesthouses, or even a farm stay within an hour or two of home. This kind of trip is ideal when you need a quick reset without using leave or spending too much. Many local accommodations offer late check-in, making it easy to arrive after dark without stress.
7. Add Leisure to Conferences & Events
Attending a conference or work event outside your city? Use it as a chance to explore. Fly in a day earlier or stay a day longer to sightsee or visit attractions you wouldn’t have time for during the work portion of your trip. You’re already there, why not make it count?
This approach lets you experience a destination without needing to plan a separate trip or use excessive leave days. Visit a museum, explore a local market, or take a short hike before flying back. Bonus: if you’re already staying in a hotel booked for the conference, ask if you can extend your stay at a reduced rate. Many hotels offer conference delegates discounts if they add extra nights.
8. Work Remotely (Even Just for a Day)
If your job offers flexibility, take advantage of it by working remotely from a different location. Even working one or two days from a cozy Airbnb, mountain cabin, or beachside apartment can give you a change of scenery without interrupting your work responsibilities.
A “workcation” lets you combine productivity with exploration. Spend your lunch breaks walking around town, enjoy sunrise coffee with a view, or explore nearby attractions once you log off for the day. Just make sure your accommodation has reliable WiFi and a comfortable workspace to avoid tech hiccups.
9. Stay Connected Without the Stress
If you’re squeezing travel into a busy work schedule, staying connected can make the whole experience far smoother, especially when you need to check emails, confirm bookings, use maps, or keep in touch with family while you’re away. Whether you need an eSIM for Japan, Australia, or Spain, or for any destination across the world, having reliable mobile data sorted before you travel can save time, reduce stress, and help you settle into your trip from the moment you arrive. It’s one of those small but practical travel choices that makes it easier to balance your responsibilities while still enjoying the journey.
10. Stack Destinations Together
Don’t limit yourself to one location per trip. If you’re travelling somewhere for a wedding, family gathering, or work event, add an extra destination nearby. For example, if you’re going to Stellenbosch for a wedding, spend an extra day in Franschhoek, Paarl, or Hermanus.
Stacking destinations saves money and travel time since you’re already halfway there. It’s a smart way to explore more without booking multiple flights or long drives. Research nearby towns or attractions in advance and build a route that lets you experience more than just your main event.
11. Use Unpaid Leave Strategically
If you’ve used up your annual leave but have a special trip in mind, consider requesting unpaid leave. Some employers are open to granting unpaid leave if you give enough notice and ensure your work is covered. This is especially useful for bucket-list trips, international weddings, or family reunions.
Taking unpaid leave allows you to prioritise meaningful travel experiences without sacrificing job security. While you’ll lose a few days’ pay, the memories gained might be worth it. Be transparent with your employer, frame it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and highlight how you’ll manage your workload before and after your time off.
12. Say Yes to Spontaneous Opportunities
Not all trips need months of planning. Be open to last-minute invitations from friends, family, or colleagues. Whether it’s a road trip, a music festival, or a weekend in the mountains, spontaneous getaways often create the best memories.
Spontaneous travel doesn’t have to be expensive or extravagant. Keep a small “travel fund” for moments like these so you can say yes without financial stress. If your schedule allows, let yourself be swept into an unplanned adventure, you’ll be surprised how refreshing it feels to break from routine.
Let’s face it, most of us can’t afford to quit our jobs and travel full-time. But that doesn’t mean we can’t explore the world around us. With only 15 days of annual leave to work with, we have to get creative, stay intentional, and make every day off count. Whether it’s a weekend road trip, a remote work stint in a new city, or piggybacking leisure onto work travel, the key is to plan smart and travel with purpose.
I’ve done it, and you can too. You don’t need unlimited leave or a big budget, just a bit of strategy, flexibility, and the willingness to say yes to adventure, even in small doses.
Now it’s your turn. Pull out your calendar, line up those public holidays, and start plotting your next escape. Choose one tip from this guide and put it into action this month. Whether it’s a spontaneous overnight stay or a local flight for a weekend away, make the first move. Life’s too short to wait for the “perfect time”, travel now, on your terms.
