For many aspiring globetrotters, the biggest obstacle to long-term travel isn’t wanderlust—it’s the full-time job. But what if you didn’t have to quit your job to see the world? With the rise of remote work, travel-friendly benefits, and creative planning, it’s easier than ever to balance both a career and a passport full of stamps. Here’s how to make it happen—without burning out or going broke.

Embrace Remote-Friendly Roles

The first step is to identify whether your current role offers any flexibility. Hybrid and remote jobs are more common than ever, with companies like GitLab and Toptal operating fully remotely. If your current job doesn’t offer that option, consider pivoting into roles that are naturally remote-friendly, such as:

• Copywriting and content strategy

• Web development and software engineering

• Customer support or account management

• Digital marketing and SEO

Sites like We Work Remotely, Remote OK, and FlexJobs are excellent places to find new opportunities that let you earn while you travel.

Take Advantage of Workcations

Even if you can’t work remotely full-time, short-term “workcations” are a growing trend. Many employers now allow staff to temporarily work from new time zones. Use these opportunities to spend 1–2 weeks in destinations like Lisbon, Mexico City, or Medellín—cities known for good Wi-Fi, coworking spaces, and low costs of living.

Platforms like Selina cater to digital professionals by combining accommodations with community-focused coworking.

Stretch Your Travel Budget with Cashback and Gift Cards

One of the biggest advantages of blending work and travel is that you’re earning while abroad—which makes your travel budget more sustainable. But there’s still room to optimize every dollar.

For instance, you can earn cashback with a Hotels.com gift card when booking accommodations or get rewards with a Uber gift card for daily rides in unfamiliar cities. These small savings add up fast over the course of a multi-week or multi-month trip.

Fluz makes it easy to buy digital gift cards for travel essentials—hotels, rideshare, dining, and more—with real cashback on every purchase. You can even buy a gift card at checkout for the exact amount needed, which means no leftover balances. To start saving on your travel expenses, check out Fluz.

Plan Around Time Zones (and Internet)

Working across time zones can be a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity. If you’re based in New York but working from Bali, you’ll have uninterrupted hours of exploration before the U.S. workday even starts. Use tools like World Time Buddy to coordinate calls and minimize overlap issues.

Equally important is stable internet. Always check coworking reviews or use apps like Workfrom and Nomad List to verify speeds before booking accommodations.

Maximize Your Paid Time Off

Strategic use of PTO is key. Plan longer trips around holidays or use long weekends to your advantage. Pair this with a few remote workdays, and you’ve got the recipe for a 9-day international trip using just 3–4 vacation days.

You can also take advantage of stopovers on long-haul flights. Airlines like Icelandair and Singapore Airlines offer free stopovers in their hub cities—essentially letting you visit two destinations for the price of one.

Balance Work and Exploration

Finally, remember that combining work and travel is about balance. Block out non-negotiable work hours, set clear communication expectations with your team, and use the rest of your time to explore, relax, and enjoy your environment. Use productivity apps like Notion, Todoist, and Slack to stay organized and responsive—no matter where you are in the world.

By combining smart planning, cashback tools, flexible scheduling, and a willingness to think beyond the office, you really can see the world without quitting your job.