Like most of America, I’m part of the corporate machine. I rise and grind from 7:15 – 5:30 during the week. I’m allocated sick pay and not nearly enough vacation time, but I get every other Friday off – so at least there’s that.
I live for my long weekends and my vacation days.
I started off my travel obsession by following a few travel websites my parents recommended. I distinctly remember one brisk fall day in 2013 when a flash sale came through my email to visit Iceland (tours, hotel, & airfare included!) for less than $1,000. It sounded like this deal would last less than 48 hours, more likely less than 36, so I was filled with a sense of urgency. Will I be able to round up friends in that time period? Will they be able to commit?
I didn’t even bother trying to line up any friends. I decided to go alone.
“Jobs fill your pocket, but adventures fill your soul.”
– Jamie Lyn Beatty
Since that moment, I have built up my country count to 13:
Mexico – the Dominican Republic – Iceland – Canada – Italy – France – Belgium – the Netherlands – Czech – Germany – Austria – Hungary – Switzerland
Traveling makes up a huge portion of my life now. I set up a separate bank account to funnel savings in to monthly. I have the best travel credit cards so I can build up airline points and travel without foreign exchange fees. I monitor nearly a dozen deal websites so I can jump on low-cost opportunities as they pop up. My limiting factor, unfortunately, are my available vacation days.
I budget my vacation days just like I budget my finances. I balance office holidays and long weekends to plan ideal weeks to escape the office. From doing that, I’ve been able to go international twice this year along with a handful of shorter domestic trips. I’ve been asked how I manage to pull it off. Through practice, I have become an office escape artist.
“Because in the end, you won’t remember the time you spent working in the office or mowing your lawn. Climb that goddamn mountain.”
– Jack Kerouac
I’ve learned a lot in my adventures, and I want to be able to share some of that with you. I know how much travel has enriched my life, but it can be hard to leave the office and escape reality sometimes. Hopefully some of what I share will help you find your adventure so you can also become an office escape artist.
Cheers and happy adventuring!
