If the travel bug bit you, you may find yourself longingly looking out your office window in search of a greater understanding of the world outside. There are many ways you can feed your desire to travel, while staying gainfully employed. It may require you look for a new job, or do some exploration within your current job, but for those with a will, there is always a way.

Make Traveling a Priority

If the desire to travel strikes you, but you have too much debt, and you can’t leave your current job, there are ways to continue traveling and make your budget work. If you don’t need new shoes, that morning cup of coffee, or expensive lunches, then skip them. Save that money and put it towards your traveling expenses. When you accumulate enough money, book your trips well in advance to save additional money on flights. If you can’t leave your job, use your vacation time in conjunction with holidays and long weekends to get the most of your time.

Taking Your Job With You

For those of us with more flexible jobs that don’t require you to report in every day, talk with your manager about continuing development courses that the company recognizes. Many companies will help pay for employees to get additional training, and allow them to travel to seek this education. Talk to human resources and your boss about any possible options available to you.

Take a Leave of Absence

Many companies are willing to give employees a leave of absence, provided they don’t have to pay the employee in the interim. Save up enough money and see if your employer offers options for a leave of absence or sabbatical. If you do get a leave of absence or sabbatical, make sure to get it in writing, or you may find that you don’t have a job when you return.

Change Positions

You don’t have to quit your job, but perhaps you can find another position within your company that offers more flexibility. Some positions allow employees to work from home. Call centers and technical support jobs may provide the flexibility you need to take your job with you. Consider looking online at sites like LinkedIn for a new job that allows you to take your job on the road with you. Plenty of people have made a living online writing articles, providing services, and consulting for other businesses. 

Ultimately, if you want to keep your job and travel the world, it’s going to require you to talk to your boss and work out a solution. If you can’t work out a solution right away, there are plenty of jobs that let you work from home, or allow you to travel while conducting company business. According to Dr. Gilbert Webb, a high-risk obstetrician at Midwest Maternal-Fetal Medicine in St. Louis, if you are pregnant it’s a good idea to get a checkup with your doctor to make sure it is safe for you and your baby to travel.