Here’s a piece of news to travel lovers —you do not have to leave your full-time job to pursue your innate wanderlust. Let’s face it, not everyone can afford to abandon their families and financial securities to chase their travel desires. Having said that, we want Singaporeans to know that they can still travel, even when working full-time.

When it comes to travelling, full-time workers in Singapore will find that time is the number one issue they face. Yet, there is a significant group of savvy travellers who are still constantly travelling despite the dedication to their established careers. It is no secret—they have great time management skills, make no excuses and plan in advance! And so should you, especially with 9 long weekends in 2019.

Before you complain about the impossibility of travelling due to your limited annual leave, read our 7 tips on how you can still travel with a full-time job.

#1 OPT FOR NEARBY FOREIGN CITIES

Going to a far away country might not be feasible with limited annual leave on hand. Instead of wasting several hours onboard a plane, why not choose a nearby foreign city to explore? Singapore’s proximity to numerous Southeast Asian destinations will allow you to reach another country within a two-hour car, ferry and even flight journey.

#2 MAXIMISE YOUR WEEKENDS

While this travel option might seem hectic, it is actually do-able! Flying off on a Friday night right after work will give you an entire weekend to travel. If flights are too much of a hassle, you can even take a coach to Malaysia or board a ferry to one of the many Indonesian islands. All you have to do is return to Singapore by Sunday night or even Monday morning for work.

#3 TAKE ADVANTAGE OF LONG WEEKENDS

If weekend getaways are insufficient for your overseas adventures, it is time you work your travel plans around Singapore’s public holidays that fall on either a Friday or Monday. There will be 9 long weekends in 2019 so do take advantage of that for a longer trip! You can even take annual leave on days before/after the public holiday for an extended trip.

#4 PLAN IN ADVANCE

You should recognise the fact that most of your colleagues are probably after the same period of annual leave. Depending on your job scope, some firms may or may not allow you and your colleagues to overlap your off days. This means you will need to strategise your travel plans way in advance to maximise your time for travelling.

#5 TAKE UNPAID LEAVE

If you have used up your annual leaves but still itching for a getaway, perhaps you could request for unpaid leave. In the event where your unpaid leave is granted, it would be best to coincide them with the weekends or public holidays so that you have more time to travel with your loved ones and visit further destinations.

#6 EXTEND YOUR WORK TRIP

Some working executives do get to travel from time to time for business trips. Instead of going there just for work, why not discuss with your bosses and request for permission to stay for the weekend? You probably will have to fork out your additional accommodation and dining expenses, but it is still a great opportunity to travel since you are already abroad!

#7 OPT FOR COMPANY TRANSFERS

While this option is usually only applicable for multinational corporations, working professionals can actually request for a long-term transfer or a short term assignment. Do ask around in your local office and see if there are any available roles and/or assignment in your dream city that matches your capabilities. As the saying goes, you never know until you ask!

If all the above-mentioned tips do not work for your case, you can still travel around Singapore! There is always something new and exciting for Singaporeans to check out. Rediscover the Lion City and you will be surprised by how much there are for you to explore! Staycations are also a great alternative way to escape temporarily from the hectic workload.

There are many cost factors to consider when you are planning for a holiday—be it accommodation, food or transport. Sure, it is possible to compromise on comfort to save some money but what if we tell you that travelling the world for free or next to nothing is not just a dream?

No, we are not kidding. People have done it and so can you!

All you need is an open mind, some planning skills, a hard-working personality and some tips from us. Here are 6 Ways You Can Travel The World (Almost) For Free.

TRAVELLING WITH BFF: The Expectations vs. Reality When You Travel With Your Best Friend.

Photo Credit: United Nations

#1 VOLUNTEER

If you have an outgoing personality and are passionate about making a change in this world, then this is the option for you. Non-profit organisations that require specific professional skills such as the UN and Peace Corps offer all expenses paid travel programs when you volunteer with them.

Those who do not mind getting their hands dirty can opt for Wwoofing, a program that provides travellers with the opportunity to volunteer at organic farms in exchange for free accommodation.

Photo Credit: The Dubizzle Blog

#2 STAY FOR FREE

Ditch the hotels and stay with the locals! CouchSurfing is a website that connects the traveller with a local host who is able to spare you a couch or bed overnight. Check out the reviews left by previous guests so you know what to expect when staying there.

House Sitting is another way of saving on accommodation fees. Guests are expected to look after the house or take care of their pets while the owners are gone for the weekend.

It is also possible to loan out your apartment by swapping it with someone else when you advertise on home exchange websites. However, do keep in mind that it is important to coordinate the dates with your home swapping partners.

Photo Credit: Cruiseline

#3 WORK

Getting paid to travel is a dream job for many of us but what options do we have? Apart from being an air stewardess, you can also work on a cruise ship as an entertainer, service crew, engineer or event manager.

Other jobs that will take you to faraway lands include journalists, travel writers, language teachers, translators, event coordinators and those working in hospitality industries.

Read: 11 Tips On How To Save Money To Travel The World.

Photo Credit: Ski Japan

#4 APPLY FOR SHORT-TERM STINTS

To offset any extra cost, apply for short-term jobs such as a camp instructor, au pair or overseas internship. Some companies provide wages, accommodation, wifi and even meals.

Summer jobs such as fruits picking and amusement park crew are popular among teenagers. In winter, many try out seasonal work at ski resorts where they also get a chance to learn skiing for free.

It is best to start researching and applying for jobs ahead of your travel schedule.

Photo Credit: NPR

#5 FREE TRANSPORT

Besides accommodation, transport is one of the biggest reasons why travelling comes with a heavier price tag. A common practice in the US is hitchhiking whereby you flag down cars passing by for a free ride. Of course, it is important to exercise caution when doing so.

Collecting airline miles is a great way of earning yourself a free plane ticket. You can accumulate airline miles by staying in international chain hotels, converting hotel points into miles and using credit cards that let you accrue miles.

Getting bumped off your flight sounds like an awful inconvenience but if you volunteer to get bumped, you are likely to receive upgrades, flight vouchers or cash in return.

Photo Credit: Runner Bean Tours

#6 JOIN FREE ACTIVITIES

Learn more about the country when you participate in free walking tours organised by locals who are able to bring you to the best places for meals or hidden gems within the city that are unknown to tourists.

Before you complain about the impossibility of traveling due to your limited annual leave, read our 7 Tips on How You Can Still Travel With A Full-Time Job.

Here’s a piece of news to travel lovers – you do not have to leave your full-time job to pursue your innate wanderlust. Let’s face it, not everyone can afford to abandon their families and financial securities to chase their travel desires. Having said that, we want Singaporeans to know that they can still travel, even when working full-time.

When it comes to travelling, full-time workers in Singapore will find that time is the number one issue they face. Yet, there is a significant group of savvy travellers who are still constantly traveling despite the dedication to their established careers. It is no secret – they have great time management skills, make no excuses and plan in advance!

Before you complain about the impossibility of traveling due to your limited annual leave, read our 7 Tips on How You Can Still Travel With A Full-Time Job.

#1 OPT FOR NEARBY FOREIGN CITIES

Going to a far away country might not be feasible with limited annual leave on hand. Instead of wasting several hours onboard a plane, why not choose a nearby foreign city to explore? Singapore’s proximity to numerous Southeast Asian destinations will allow you to reach another country within a two-hour car, ferry and even flight journey.

#2 MAXIMISE YOUR WEEKENDS

While this travel option might seem hectic, it is actually do-able! Flying off on a Friday night right after work will give you an entire weekend to travel. If flights are too much of a hassle, you can even take a coach to Malaysia or board a ferry to one of the many Indonesian islands. All you have to do is return to Singapore by Sunday night or even Monday morning for work.

#3 TAKE ADVANTAGE OF LONG WEEKENDS

If weekend getaways are insufficient for your overseas adventures, it is time you work your travel plans around Singapore’s public holidays that fall on either a Friday or Monday. There will be six long weekends in the year of 2016 so do take advantage of that for a longer trip! You can even take annual leave on days before/after the public holiday for an extended travel.

#4 PLAN IN ADVANCE

You should recognise the fact that most of your colleagues are probably after the same period of annual leave. Depending on your job scope, some firms may or may not allow you and your colleagues to overlap your off days. This means you will need to strategise your travel plans way in advance to maximise your time for traveling.

#5 TAKE UNPAID LEAVE

If you have used up your annual leaves but still itching for a getaway, perhaps you could request for unpaid leave. In the event where your unpaid leave is granted, it would be best to coincide them with the weekends or public holidays so that you have more time to travel with your loved ones and visit further destinations.

#6 EXTEND YOUR WORK TRIP

Some working executives do get to travel from time to time for business trips. Instead of going there just for work, why not discuss with your bosses and request for permission to stay for the weekend? You probably will have to fork out your additional accommodation and dining expenses, but it is still a great opportunity to travel since you are already abroad!

#7 OPT FOR COMPANY TRANSFERS

While this option is usually only applicable for multinational corporations, working professionals can actually request for a long-term transfer or a short term assignment. Do ask around in your local office and see if there are any available roles and/or assignment in your dream city that matches your capabilities. As the saying goes, you never know till you ask!

If all the above mentioned tips do not work for your case, you can still travel around Singapore! There is always something new and exciting for Singaporeans to check out. Rediscover the Lion City and you will be surprised by how much there is for you to explore! Staycations are also a great alternative way to escape temporarily from the hectic workload.

About the writer:
Hui Jun Ng is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She previously worked in the food and marketing industry. She loves traveling and enjoys exploring underrated destinations. In her free time, you will find her indulging in coffee and her all time favourite local dish – bak chor mee.