We all daydream of getting away from the office.

We sit and scroll on airline websites, searching for the perfect flights for make-believed days.

We imagine that special moment when we finally click the “confirm purchase” button and take off on that adventure of a lifetime.

While we want nothing more than to take off and Eat, Pray, Love it all away, some of us (actually a majority of us) have responsibilities.

It’s kinda hard to jaunt off on a grand adventure when you have a lease, bills, and your 9-5 staring back at you like a three-headed monster.

This, in turn, shuts us down and makes us think we will never be able to travel or see the sights we’re dying to experience. However, that’s not the case. It just means you just have to get creative…

Here’s how you can see the world while still seeing those dollars come in from your paycheck:

1. Save, Save, Save

The only thing you’ll be able to see is your driveway if you don’t start saving right now. Make your monthly budget, stick to it, and squirrel away your extra cash for your dream trip. Pick up some extra shifts, find a side gig, dog walk, babysit; do everything and anything to make that trip a reality. That shopping spree can wait and you can pass on that expensive meal; your trip needs to be in the hindsight of everything you do.

2. Use Your PTO

Use your paid time off wisely. Some companies offer paid holidays and vacation days, so find time to travel during those days. Most holidays offer a desirable three-day weekend, so you can factor that into your overall trip timeline. Play with your days and plan out a realistic trip date that works for you and doesn’t sacrifice your unpaid workdays.

3. Wait For The Deals

Everyone knows to book your flights on Tuesdays. But there are many more travel deals you can find as well. Many travel groups announce their Black Friday sales in late October early November, and others offer even better Christmas and New Years’ deals to lock in additional travelers for the new year. Take advantage of these deals and find the best trip with the best savings.

4. Be Upfront With Your Job

Your manager, boss, and coworkers are almost like your family. Actually, you probably see them more than you see your real family! Respect them and keep them in the know. The worst thing you can do is spring a trip on them last minute, especially during a busy season or during a time when they are low on staff. Make sure you communicate your desire to travel and give your boss/manager the proper timeline to get their ducks in a row for when you are off galavanting on your adventure. This will establish a relationship with your coworkers that not only pins you as a professional but also makes your passion known to your employer so that they are aware that traveling is important to you. Therefore, the next time you take a trip, it won’t come as a surprise. “Oh, it’s just Natalie traveling again…” Once you get to that level, you’re set!

Just because you are a business professional doesn’t mean you have to work yourself to death. You CAN travel. It just means you have to strategize, work hard, and get creative in order to do so. Believe me, it’s doable, and the harder you work, the bigger the pay off will be. Now is the perfect time to plan out your big adventure, so get started today!