We’ve all said it: “I really want to travel more this year.” But then life happens. Work picks up, weekends fill up, and suddenly it’s November and you’ve hardly left your zip code. Sound familiar?

The truth is, most of us don’t forget to travel. We just don’t design for it. We wait for “free time” to magically appear. And yet, it rarely does. 

Whether it’s a weekend getaway or that bucket list trip you’ve been dreaming about for years, if it’s not on your calendar, it’s probably not happening.

And that’s a shame, because travel isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s fuel. 

Time away, whether across the globe or just across state lines, can give you a major boost in creativity, resilience, and overall satisfaction. In fact, remote workers who prioritize travel often report feeling more energized, more connected, and more fulfilled. It’s good for your mindset and your productivity.

So, how do you actually make it happen?

Start by getting real about your constraints. If time off or family schedules are tricky, plan ahead (way ahead). Piggyback on holidays or long weekends, and put in those PTO requests early. If you’re juggling a heavy workload, look for slower seasons or schedule travel during lighter weeks.

On a tight budget? Get scrappy. Use flight alerts, dig into travel points, or explore lower-cost destinations. A cabin in the woods, a road trip to a nearby town, or even a few days working from a coffee shop in another city can give you that same sense of refresh and reset.

The bottom line is this: you don’t have to wait until your schedule clears, your inbox is empty, or your budget is booming. 

You just have to start with intention. 

Remote work gives us a rare chance to design lives that include more of what we love. And if travel is on that list for you, it’s time to treat it like the priority it is.

So, stop waiting for the “right time.” Open your calendar, pick some dates, and make a plan. Whether it’s a big adventure or a small change of scenery, travel won’t just happen on its own, you have to design it in. Why not start now?