As a nurse working 12-hour shifts, I used to think international travel was only possible if I had a long vacation or an extended break. I told myself I needed at least a week off to make it worth it, and between work schedules, expenses, and everyday responsibilities, travel felt like something I could do “someday” rather than now.
But then I realized—if I wanted to make travel a real priority, I had to stop waiting for the perfect circumstances and start making it happen. Here’s how I did it:
1. I Got Strategic with My 12-Hour Shift Schedule
One of the biggest perks of working 12-hour shifts is that I don’t have to work five days a week. I started being intentional about how I scheduled my shifts, stacking them together to create built-in long weekends and even full weeks off—without actually taking PTO. For international trips, I’d plan my work schedule so that I could get 9-10 days off just by taking 3-4 days of PTO.
2. I Stopped Believing I Needed Weeks Off to Travel Internationally
For the longest time, I thought an international trip had to be at least 10+ days to be worth the flight. But the truth? You can experience so much in just 5-7 days. A long weekend in Europe, a quick island escape, or a fast-paced city adventure—these trips are not only doable, but they’re incredibly rewarding. Once I let go of the idea that international trips had to be lengthy, I was able to travel way more often.
3. I Changed My Living Situation to Save Money
Instead of spending money on an expensive apartment in town, I opted for a cabin in the woods. Not only did I love the peacefulness (and my riot of a housemate- iykyk), but my monthly expenses dropped significantly—freeing up more money to put toward flights, accommodations, and experiences. It was a trade-off, but one that made my travel dreams much more realistic.
4. I Planned My International Trips at Least 6 Months in Advance
I wasn’t just booking last-minute getaways—I was planning ahead. My friends and I would pick a destination at least six months out, giving us time to coordinate schedules, find deals on flights, and budget for the trip. Having a set plan in place made it easier to commit to traveling rather than just talking about it.
5. I Prioritized Experiences Over Material Things
Could I have upgraded my car? Sure. Could I have splurged on lululemon® leggings? Definitely. But I made a conscious choice to prioritize experiences instead. Bungee jumping in New Zealand, kayaking through bioluminescent waters, hiking in remote places—these are the things that mattered more to me than driving a new car or owning name-brand clothing.
Final Thoughts
Making travel a priority didn’t mean I had to quit my job or make drastic lifestyle changes—it just meant being intentional. By reworking my schedule, shifting my mindset, adjusting my finances, and choosing experiences over things, I found a way to explore the world now instead of waiting for “someday.”
So if you’ve been dreaming of traveling more, my advice is this: stop waiting for the perfect time. Get strategic, make small changes, and start prioritizing the experiences that truly matter. You’ll never regret the memories you make—only the ones you don’t. 
