Each year, since 2005, I have made it a mission to take a big trip.  A HUGE trip.  A dream-fulfilling trip.  And I do it on a full-time job, and a less than stellar annual salary. 

Recently, I ran into a friend I hadn't seen in quite some time.  The subject of traveling came up and she asked me how in the world I was able to go on so many trips.  "You don't make that much money" she said, "and how does your boss let you go for so long?"

It only takes a few minutes of your time to get going on your path to the world wonders.  Here's how:

GETTING THE TIME OFF WORK
Finding the time and getting your work's approval is actually the easy part.  It's all in the delivery.

Pull out your calendar for next year.  When would be a good potential time for you to take two weeks off?  Identify a couple different months that might work.

Then one day, stroll into work and casually mention to your boss that you are planning a big trip for next year.  "When would be the most convenient time for you to have me gone for two weeks?"  Work with your boss to find a few different times that would be most convenient for your work schedule.  It is a big deal to be gone for two weeks, especially if you are going to be without cell phone or internet access.  Gain some brownie points by picking a time that is convenient for your work. 

Narrow down a few different options, but don't decide on exact dates if you can avoid it.  You'll need the flexibility to choose cheap flights later on.

FINDING THE MONEY
Saving for a trip can be the hardest part.  There is a tendency to reach for the credit card, but if you are going to be stressed out over money while on vacation, then you won't enjoy your trip. 

I usually start each trip with a general initial budget.  That budget looks a little something like this:

Airfare: $1,000
Daily Expenses: $100 per day x 14 days = $1,400
Splurges and gifts: $600
Total initial budget: $3,000

I'll then take my total budget and divide it by 12 months.  This gives me my monthly savings goal of $250. 

Now that I have an inital savings goal, I'll go ahead and set up an automatic investment into my savings account of $250.  This way I don't have to think about it, and I don't spend it before I can save it.

But wait!  Who can afford $250 a month when you are only taking home less than $2,000 a month after taxes?

Here's the hard part.  At this point, unless you have $250 in disposable income each month, you need to ask yourself a hard question: how much of a priority do you want traveling to be in your life? 

If you're reading this blog, odds are that you want travel to be a big priority.  If that's the case, then sit down with your monthly budget.  What can go?  $250 a month is the same as an average car payment, would it be worth it for you to sell your car and buy a beater?  What about meals out and drinks with friends?  Could you cook or entertain at home more?

For some people, $250 a month is just not reasonable.  And that's ok.  Because even if you are able to squeak out $50 or $100 a month, there are still amazing trips available for you each year. 

Now it's up to you: is travel going to be a priority in your life?