Escape the Desk: How I Traveled the World While Working Full-Time

A remarkable travel story is inspiring busy professionals and parents alike! Meet Ella Brown, a 24-year-old PR worker from Hockley, Essex, who has expertly navigated her career to visit an astounding 16 destinations in just **11.5 days** of annual leave over six months.

Ella’s journey is a perfect reminder that you don’t have to choose between career and adventure. She cleverly utilized the Easter and late May bank holidays, dovetailing them with weekends to whip up a roster of incredible mini-breaks. Her jaunts have taken her to beautiful locations such as Croatia, Sorrento in Italy, and Munich, Germany. To top off her globetrotting endeavors, Ella made a memorable longer trip to Turkey in August, where she happily spent an additional nine days of leave.

“It’s a fantastic way to see the world while making the most of weekends and time off,” Ella shares. “I simply click on my chosen dates on Skyscanner, and it displays a variety of options. Don’t overlook places you might not recognize – you’ll be surprised by how many delightful cities are out there waiting to be explored!"

Ella’s travel bug bit her during a three-month exploration of the United States in her gap year back in September 2021. Upon resuming work in September 2022, she was determined to carry on her adventures and sought advice on efficiently utilizing her **25 days of annual leave**.

Starting her meticulous planning in December 2023, Ella is set to jet off to sunny Malaga, Spain, with her partner Sam, a 24-year-old physiotherapist, in January 2024. They plan to maximize their weekend by only taking a half-day off on Friday, returning by Sunday. However, their journey took a twist when their flight was rerouted, leading to an unexpected day in Paris and costing them an additional day of leave. Ella reflected on the experience positively: “We made the most of it! Malaga was fantastic. The gloomy UK winter isn’t nearly as inviting, and it’s absolutely lovely to soak up some winter sunshine.”

In March, the couple