London PR Specialist Reveals Her Secrets To Visiting 28 Countries On A Shoestring Budget While Holding Down A Full-Time Job

Meet Ella Brown, the 24-year-old jet-setting wonder who’s cracked the code on how to travel the world while holding down a full-time job in luxury lifestyle PR. She’s living proof that you don't need endless vacation days or a bottomless bank account to see the world, and we’re here for it!

By strategically planning her paid time off and being smart about her travel choices, Ella has managed to explore a whopping 28 countries without breaking the bank—or her employer's patience. How does she do it? Well, buckle up because we’re about to take a journey into the adventurous world of Ella, aka @thatgingerabroad, on social media.

Ella’s journey into the world of budget travel began back in 2021 when she spent three months in the United States with friends. That experience lit a fire in her—one that couldn’t be extinguished by the constraints of a typical 9-to-5 job. 

When she started working full-time in September 2022, Ella was determined not to let her wanderlust fade. Instead, she devised a brilliant plan: be strategic with her time off and find creative ways to stretch it. 

By attaching her annual leave to bank holidays and weekends, she maximizes her travel time without exceeding her allotted days off. It’s a travel hack that has allowed her to explore new destinations without sacrificing her job.

Ella Brown has mastered the art of squeezing every drop out of her PTO to fuel her globetrotting adventures!

Ella Brown/@thatgingerabroad

But Ella doesn’t just travel smart—she travels cheap. Her trips are often short and sweet, like a 48-hour whirlwind tour of a European city. These quick getaways mean she only needs to take one or two nights off, and she gets to keep her precious vacation days intact. 

Maximizing vacation days while maintaining a full-time job can be a challenge. Productivity expert James Clear emphasizes the importance of effective time management, stating, "You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems." By implementing efficient systems, individuals can streamline their tasks and create more time for personal pursuits. By organizing her work schedule efficiently and prioritizing tasks, Ella can free up precious time for travel. This proactive approach not only enhances her productivity but also allows for greater flexibility in her travel plans, creating a win-win situation.

Caught the travel bug? Ella Brown did—and now she’s ticking off bucket list destinations like it’s her day job

Ella Brown/@thatgingerabroad

For example, she recently spent a weekend in Nantes, France, where she managed to keep her total expenses under $200. That’s right—flights, hotel, food, and fun, all for less than what many spend on a single night out.

One of Ella’s secrets to affordable travel is her willingness to explore “random” cities—those lesser-known gems that offer all the charm and excitement of their more famous counterparts but without the hefty price tag. By visiting these off-the-beaten-path destinations, she not only saves money but also gets to experience places that aren’t overrun with tourists.

Ella’s travel hack: go off-season and find your own piece of paradise

Ella Brown/@thatgingerabroad

Budget Travel Strategies

Travel blogger and financial expert David Bach emphasizes the importance of meticulous budgeting for successful travel on a shoestring. He states, "Setting a specific travel fund and tracking your expenses is crucial to avoid overspending." Choosing off-peak travel times can significantly reduce costs, as flights and accommodations usually drop in price during these periods. Additionally, utilizing travel rewards programs can allow savvy travelers like Ella to stretch their budgets further, making travel more accessible without sacrificing experiences.

Ella also swears by budget airlines and carry-on luggage. “Baggage fees can be so expensive,” she explains. “You’d be surprised what you can fit in a small, under-the-seat bag.” Plus, by traveling during off-peak seasons, she avoids the crowds and the high costs that come with them.

With her ingenious strategies and passion for discovering new places, Ella Brown is a shining example of how creativity and a love for adventure can turn even the most ordinary vacation days into extraordinary global experiences.

So, if you’ve been dreaming of seeing the world but think you can’t afford it, take a page out of Ella’s book and start planning your next adventure—no matter how many vacation days you have!

Therapeutic Insights & Recovery

In summary, effective travel on a budget while juggling a full-time job requires careful planning and strategic thinking. Experts like James Clear emphasize the power of incremental improvements and habit formation, which can significantly enhance one’s travel opportunities. Setting clear goals and establishing a sustainable travel routine can lead to more enriching experiences. Ultimately, the key lies in balancing work commitments while embracing the joy of exploration, demonstrating that adventure is always within reach with the right mindset and planning.