New Year, New Adventures: Travel Resolutions

How to create and keep your Travel Resolutions

The start of a new year is the perfect time to set intentions, for both personal growth but also for the way we experience the world. When I first started thinking of travel resolutions, it sounded a lot like a bucket list, but I want you to think of a travel resolution a bit differently than you bucket list. A bucket list is really just that, a list of experiences you want to have or places you want to go before you die. A travel resolution are the steps you take regularly (or more often) to help you get there. 

I also want us to think of resolutions not as a way to punish ourselves into getting something we think we want, but more as a way for us to add value to our own lives in a way we previously hadn’t or a reminder to focus on something we value that we previously lost focus on. 

If you already feel like you’re crossing items off your bucket list and having the experiences in life you want, then may be just stick with the list! I’ve also included a few travel resolutions at the end to help regular travelers up their travel game. 

Travel Resolutions for the “I want to travel more” person.

Step 1: Create a detailed bucket list or vision board for the kinds of experiences you want to have. I want you to physically feel excited while doing this; let your imagination run wild. Picture yourself in the hot air balloon or seeing the mona lisa. Really connect with what it is you hope to experience in those moments. 

Step 2: Brainstorm all of the reasons why these experiences haven’t happened for you yet. Time? Money? Childcare? Fear? Discouraging family, friends, or partner? Don’t plan far enough in advance? Try to list them all out, big or small. Make the list yours! Star the ones that really resonate with you or circle the ones that feel most important. The goal here is to really understand why you aren’t taking the trips you want in the first place or taking the trips, but the trips are falling flat. 

Step 3: Figure out what items in Step 2 you can and want to change to allow you to have the experiences in Step 1 and have a clear understanding of the tie between the two. Do you spend all of your extra money on clothes and dining out? Are you afraid to take any time off of work? Do you have a ton of trips you want to take, but no friends who want to come? If you’re hesitating, ask yourself why. 

Step 4: Create your resolution! Here are a few examples: 

1. Reducing your shopping budget to save money for a trip. 
2. Booking a group trip or a solo trip rather than waiting for your friends to come around. 
3. Meeting with a dogsitter/babysitter to establish trust well in advance of any trouble. 
4. Booking hotels or excursions at least 60-90 days in advance so things aren’t booked. 
5. Buying luggage second hand or borrowing luggage or gear from a family member or friend. 
6. Taking a local trip to have small doses of adventure. 

Travel Resolutions for the “I want to travel better” person.

Idea 1: Take local trips you’re actually excited about and learn more about your city or state.

Not every travel resolution has to involve international flights. Discover the hidden gems in your local area or nearby regions:

– Commit to exploring a new city or town every month.

– Visit state or national parks you’ve never been to.

– Attend local festivals, markets, or cultural events.

Idea 2: Focus on Cultural Experiences 

Make this year about meaningful connections and authentic experiences:

– Stay in homestays or with local hosts to experience daily life.

– Take part in cultural workshops, like cooking classes or craft making.

– Find Airbnb or other experiences hosted by locals. 

Idea 3: Prioritize Sustainable Travel

Make a commitment to leave a positive impact on the places you visit:

– Choose eco-friendly accommodations and tours.

– Support local businesses and artisans.

– Reduce your carbon footprint by flying less or offsetting emissions.

– Participate in volunteer tourism that aligns with your values.

Idea 4: Travel for Wellness

Make your travels a chance to rejuvenate and heal:

– Book a yoga retreat; a lot of the local yoga teachers in my area run retreats abroad. 

– Spend time in natural hot springs or wellness spas.

– Choose destinations known for their serenity, like mountain getaways or coastal retreats.

However you want to re-shape your travel resolutions in 2025, make sure the resolutions are specific and achievable and always priority quality over quantity. One really good resolution that actually gets you having the experiences you want is better than 5 resolutions that don’t happen.