Top Travel Resolutions That May Actually Get You Packing Your Bags This Year

Posted on 12/29/2025

Every year, “travel more” is in the mix of resolutions. But what travel resolutions can get you from dreaming of a trip… into the beauty and benefits of real travel experiences? 

Surveys consistently show that nearly two-thirds of Americans leave a third of their vacation time unused, and a quarter of workers don’t take any time off at all! That’s despite mounting evidence that travel is a boon for our physical and mental health, relationships, and more. 

Here are some additional travel resolutions that may help you on your journey towards making travel a genuine and enriching part of your life in the coming year... and make you feel better about yourself and your trips. 

  1. Travel more often
    Make time instead of waiting for “someday” — even if it’s short trips over long weekends that don’t use many vacation days.
  2. Plan (and actually use) vacation days
    Scheduling and booking trips early helps you commit, and money already paid is an incentive to follow through.
  3. Save intentionally for travel
    Create a “travel fund,” cut small expenses, or use reward programs strategically towards a specific travel goal.
  4. Focus on one “dream trip” - even if it’s not going to happen this year
    Turn your bucket-list trip from a daydream into a reality — whether that’s Japan, an African safari, or the Greek islands – by working with a travel advisor to build a real plan, then taking concrete steps towards making it happen.
  5. Explore closer to home
    Discover close-to-home gems instead of only flying long-haul. Creating a travel habit and mindset will make bigger trips feel more achievable.
  6. Travel slower
    Spend more time in fewer places, avoid rushing, and experience daily life instead of checklist sightseeing.
  7. Prioritize wellness
    Combine rest with exploration — spa retreats, forest bathing, yoga trips, hot springs, or hiking escapes.
  8. Be more sustainable
    Plan trips that support local businesses, communities and natural treasures, pick eco-certified stays or tours, stay in properties with real commitments to sustainable construction and operations, and make conscious choices like eating locally-grown food, choosing reef-safe sunscreen and offsetting flights.
  9. Plan to learn something while traveling
    Cooking class, language lessons, wine tastings, history walks, photography workshops — travel with purpose.
  10. Practice spontaneity
    Leave a day unplanned, try new foods, or say yes to experiences outside your comfort zone.

  11. Travel with people who matter
    Multi-generational trips, reunions with friends, or meaningful solo journeys to reset. Create memories with those you care about most.
  12. Document travel better
    Keep a journal, organize photos, or make short videos — instead of letting memories disappear into your phone.

START YOUR TRIP!

Images: Getty

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