The new year is approaching quickly, and it’s no surprise that many people are crafting fresh travel resolutions. Travelers everywhere are eager to explore the world, seeking new destinations and unexpected vacation experiences. With so many incredible places to visit, now is the perfect time to expand your bucket list and plan your travel goals.

While travelers may have varying plans, destinations, and expectations, setting travel resolutions can help anyone achieve their aspirations. To see more of the world in the coming year, explore these 10 travel resolutions and tips for creating your own.

Find Hidden Gems Close To Home 

travel resolutions
Orione Conceição / Pexels

Home is where the heart is, and you might be surprised by the hidden gems right in your own backyard. A great travel resolution for the new year is to explore the underrated destinations close to home.

Depending on where you live, there may be museums to discover, parks to wander, or accommodations you’ve yet to experience. The new year is an ideal time for staycations and day trips, especially after the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.

Close-to-home travel experiences not only highlight the uniqueness of your community but are also a budget-friendly way to satisfy your wanderlust.

Don’t Wait Until You’re Burnt Out To Vacation

Black woman floating on surfboard
Jess Loiterton / Pexels

Many people use vacations as a way to unwind and destress. However, reaching a point of mental or physical burnout is unhealthy, and recovering from it can be challenging.

A wellness-inspired travel resolution for the new year is to plan vacations before you reach burnout. Make travel a proactive part of your agenda from the start of the year. This could mean planning trips and requesting time off from work months in advance or coordinating with a travel group to decide where you’ll head next.

Use Travel As A Reward

Black woman at Eiffel Tower
Atikh Bana / Unsplash

Planning and experiencing a vacation is a treat because it creates a sense of accomplishment in the human brain. Using travel as a reward is an excellent resolution since it’s likely to make you feel good.

Remember, it doesn’t always have to be a lavish vacation. Tailor your travel rewards to match the size of your goals and budget to ensure they are attainable.

Treat Yourself To Luxury

luxury hotel
Leonardo Rossatti / Pexels

Luxury travel is always trending among lavish lifestyle-loving globetrotters. They enjoy white-glove hospitality, butler services, and plush accommodations that only luxury travel experiences can provide.

If you’re typically a budget traveler, a great travel resolution for the new year could be splurging on a luxury travel experience. An easy way to do this is by booking a stay at a high-end, all-inclusive resort. It offers holistic access to a luxury experience, all in one place.

If a resort isn’t an option, consider adding luxury elements to your vacations, such as five-star dining or taking a first-class flight.

Map Out Your Trips Sooner Than Later

Black man journaling
MART PRODUCTION / Pexels

One of the best travel resolutions is to plan trips ahead of time. Travel planning can be stressful, and it becomes even more challenging when a trip is organized at the last minute.

Planning trips sooner rather than later can help reduce travel anxiety and keep your schedule organized. It also gives you something to look forward to as the year progresses.

Travel For Your Inner Child

amusement park
Scott Webb / Pexels

Take a trip next year that nurtures your inner child. It’s one of the most therapeutic and beautiful travel resolutions you can make.

Fulfill a childhood dream by visiting a place you’ve wanted to see since you were young. Alternatively, consider revisiting a destination you went to as a child and have fond memories of.

Travel Solo

Black woman at beach
Fernanda da Silva Lopes / Pexels

If you’ve never traveled solo but have always wanted to, make it your mission to do so in the new year. There are many resources available to help, whether you need a list of travel safety items or advice on navigating a solo excursion.

Don’t let time continue to slip by. The coming year is the perfect opportunity to bet on yourself and take that solo trip.

Learn A New Language

Two men speaking over coffee
RDNE Stock Project / Pexels

Learning a new language is one of the best travel resolutions for the new year. It can connect you with countless people and greatly enrich your travel experiences.

Being able to converse with native speakers enhances your interactions wherever you go. Additionally, learning the language of a destination you plan to visit will make your trip more authentic, fun, and engaging.

Cross Something Of Your Bucket List

Black man on the beach
Jonathan Mueller / Unsplash

There’s still plenty of time to plan a bucket list trip for the new year. Do you dream of strolling through Santorini’s iconic streets of white houses with blue domes? Or partying in Ibiza? Or embarking on one of Tanzania’s world-renowned safari expeditions? Whatever it may be, planning early gives you the best chance of making it happen next year.

If, after thorough planning, the bucket list trip isn’t within your means, don’t feel discouraged. Instead, consider a bucket list experience that’s more attainable. For example, have you ever wanted to ride in a helicopter, go skydiving, or try skiing?

Now is the perfect time to choose meaningful experiences from your list to accomplish in the new year.

Get Your Group Trip Out Of The Group Chat

Black people pool party
Kindel Media / Pexels

Trip ideas often float around in friend groups and group chats without ever coming to fruition. However, the start of the new year is the perfect time to officially decide on a destination and collaborate to get the planning done.

While the process might be tedious, organizing a group trip early in the year gives everyone something exciting to look forward to.

After the trip, you and your friends will share a new memory that could strengthen your bond and inspire you to travel together more often in the future.