How to Achieve Your Goals of Traveling More in the New Year

The start of a new year often brings with it a renewed sense of motivation and a desire to set and achieve new goals. For many people, one of these goals is to travel more. Whether it's to visit new places, experience different cultures, making new friends, or simply get away from the daily grind, traveling can be a great way to recharge and rejuvenate.

If you're looking to make traveling a bigger part of your life in the new year, here are a few tips to help you get started:

Exploring the Pīpīwai Trail in Maui, Hawaii with water resistant Carmel Backpack

1. Set specific and measurable goals.

   Rather than simply saying "I want to travel more," set specific goals that are measurable and can be tracked. It's easier to follow through when you set up a plan rather than looking at an outcome. 
   
   Examples: take three trips in the next 12 months, visit somewhere 1-3 hours away from home 1 weekend a month, visit a new country by the end of the year. 

    

2.  Create a plan and a budget.

   Once you have your goals in mind, create a plan for how you're going to achieve them. This should include things like researching destinations, finding deals on flights and accommodations, and how much to budget. 
   
   Examples: allocate a certain percentage of your income to a travel budget for that year, pay yourself every time you do chores into a travel fund (or any other new habit you want to reinforce or double up on resolutions!) 

    

3.  Be flexible and open to new opportunities.

   While it's important to have a plan and budget in place, it's also beneficial to be open to new opportunities that may arise.
   
   Example: if you come across a great deal on a flight to a destination you weren't considering before, a spontaneous booking may kick start the planning process. Or if your friend invites you to destination wedding, maybe look around and spend a few days nearby to get a trip in with the same airfare. 

    

4.  Make the most of your time off.

   One of the biggest barriers to traveling more is often a lack of time. However, by planning your trips in advance and making the most of your time off, you can make the most of the time you have.
   
   Example: Plan ahead to use long weekends, or take days off around holidays to extend your trips. Talk to your boss ahead of time about seasons where you can take time off without it affecting your work. 

    

5.  Get creative with your travels.

   Finally, don't be afraid to get creative with your travels. The more you focus on things that get you excited, the more likely you'll finally book that ticket and get the ball rolling.
   
   Examples: If you're a huge pasta enthusiast, research where you can learn authentic pasta making in Italy. Or, take a surfing retreat to level up your skills while enjoying breathtaking beaches. There are also many ways to travel without breaking the bank, such as couch-surfing, house-sitting, and volunteering.

    

By setting specific and measurable goals, creating a plan and budget, and being open to new opportunities, you can make traveling a bigger part of your life in the new year. Remember to make the most of your time off, and consider alternative ways of traveling. Happy adventures!

To get you started, check out our free travel planners & helpful blog posts: