Can you believe another year has flown by? Despite juggling a full-time career with limited vacation time, I’m grateful for a year packed with unforgettable travel adventures.
As I look back on my experiences in 2024, I’ve taken time to reflect on the lessons learned and missed opportunities. With this in mind, I’ve set ten meaningful goals to guide me (and you) in the year ahead.
I learned that every trip, no matter the distance, has the potential to transform perspective, strengthen connections, and create lifelong memories. My travel resolutions are centered around authentic experiences, sustainable choices, and deeper connections between the places I visit and the people I meet.
Let 2025 be the year you step outside your comfort zone, travel with intention, and make unforgettable memories, solo or with the ones you love. Here’s a little inspiration to get you started!
[This article contains affiliate links to trusted partners.]1. Say Yes to Spontaneous Trips
If you find yourself with an extra day or two off work and have the budget, do something spontaneous! Sometimes, the best adventures are unplanned.
Take a road trip to a new city or check sites like Skyscanner for flash sales on flights. Near or far, seize the opportunity to get away from the familiar and experience something new.
This resolution will definitely push me out of my comfort zone, as I’m someone who thrives on structure and detailed planning. The idea of leaving things to chance typically feels overwhelming to me. My most spontaneous trip was probably to Arlington, Texas, and it was 100% worth the good time.
2. Travel to One New Country
Challenge yourself to visit at least one new country. Immerse yourself in a culture you’ve never experienced–learn traditions, try new cuisine, and connect with people. The anticipation and planning for a new destination will fill your year with excitement.
I’ve managed to stick to this resolution quite well in past years despite the challenge of being a travel lover with limited paid time off.
With thoughtful planning, smart scheduling, and flexibility, I’ve learned how to maximize my time and still focus on creating meaningful travel experiences. This year we had a wonderful time vacationing in Spain for the first time.
3. Save for a Bucket List Destination
If there’s a dream destination you’ve always wanted to visit, make this the year you take steps to make it happen. Set a budget, open a savings account, and track your progress. The sense of accomplishment when you finally book the trip will be unforgettable.
Japan is at the top of my bucket list. I’d like to spend extended time traveling through the country where my late grandmother was born and raised. That’s right—I’m of Japanese heritage!
My goal is to connect with family, experience the culture, enjoy the food my grandmother lovingly prepared for us, and dive deeper into my roots. It would be a journey of self-discovery and a celebration of the traditions that have shaped my family.
4. Explore Local Hidden Gems
You don’t need to cross oceans to discover new things. Resolve to become a tourist in your own town, region, or neighboring state. Visit off-the-beaten-path communities and explore local parks, family-run restaurants, and historic sites.
I need to focus more on exploring within my home state of Virginia. Most of my time is spent in Hampton Roads along the coast or NoVa near Washington, D.C. I know the state is full of charming destinations, and I’m excited about this travel resolution.
This year, we took a road trip to Virginia’s Blue Ridge region and had mountains of adventure in Roanoke and the surrounding towns.
5. Try a Unique Accommodation
Ditch the standard hotel room and opt for a unique stay at least once in the new year. You can stay in a treehouse, tiny home, yurt, houseboat, ice hotel, or even a castle! These options often fly under the radar, so finding them takes a little research and creativity.
I loved this idea since I usually stick to traditional hotels, vacation rentals, or bed and breakfasts. While I haven’t decided yet, the thought of staying in a castle in Scotland feels absolutely magical!
6. Travel More Sustainably
The world is beautiful, but it’s also fragile. Make a pledge to reduce your environmental impact when you travel. Consider eco-friendly accommodations, support local businesses, and travel outside peak tourist seasons. Simple actions like this can make a big difference.
This resolution struck a chord with me after anti-tourism protests in Spain (and throughout Europe) shortly after I booked my trip to Mallorca and Málaga.
Although I planned to visit after the peak tourist season, I was still concerned about how locals might feel about visitors, especially while they were actively advocating to preserve their home’s beauty and affordability.
Thankfully, during my trip in late September, I didn’t encounter any hostility or issues, but keeping an eye on the situation beforehand gave me a deeper understanding of the impact overtourism can have on local communities.
From crowded beaches that residents can no longer enjoy to skyrocketing housing prices driven by tourism, the strain on their daily lives became much clearer to me. Moving forward, I’m committed to being more mindful about how I travel and its effect on the places I visit.
7. Experience Solo Travel
Solo travel is one of the most empowering experiences you can have. It teaches you independence, boosts your confidence, and allows you to fully control your itinerary. So consider planning a solo weekend getaway or a bucket list trip to discover more about yourself and the world.
While I’ve had the opportunity to travel solo within the U.S., I’m eager to take the leap and try it internationally. Exploring a new country on my own feels like an exciting challenge and a chance for personal growth, but it’s something I’ll need to approach with careful planning.
As a solo female traveler, safety will be my top priority. I’ll focus on researching destinations thoroughly, organizing accommodations and transportation in advance, and keeping loved ones in the know.
While it might require extra preparation, I’m confident the experience of navigating a new culture on my own will be incredibly rewarding and empowering.
8. Learn the Basics of a New Language
Try to learn key phrases in the language of your next travel destination if applicable. A simple “Hello” or “Thank you” in the local tongue can go a long way in building connections and showing respect for the culture.
My husband inspired me to set this goal. Throughout his career, he’s worked with many colleagues whose first language wasn’t English. To improve communication and show respect, he made an effort to learn basic phrases in their languages that were relevant to the job and considered polite.
When we travel, I love watching him use the local language—people’s faces light up with surprise and delight. It’s such a simple yet meaningful way to break the ice and spark a genuine connection; it always leaves a positive impression.
9. Document Your Journeys
Don’t let your travel memories fade. Start a travel journal, create a scrapbook, or even share your adventures on social media. Capturing moments creatively will help you relive your travels for years to come.
Although I take countless photos during my trips, blog about my adventures, and share them on Instagram, I’ve wanted something more tangible for my memories.
Now that we’ve moved into our new home, I’m seriously considering creating a photo wall in my office. Especially since our souvenirs of choice are watercolor paintings.
10. Travel with Purpose
Transform your travels into meaningful experiences by traveling with intention. Rather than focusing solely on sightseeing, look for opportunities to connect with the people who live in the places you visit.
Engaging with local communities, supporting small businesses, or participating in eco-friendly activities can enrich your experience.
Consider dedicating part of your travels to something meaningful, whether it’s volunteering, connecting with your heritage, or picking up a new skill like a local cooking class or craft.
I’ve made an effort to embrace this mindset in my travels over the years, but it’s always a valuable reminder.
New Year’s Travel Resolutions 2025
The New Year is a blank canvas, and these resolutions are your brushstrokes to paint a year filled with adventure and new experiences.
Which resolution will you start with? Whether big or small, every step you take will bring you closer to a year of unforgettable travel experiences.
Cheers to new adventures in 2025!
By day, I’m a full-time Director of Operations, and by night (and every spare weekend), I’m a travel journalist helping you discover new vacation destinations. With over two decades of career experience, I’ve mastered the art of balancing business with bucket lists. As a travel journalist, Yahoo Creator, MSN Publisher, and member of the Society of American Travel Writers, I’m here to share my experiences and insight with you. Exploring the world one trip at a time.
Hey, I am a multifaceted professional excelling in the realms of blogging, YouTube content creation, and entrepreneurship.
With a passion for sharing knowledge and inspiring others, I established a strong presence in the digital sphere through his captivating blog articles and engaging video content.