Ah, the New Year—when we all grab a pen and start scribbling down ambitious goals for the year ahead. For travel lovers, this often means dreaming of exotic destinations, thrilling adventures, and enough Instagram-worthy moments to keep the feed buzzing for months. But let’s be honest: by March, many resolutions are collecting dust while life’s responsibilities take over.
Not this year! 2025 is the year you’ll crush your travel goals with a realistic, fun, and doable plan. Ready to dream big and make it happen? Let’s get started!
How to Set Travel Resolutions You’ll Actually Want to Keep
Source: Photo by nappy
No more empty promises—create travel resolutions that lead to real adventures!
Step 1: Dream Big but Start Small
If your 2025 travel resolution reads, “Visit ten countries and see every UNESCO World Heritage site,” you might want to tone things down. While dreaming big is great, setting smaller, bite-sized goals helps ensure you won’t feel overwhelmed or discouraged. Rome wasn’t built in a day.
- Start with one dream destination. What’s the one place you’ve always wanted to visit? Write it down and put it somewhere visible, like a sticky note on your mirror or a pinned vision board.
- Plan a few shorter trips. Weekend getaways or day trips can be just as exciting and are far easier to manage with busy schedules.
- Set a bucket list milestone. Maybe it’s as simple as taking a hot-air balloon ride at a local festival, riding a camel in the Sahara Desert, considered one of the best things to do in Morocco, or making friends with the camel. You do you.
Smaller goals create momentum. Each trip becomes a stepping stone toward building your confidence and wanderlust.
Step 2: Align Travel Goals with Your Lifestyle
Choose resolutions that fit your lifestyle. If you’re a busy go-getter, that Turkey trip to the launch of their first Nickelodeon theme park will have to wait until your plate clears up, allowing you to squeeze it into your busy schedule. In the meantime, ticking off your work checklist rather than your travel bucket list will have to do.
- Busy schedule? Consider micro-adventures or staycations to rediscover your local area. Use long weekends to explore nearby cities you’ve overlooked.
- On a budget? Explore places during off-peak seasons, stay in hostels or an Airbnb, and embrace public transportation.
- Adventure lover? Set a resolution like, “Take one unplanned trip in 2025,” and let your instincts guide you.
Travel shouldn’t feel like a chore. When your travel resolutions align with your lifestyle, you’re much more likely to follow through—and you’ll enjoy the process instead of feeling stressed.
Step 3: Make an Action Plan
That flight isn’t going to book itself. A dream without a plan is just wishful thinking. Break down your goals into actionable steps to move from “someday” to “booked!”
- Pick your travel dates now. Locking in dates early gives you something to work toward and helps you prioritize your time. Also, consider the season. Thinking of going to Phuket? The best months to visit Thailand are between November and April!
- Set a travel fund. Save a little each month. Apps like Mint or TravelSpend can help you track progress and visualize your goals. We’re not telling you to skimp out on the good stuff, but do you really need to get daily overpriced coffee from Starbucks?
- Do the prep work. Renew your passport if it’s expiring soon, research entry requirements for your destination, and—drumroll—apply for your International Driving Permit (IDP) if you’re planning to hit the road. Want to drive in the US to feel the freedom of the open road, cruising Route 66 or soaking up jaw-dropping views on the Pacific Coast Highway? Then, you’d better move “get an IDP” to the top of your priority list.
An actionable plan keeps you organised and makes your goals feel more attainable.
Step 4: Why the IDP Should Be Your First Move
If you’re dreaming of road trips through the French countryside, cruising along Australia’s Great Ocean Road, or exploring the charming rural towns of Tokyo, an IDP is your golden ticket. Think of it as your passport to the open road.
- It’s widely recognized. An IDP lets you legally drive in over 150 countries, making it easier to navigate like a local.
- It’s affordable and easy to get. The International Driver’s Association offers three types of IDPs—1-year, 2-year, and 3-year plans—all of which can be yours in just 8 minutes. You’ll get a digital copy right away, ready to save to your device, and you can even request a physical version for extra peace of mind. Convenience and flexibility, all in one package!
- It unlocks more travel opportunities. Many bucket-list destinations are best explored by car. Imagine the freedom of setting your own pace and discovering hidden gems off the beaten path.
Getting your IDP early in the year is a tangible first step toward fulfilling your travel dreams. Plus, it’s one less thing to worry about later.
Step 5: Stay Flexible
Even the best-laid plans can hit roadblocks—flights get delayed, weather changes or that perfect beach getaway turns into a rainy weekend. Go for those last-minute travel deals or weekend getaways—you never know what’s out there for you!
Stay flexible. If you can’t visit Bali this year, give your local beach a chance. You’ll save time and money while enjoying the sand, surf, and sun—proving that adventure doesn’t have to be far from home.
Step 6: Track Your Progress and Celebrate Wins
Did you take that road trip you’ve always dreamed of? Fly solo for the first time? Did you feel the adrenaline pumping through your veins while sand driving through the Lahbab Desert with a rental car? Celebrate them all!
- Keep a travel journal. Document every adventure, big or small.
- Share your stories. Post on social media, blog, or chat with friends about your experiences.
- Reflect and refine. At the end of the year, review what worked and what didn’t. Use those insights to plan an even better 2026.
Each milestone reminds you of how far you’ve come and how much more there is to explore.
Step 7: Say Yes to Unexpected Opportunities
Sometimes, the best trips are the ones you didn’t plan. In 2025, say “yes” when opportunity knocks. That last-minute invite to a weekend getaway? Go for it. A surprise travel deal in your inbox? Book it.
Being open to spontaneity can lead to the most unforgettable moments of your life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How far in advance should I plan my trips?
It depends on the trip. Planning 6-12 months for international travel is ideal for securing good deals and sorting out paperwork like visas and your IDP. For domestic trips, 1-3 months is usually enough unless it’s during peak travel season.
How can I travel on a budget in 2025?
Prioritize destinations with favorable exchange rates, travel during off-peak seasons, and look for deals on flights and accommodations. Budget apps can also help track and manage your travel funds.
What should I prioritize when planning travel goals?
Focus on experiences over quantity. Instead of visiting as many places as possible, aim to immerse yourself in the culture, try local cuisine, and make meaningful memories.
Do I need to speak the local language to travel internationally?
While knowing basic phrases is helpful, you’ll eventually come across English-speaking tourist spots. Download language apps like Duolingo or Google Translate to bridge the gap and show effort in connecting with locals.
Make 2025 Your Best Travel Year Yet
Source: Photo by Lara Jameson
Travel resolutions aren’t just about ticking destinations off a list; they’re about the memories you’ll make, the stories you’ll collect, and the personal growth you’ll experience. So dream big, plan smart, and stay open to the unexpected. Here’s to a 2025 filled with adventures worth keeping!
