New Year’s resolutions offer a valuable opportunity to reflect, set goals and make exciting plans for the upcoming year. Interest in “New Year Resolutions” is at a five-year high, with searches increasing by 79% last year compared to the previous year.
Many people are adding exciting travel goals and plans to their 2026 bucket lists. However, travelling frequently can be challenging due to time or financial constraints.
With that being said, travel experts at Iglu Cruise have offered some New Year’s Resolution ideas to help fully embrace travel in 2026.
1. Maximise leave and remote working
Don’t let your annual leave restrict your travel ambitions. Strategically use bank holidays to extend your trips. For example, by taking 4 days of leave before Good Friday and 4 days after Easter Monday, you can turn 8 days of annual leave into a 16-day break.
Maximising your leave this way can make trips beyond Europe possible. Also, take advantage of any “work from anywhere” policy your company has, ensuring you adhere to their IT policy. This allows you to still travel without using up your annual leave, enabling you to immerse yourself in the local culture during evenings and weekends while still working during the day.
2. Set up a dedicated travel account
Commit to a dedicated travel savings account. By allocating a fixed sum each month, you ensure that finances don’t hinder your ability to explore the world, as this money is exclusively reserved for travel. You can also set some budgeting goals to help fund your travel expenses. You can save money by cooking at home instead of dining out or by engaging in cost-effective activities like walking or cycling during your leisure time.
Take full advantage of credit card perks, such as air miles or cashback rewards, on hotel bookings, flights, lounges and upgrades to enhance your travel experiences.
3. Visit a lesser-known destination
Instead of opting for a well-known city, an Instagram-famous spot or a typical package-holiday destination (though we still love these!), try exploring a lesser-known region within a popular country. This approach often leads to more affordable accommodation and offers a more authentic travel experience. Discovering these regions allows for a slower-paced journey, letting you truly appreciate the destinations away from the hustle and bustle.
Another exciting option is to visit a new country entirely, which you can then log on the “Been” app. This app allows you to track the countries you’ve visited and shows you the percentage of the world you’ve explored. Use this app as motivation to set a 2026 goal to visit more countries than in any previous year. Consider options like interrailing to lesser-known destinations or renting a car for a road trip, allowing you to cross multiple countries off your list in one trip.
4. Learn 5 core phrases for every country you visit
A rewarding commitment you can make before any journey is to learn a few fundamental phrases in the local language. Don’t feel pressured to become fluent overnight; the goal is simply to master the essentials: “hello,” “goodbye,” “please,” “thank you,” and the ever-crucial “where is the toilet?” This small effort goes a long way.
Even imperfect attempts are usually appreciated and can help bridge communication gaps, turning encounters into genuine human connections, which can enhance your travelling experience. Consider using a phrasebook or an app to practice while you’re on the go.
5. Take an Extreme Day Trip
Make 2026 the year for an extreme day trip. This resolution fulfils your wanderlust without the need for a long holiday commitment, helping you save money by avoiding hotel costs and saving on annual leave. This budget-friendly and efficient approach often requires only a carry-on bag, which helps you save on luggage fees, too.
The ‘extreme’ aspect can involve distance, challenging logistics or a unique destination. Examples include travelling from London to Paris or Copenhagen and back in a single day. It’s a fun challenge that tests your planning skills and offers a low-pressure way to try solo travel. This approach allows you to blend adventure with the comfort of returning to your own bed that evening. Now that’s travel goals!
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