Some folks are already working on their New Year’s resolutions, perhaps setting goals related to wellbeing, health or finances. Meanwhile, others are likely using the last bits of 2025 to start scheming on where to take their first trip of 2026.
For the types who can’t resist planning their next vacation (even when they’re currently on vacation), there’s no time like the present to start gathering inspiration and guidance for the year to come.
In that spirit, we’ve come up with 12 travel resolutions to make for the new year. Here are a dozen ways to mix it up, step out of your comfort zone, savor new experiences, discover places that spark joy and generally make 2026 your best year of travel yet.
Use all your allotted vacation days
First things first: In 2026, make a resolution to use all of your paid time off. Nearly a quarter of American workers didn’t take a single vacation day over the past year, according to a recent report from FlexJobs. Don’t be one of them.
Dedicate yourself to flying one airline enough to earn elite status
Promise to be super loyal in 2026 by sticking with one airline as much as humanly possible. This way, you can earn elite status for the first time or a higher tier than last year. As a result of this effort, you may unlock many more benefits to enjoy in 2027.
Related: The best credit cards to reach elite status
Book a weekend getaway (or two) specifically to use your premium travel card’s hotel credit
Since premium travel credit card annual fees continue to rise, you should plan a very intentional trip to maximize the benefits of your card. This ensures you don’t let any statement credits go to waste.
For example, when you prepay an American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection booking made through American Express Travel® with your American Express Platinum Card®, you can receive up to a $600 annual hotel credit per calendar year in the form of statement credits (allotted as up to $300 semiannually). Hotel Collection stays require a two-night minimum, and enrollment is required for select benefits.
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Chase Sapphire Reserve® cardholders receive two up-to-$250 credits (up to $500 per year) for stays of two nights or more on The Edit, Chase’s curated hotel booking platform (see rates and fees). Starting in 2026, you’ll have the flexibility to use these two credits at any time.
WYATT SMITH/THE POINTS GUY
Extra kudos to anyone who simultaneously makes use of additional statement credits, like the Reserve’s annual up-to-$300 StubHub credit (split into two biannual $150 statement credits on purchases made through Dec. 31, 2027), on a sports game or concert tickets on the same trip. Activation required.
Related: How to make the most of Chase Sapphire Reserve’s 5 lifestyle credits
Try the most interesting treatment on the hotel spa menu
Everyone wants to decompress on holiday. But to spice things up a bit, skip the standard massage at the hotel spa and instead choose the most unique-sounding treatment on the menu. Maybe it’s the floating in-water massage at the Retreat at the Blue Lagoon (bookable through Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts) or a root chakra ceremony involving a cleansing Kemenyan smoke ceremony and tuning forks at Four Seasons Bali Resort at Sayan (bookable through The Edit).
Also note that if you’re booking through Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts or Chase’s The Edit, you may be able to use your $100 resort credit toward the treatment.
Related: From city sanctuaries to desert retreats, these are the best luxury hotel spas for every type of traveler
Explore somewhere new within your home state
Often, we’re so preoccupied with the big moves — hopping continents, exploring different countries, returning to beloved destinations — that we forget there are beautiful places in our relative backyards, too. This coming year, take a long weekend to play tourist in your own state to check out sites you’ve never made time for before or even simply to disconnect in a fresh environment.
Related: The best state park in every US state
Immerse yourself in a new hobby with a skillcation
“Skillcation” may be a trending buzzword, but it has major merit. The idea is taking a trip themed around a certain activity or skill you want to learn or improve. Maybe it’s surfing, in which case Hawaii, Morocco and Bali are worth a look. Or perhaps it’s padel or painting or cycling or cooking. Choose a passion, whether new or old, and then book a trip to the ideal destination for it.
Spin the globe and go there
Maybe give yourself three spins to be safe. And if that seems too extreme (or you don’t have a globe), push yourself out of your comfort zone by traveling to a destination you never imagined visiting, one that’s not even on your bucket list. Giving somewhere surprising a chance could open the door to parts of the world you may not have realized would resonate and diversify your future travels, too.
Related: 12 surprising winter vacation ideas for a warm-weather getaway
Take a mode of transportation you’ve never tried
Trains, hot air balloons and cable cars. There are so many idiosyncratic ways of getting around beyond our two feet, four wheels and two wings. The novelty of trying a new style of movement — whether it’s a funicular up to the top of a mountain, a sled pulled by reindeer or huskies, a trishaw or rickshaw, or a tuk-tuk — pretty much guarantees you’ll have a blast.
ALEXANDER SPATARI/GETTY IMAGES
Try not planning anything for an entire day of vacation
This one’s for all you over-planners who pack too much into every day of your trip. Try this experiment: Make no plans, no reservations and no bookings for an entire day of your vacation, and see where you end up. Follow your whims, the wind or a local’s advice, and fight the urge to rush through. Instead, take things slow and savor the little surprises that will inevitably come.
Download Duolingo and learn the language of your next destination
You’ll be amazed at the reception you get from locals when you can greet them in their language, and maybe even speak a few words and phrases. Duolingo offers virtually every language and even dialect imaginable, and the app is effective at reminding you and motivating you to keep your streak going. So, there are no excuses. Make your daily practice part of a morning or evening ritual, and you’ll probably get even more excited about your upcoming trip in the process.
Let your travel partner order for you at restaurants on your next trip
Take a leap of faith — with your meals. On your next trip, give the reins to your travel partner and let them make your meal selections (and, of course, you make theirs). Giving up the power might lead your taste buds on a journey they never would have had. It’s a fun way to get to know someone better while also making meals more exciting. And give yourself a big pat on the back if, in the process, you use a Resy statement credit from one of the American Express credit cards that offer it.
Related: The 10 best restaurants to use your new Amex Platinum Resy credit
Seek out an immersive opportunity to support a locally owned business
Wherever you go next, try being extra conscious about who owns the businesses you’re patronizing or booking with. This helps ensure your travel dollars are benefiting the true locals as much as possible. If your hotel isn’t partnering with local small businesses on excursions, consider going off-property to experience something that genuinely exposes you to the place’s culture and community. Visiting national parks works, too.
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