New Year's Travel Goals

Be intentional about your travel this year! Stretch yourself by going new places and trying new things that you've put off or assumed you couldn't do. Get out there and explore!

This is the year to get your travel goals in order and start making things happen.

We know that travel does more than just fill a photo album—it energizes us, offers fresh perspectives, and provides that much needed reset for the soul. In 2026 you will stop putting off travel and make it a priority!

At least, this is our hope for all of you.

We just wanted to spend a little time at the beginning of this new year talking about some travel goals we have, and some strategies for you to get the most out of your travel this year. It was so important we even did a BONUS episode of our podcast where we talk through our travel goals, and surprisingly, we are still learning from each other.

Years ago, when I was steeped in corporate America and working too hard for a system that didn't deserve that level of dedication (long hours, no vacations and physical symptoms that reflected that) I decided I needed to take at least 4 vacations. At first it was quick weekend trips, nothing elaborate, but I was building in a rhythm that I wanted to work toward. It served me well and I grew that goal in subsequent years to longer, more involved trips and was eventually able to start and get less fearful of overseas travel. 

It's really important to be intentional and think about the places you'd like to go, the things you'd like to do and see, and the people you'd like to involve. While I don't have the year fully mapped out, I've started conversations with several friends and been invited to a few adventures, including (another) cruise, and a trip to the Holland, Michigan Tulip fields. I'm working things out on the calendar and with the budget to see what makes sense for 2026.

Here are some tips for travel planning for the year:

• Make the Wishlist - List the places you want to go, both near and far. (Tip: 2026 is a "Solar Maximum" year—perfect for seeing the Northern Lights!)

• Decide Your Frequency - How often will you get away? Is it one big trip or four small ones?

• Choose Your Tribe - Who do you want to spend more time with? Reach out and see if they have the interest, availability and budget to join you.

• Automate Your Savings - Set up a "Travel Fund" with an automatic transfer. This can be for a specific trip or a "just because" fund for future spontaneity.

• Multiply the Joy - Start a joint savings goal with a friend. Saved money grows, but shared travel savings multiply the excitement!

• Build Your Goals Board - Whether it's a physical journal or a digital Pinterest board, start collecting the restaurants, landmarks, and hidden gems you want to visit.

A wish is only a wish until you write it down. When you write it down it grows legs and starts moving in the direction you set it. Make your wishes a goal. Put some teeth behind it. Make it happen. Get out there and explore!

So true, Joy. Here are a few trips I'm thinking about for this year's travel:

• A girl's Christmas trip

• A road trip to NJ to visit a friend

• Road trips to GA to see my son play college ball

• Take a Southern Living Trip Itinerary and execute it to the tee

• A trip with friends to MO (crossing off another of the 50 states)What about you? What is the one place that has been sitting on your "someday" list for too long? Let's make 2026 the year "someday" becomes a date on the calendar.

Stop waiting. Start wandering!