travel and goal

• Weird But True
• Sex & Relationships
• Viral Trends
• Human Interest
• Fashion & Beauty
• Food & Drink

trending now in Lifestyle

Woman considers divorce after learning her husband won office bet...

Kilonova space explosion could end life on Earth for 1,000 years

You can tell if a woman is millennial or Gen Z — just by...

Passenger's backpack catches fire as plane takes off from JFK...

Are you eating enough of this healthy diet staple? It comes in a...

Sardine-can seating on planes will soon be the norm — according...

Dear Abby: My wife wants to cheat on me so she's asking for an...

My bridesmaid named her baby after me — and never asked...

7 tips for falling asleep on long-haul flights.

Thanks for contacting us. We've received your submission.

For anyone who has taken a long flight — say, six hours or longer — the goal is usually to sleep for at least part of the stretch, especially if it’s an overnight flight. 

But  falling asleep on a plane is not always easy , whether it’s a long flight or considerably shorter.

Fox News Digital spoke to sleep experts to ferret out their tricks and strategies about how to get some decent shut-eye on flights — so that you pass the time  and  arrive at your destination as refreshed as possible.

While sleep during travel can be challenging as the conditions and environment are very different than at home, take these thoughtful tips to heart. 

1. Pick a seat that’s conducive to rest  

Although the aisle seat gives you more freedom to stretch your legs and get up without a fuss, choosing a window seat in coach with a seat back that reclines and is far from the lavatory and galley is a better choice.

That’s according to Whitney Roban, Ph.D., a New York-based clinical psychologist, sleep expert, and founder of Solve Our Sleep.

Or, splurge for business class, if you can, for an all-around better sleep experience, she suggested.

2. Wear the right clothes for travel

“Before you board, wash your face and change into loose-fitting clothing with comfortable socks,” suggested Roban — almost as if you’re getting ready for bed. 

It’s also a good idea to pack some extra layers in case the temperature on the plane changes. 

3. Try to recreate other sleep strategies that work for you

“To help make your travel experience as smooth as possible, try to keep as much of your home sleep habits as you can,” said Peter Polos, M.D., Ph.D., a sleep medicine specialist and sleep expert for Sleep Number. He’s also an associate professor of sleep medicine at Hackensack JFK University Medical Center in New Jersey.

“These [habits] include limiting cell phone or computer use within an hour of going to sleep,” Polos said.

4. Avoid certain foods and drinks

It’s best to avoid fatty foods and alcohol before or while on a long-haul flight.

Said Polos, “There are some general recommendations with respect to food and sleep, whether or not one is traveling. We recommend that foods high in fat, spice, or acid content (such as tomatoes and some fruits) be avoided at or near bedtime.”

He added, “There are many reasons for this, but one of the main ones is that fatty foods can put you at more risk for acid reflux, fluctuations in breathing patterns, delayed absorption, and abdominal discomfort.”

Polos said as well, “Of course, caffeine should be avoided due to its stimulatory effect; however, caffeine can also be associated with dehydration. [And] alcohol is always contraindicated at bedtime.”

He shared more insight on that point: “Alcohol might help you fall asleep, but it can have a negative impact on your sleep cycle and cause you to wake up more and contribute to dehydration,” he continued. “It really should be avoided during travel.” 

He also noted that stimulants like caffeine and alcohol can work in conjunction with the dry airplane cabin, resulting in significant dehydration. “This, too, can disrupt sleep.” 

Although it’s reasonable to travel with snacks, Dr. Polos suggested selecting healthy, filling meals or snacks.

5. Bring your own travel sleep accessories

Airplanes aren’t always the most comfortable when you’re sitting upright, so Dr. Polos said it can become even more uncomfortable when you’re sitting in the same position for an extended period of time. 

“I recommend bringing a pillow from home, like an adjustable pillow that can support your head and neck, a smaller travel pillow that is easy to pack, or even a sleep mask, which can help to block light,” he said.

He also suggested listening to music or bringing some reading material. 

“These may help reinforce [the] drive to sleep,” he suggested. 

In addition, try to keep air vents open to make the air around you as cool as possible, said Polos.

6. Be careful about taking sedatives

Although you may be tempted to take something to induce sleep, it may not be the best idea. That’s according to Henry Ting, M.D., Delta’s chief health officer, based in Atlanta, Georgia.

“Be careful of taking any sedatives,” Dr. Ting said.

“While taking sedative medication may be tempting, especially on a long-haul international flight, these medications affect neurotransmitters and can actually cause you to be more stimulated than relaxed,” he said. 

“Instead of sedatives,” he said, “opt for a good neck pillow and comfy clothes.”

7. Don’t get too stressed about falling asleep  or not

It’s best not to stress if you can’t fall into a deep sleep on board the flight, Roban advised.

“Trying to force sleep will only make it more difficult to sleep,” she said.

“Make your goal to be comfortable and relaxed, without any stress,” she added. 

“If you can succeed in staying relaxed in mind and body, sleep will come.”

Share this article:

Advertisement

• How it works
• Become a Host
• Download the app

Top Destinations

• United States
• United Kingdom

What type of experience are you looking for?

• Non-Profit School
• Permaculture project
• Eco Village
• Holistic Center
• Guest House
• How Worldpackers works

Learn from the most experienced travelers of the community

Traveling with worldpackers, planning and budgeting for travel, make a living while traveling as a lifestyle, travel with worldpackers.

• Using Worldpackers
• Work exchange
• Social impact
• Plan your trip
• Women traveling
• Budget travel
• Solo travel
• Language learning
• Travel tips
• Get inspired
• Digital nomads
• Travel jobs
• Personal development
• Responsible travel
• Connect with nature

Top destinations

• South America
• Central America
• North America
• More destinations
• WP Life WP Life
• Exclusive discounts Discounts

Travel goals: inspiring ideas and how to achieve them

Understand the power of setting travel goals, get inspired with bucket list ideas and learn the steps you need to take to achieve your goals and have amazing experiences.

Worldpackers Worldpackers

Jul 31, 2023

Setting travel goals is a powerful way to transform your wanderlust into tangible experiences. By creating a list of desired destinations and activities, you can turn your travel dreams into reality . In this blog post, we will delve into the benefits of setting such goals and how they can help shape unforgettable journeys.

We will provide inspiration for crafting your own unique travel goals list , featuring must-see destinations and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Additionally, we'll share valuable tips on how to set achievable targets.

Finally, discover how Worldpackers can serve as an essential resource in achieving your long-term objectives by connecting you with incredible opportunities across the globe with free accommodation.  Whether it's scuba diving in exotic locations or experiencing once-in-a-lifetime cultural celebrations, this platform makes travel easier than ever before.

The power of setting travel goals

Traveling is amazing, but setting specific goals can make your trips even more meaningful. Envisioning your ideal getaways and activities can lead you on a voyage of self-exploration, growth, and remarkable experiences.

Setting travel goals not only adds purpose to your adventures but also gives you direction in planning your trips. It's easy to get overwhelmed by all the amazing places out there waiting to be explored.  Having clear objectives helps narrow down the options while keeping you motivated throughout the entire process.

Create your travel bucket list

To get started on setting your travel goals, begin by creating a bucket list filled with experiences that excite and inspire you . This could include anything from visiting all seven continents to attending the world's most renowned festivals.

Remember that there's no one definitive answer; this is about building up a journey that truly reflects your identity. Your bucket list should be connected to your personal interests and passions.

Inspiring travel goals to pursue

For unforgettable experiences, choose travel goals that resonate with your passions and aspirations. Here are some inspiring travel goals to consider:

• Learn another language: Immerse yourself in a foreign culture by learning its language - it's one of the best ways to truly connect with locals and gain deeper insights into their way of life.
• Go on an epic road trip: Hit the open road and discover hidden gems along scenic routes like these iconic drives around the world.

• Travel in a motorhome or campervan: Explore remote destinations at your own pace with flexibility and freedom.
• Volunteer abroad: Make a positive impact by volunteering in your own country or overseas through organizations like Worldpackers , a platform connecting travelers with unique work exchange opportunities.
• Learn to surf : Catch some waves and learn a new skill in destinations like Australia, Hawaii, or Costa Rica.
• Walk the Camino de Santiago: Experience a unique blend of history, culture, and spirituality on the ancient pilgrimage route across Spain and some neighboring countries.

• See Antarctica: Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure on an Antarctic expedition cruise to witness breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife.
• Visit all the UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Travel to iconic landmarks such as Machu Picchu, Angkor Wat, or Petra.
• Experience an epic train journey: Embark on unforgettable rail adventures like the Trans-Siberian Railway.
• See wildlife in their natural habitat: Experience awe-inspiring encounters with animals such as gorillas in Uganda or whales off Iceland's coast - witnessing these majestic creatures up close will leave lasting impressions.

• Learn to cook other country's cuisine: Expand your culinary skills and taste authentic local dishes by taking cooking classes while traveling.
• Eat at a Michelin-starred restaurant: Savor world-class dining experiences at renowned establishments around the globe. 
• Climb a famous mountain: Tackle challenging peaks like Kilimanjaro or trek to Everest Base Camp for unparalleled views and personal achievement.

• Learn to scuba dive: Exploring the breathtaking underwater world, scuba diving offers a thrilling adventure filled with vibrant marine life and stunning coral reefs.
• See the World Cup: Immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere of the world's most celebrated sporting event.
• See the Northern Lights: Embark on a mesmerizing journey to witness nature's most awe-inspiring light show.
• Backpacking around Latin America, Asia, Europe, Oceania or Africa: embarking on a backpacking journey through these diverse continents offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in a tapestry of cultures, languages, and landscapes.

Tips for achieving your travel goals

Setting travel goals is essential to make your dreams a reality. However, achieving them requires dedication, planning, and perseverance . Here are some tips to help you accomplish your travel aspirations:

Research and plan

The first step in achieving any goal is thorough research and planning. Gather information about the destinations you want to visit , understand local customs and culture, identify must-see attractions or experiences, and figure out logistics like transportation options and visa requirements.

The internet offers a wealth of resources for travelers. Blogs from fellow travelers can provide valuable insights. You can also browse the articles published on the Worldpackers blog, written by many of our members from around the world.

Budget accordingly

Achieving your travel goals often comes with financial considerations. Start by creating a realistic budget that includes all expected expenses such as accommodation costs, food expenditures and transportation fees.

Additionally, consider ways to save money while traveling - this could involve staying at hostels instead of hotels or using public transport rather than taxis when possible.

If you want to save a lot of money and live transformative experiences, consider doing a work exchange with  Worldpackers , a platform connecting travelers with unique volunteer opportunities in exchange for free accommodation around the world.

Moreover, look for opportunities to earn extra income  before embarking on your trip; freelancing gigs or part-time jobs can help supplement savings dedicated specifically for travels.

Ignore nay-sayers

In pursuit of our dreams, we often encounter people who doubt our abilities or question the feasibility of our goals. It's essential to stay focused on your objectives and not let negative opinions deter you from pursuing your passions.

Surround yourself with supportive individuals, join online travel communities, or connect with like-minded travelers on social media for encouragement and inspiration.

Stay flexible and open-minded

Achieving travel goals requires adaptability and an open mind. Be prepared for unexpected changes in plans , whether it's a sudden change in weather conditions or a last-minute opportunity to explore a new destination. Embrace these experiences as part of the adventure; they can lead to some of the most memorable moments during your travels.

Maintaining flexibility also means being willing to adjust your itinerary based on local recommendations - locals are often more knowledgeable about hidden gems than any guidebook could ever be.

Keep an open mind when trying new foods, participating in cultural activities, or engaging with people from different backgrounds; this will enrich your overall experience while traveling.

Track your progress

To keep yourself motivated towards achieving your travel goals, it's good to track progress along the way. Documenting milestones through journal entries , photographs, dedicated apps or social media updates can help remind you how far you've come since setting out on this journey.

In addition, celebrating small victories like mastering basic phrases in another language or successfully navigating public transportation systems abroad helps build confidence and momentum towards accomplishing bigger objectives down the line.

Achieving travel goals with Worldpackers

Ready to embark on an adventure of global exploration, gain new experiences, and make a meaningful contribution to the world? Volunteering with  Worldpackers can both be a travel goal on itself and help you reach your other objectives while saving a lot of money. Take a look at some of its benefits:

• Free accommodation all around the world

Accommodation costs can be a hurdle for many travelers. Worldpackers offers an affordable solution by connecting you with hosts who provide free accommodation in exchange for your skills and time.

• Diverse range of experiences available

Worldpackers has something for everyone. From volunteering at wildlife sanctuaries and teaching English abroad to participating in permaculture projects and immersing yourself in local cultures through homestays - browse thousands of work exchange experiences available across more than 170 countries worldwide.

For example, you can  help on a vineyard in Wildwood (USA), do some painting and decorating in sunny Puerto Vallarta (Mexico), learn about Swiss lifestyle near a beautiful lake , learn all about agroecology in Bahia (Brazil) ,  cook traditional Moroccan food and experience the Sahara desert , teach English in Vietnam and much more.

• Connection with local communities

Traveling is all about making links with individuals from diverse societies and customs. Worldpackers facilitates these connections by providing a platform for travelers to engage directly with local communities through work exchange experiences. Live and work alongside your hosts to gain valuable insights into their daily lives while helping them out.

Tips for making the most out of your Worldpackers experience

• Create a compelling profile: Showcase your skills, interests, and previous travel and professional experiences on your profile.
• Research opportunities thoroughly: Read the description for each volunteer position and the reviews from other travelers who have participated in that same work exchange to understand if that opportunity matches your travel goals.
• Maintain open communication: Communicate openly with your host regarding any questions or concerns during the application process or throughout your stay.

Worldpackers offers an alternative approach to travel - one focused on personal growth, cultural exchange, and making lasting memories while giving back along the way.

FAQs in relation to travel goals

What are some examples of travel goals.

Travel goals can include visiting a set number of countries, immersing oneself in diverse cultures, learning new languages, volunteering abroad, or seeing wild animals in their natural habitats. Goals can also involve exploring natural wonders like mountains and beaches or attending popular festivals and events.

What are the benefits of traveling?

Traveling provides opportunities for personal growth, cultural immersion, adventure-seeking, relaxation, and escaping daily routines. It allows individuals to learn about different lifestyles and traditions, create unforgettable memories, and foster global connections.

How can you write effective travel goals?

Be specific about desired experiences, make them measurable by setting timeframes or milestones, ensure they're achievable within budget and schedule constraints, prioritize relevance to interests, and time-bound them with deadlines for completion.

What are some examples of SMART travel goals?

A SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant & Time-bound) goal example could be: "Visit five European countries within three months while staying on a $50 per day budget."

This goal is clear in its purpose (visiting Europe), quantifiable (five countries), realistic (budget constraint), relevant to one's interest in Europe exploration, and time-sensitive (three-month deadline).

Let's go after those goals!

Wanderlust can be a powerful force that drives you to explore the world and step out of your comfort zone , so why not set some travel goals to make those dreams a reality? From backpacking through Europe to learning a new language in South America, the possibilities are endless. But don't forget: the journey towards achieving travel goals is just as important as the destination itself.

And if you still need some extra motivation, check out these bucket list travel destinations that will inspire you to pack your bags and hit the road:

• Top 10 bucket list destinations
• 13 Bucket list adventure ideas around the world
• Cool places to travel: 12 best destinations for your bucket list

Ready to get on the road? Embrace the transformative power of purposeful travel experiences and create your Worldpackers profile now!

Join the community!

Create a free Worldpackers account to discover volunteer experiences perfect for you and get access to exclusive travel discounts!

Worldpackers Editorial

Worldpackers

The safest community to travel, volunteer and make a positive impact in +140 countries.

Be part of the Worldpackers Community

Already have an account, are you a host, leave your comment here.

Write here your questions and greetings to the author

Jul 03, 2023

Jul 06, 2023

M momm Icy i byr rreef iri. Or re rrrrrn Bt e

Jul 08, 2023

UGANDA CAR RENTAL SERVICES. https://www.fkcarrentaluganda.com/car-news-tips/uganda-car-rental-services.html

Jul 26, 2023

More about this topic

How to get into mountaineering in 7 steps: the complete guide

Living on a boat: is this life for you?

Post-vacation depression: what is it and how to deal with it.

How do Worldpackers trips work?

As a member, you can contact as many hosts and travel safely as many times as you want.

Choose your plan to travel with Worldpackers as many times as you like.

Complete your profile, watch the video lessons in the Academy, and earn certificates to stand out to hosts.

Apply to as many positions as you like, and get in contact with hosts.

If a host thinks you’re a good fit for their position, they’ll pre-approve you.

Get your documents and tickets ready for your volunteer trip.

Confirm your trip to enjoy all of the safety of Worldpackers.

Have a transformative experience and make a positive impact on the world.

If anything doesn’t go as planned with a host, count on WP Insurance and our support team!

After volunteering, you and your host exchange reviews.

With positive reviews, you’ll stand out to hosts and get even more benefits.

FC Bayern München  

FC Bayern TV

Overview Icon Overview

FC Bayern TV PLUS

Livestreams

Guiding Principles

Red&Gold Football

Autographed Cards

Hospitality

• Allianz Arena

The first sign of trouble on our family trip to Italy was at a drawbridge in Delaware.

My brother and his girlfriend were aboard an Amtrak train from D.C. to Newark to meet my parents for a flight when they hit an hours-long delay: A yacht club had requested the bridge be held open for an event. They missed their flight, forcing my parents to travel alone on their first trip to Europe — something we had planned meticulously to avoid.

Meanwhile, in Italy, my boyfriend and I were driving a rental car to the Rome airport on an almost flat tire. White-knuckled and holding my breath, I began to question everything about the trip. Had we taken on way too many logistics? Would my family of six still love one another at the end? It was far from the idyllic start I had envisioned: easy flights, refreshed travelers embracing one another at the airport, carbonara for lunch together on a piazza in Rome.

A local's guide to Rome

Multigenerational family trips can bring some of life’s most cherished moments — but also some of its most stressful. You’re wrangling various levels of stamina, budgets, interests and eating preferences, not to mention trying to get everyone to one place.

“At the end of the day, it’s not your personal trip,” said Lauren Doyle, president of the Raleigh, N.C.-based agency the Travel Mechanic .

My family has taken dozens of trips together, but this was by far our most logistically challenging. We came away with many lessons, including how much we actually enjoy traveling together.

Set realistic expectations

Doyle says the first thing she does when planning a trip for a group is to get someone representing every age group to identify their goal for the trip. There are often multiple group chats or email threads happening at once, she said, so getting everyone on the same page is key.

“What do you want to accomplish? And then work backward from there. Is it a villa experience? Is it about researching family history?” Doyle said.

Sandra Weinacht, who co-owns the tour company Inside Europe Travel Experiences , said her first rule is to be brutally honest about your group. Your family members aren’t suddenly going to be new people on vacation.

“If you know your sister doesn’t get out of bed before 11 a.m., don’t think she’s going to get out of bed earlier on that trip,” Weinacht said.

My very wise younger brother said to me in the weeks before, “I’m prioritizing relationships on this trip,” and it really stuck with me. We’d probably never be back in this place as a family again, and making the most of it for our parents was our joint goal. Did I need to see the Colosseum again? No, but seeing it as a family was important.

Want to escape your family holiday? Plan a trip with this quiz.

Figure out a budget and who’s paying

Just because your mom and dad are on the trip doesn’t mean you’ve suddenly become a child again. Set clear expectations on what you’re willing to spend and who’s paying for what.

“Planning ahead and really thinking about how much money we have saved and who is paying is an important piece of planning,” Doyle said.

In addition to booking most of our accommodations and tours, I suggested we designate my credit card for expenses. (Selfishly, I wanted the points.) My goal was to eliminate the dance at the end of every meal about who was paying; plus, check-splitting is not a thing in the majority of Europe. I kept track of expenses and told everyone what they owed when we got back home. We were actually surprised at how little we spent.

How to budget for your dream trip this year

Doyle also suggests budgeting for travel insurance . “Because there are so many people [on your trip] and it can be so expensive, travel insurance is important, especially when you have kids or elders who might get sick.”

Depending on the size of your group, both Doyle and Weinacht suggested private experiences, such as hiring a driver or a guide who can coordinate your plans. The price could range from about $200 to $500 a day, but, split among 10 people, it’s a minimal cost for the benefits.

“It’s a nanny for the grandparents or aunt. After running around all day, they’re just done,” Weinacht said.

Find accommodations that suit everyone

If people aren’t sleeping well, it’s sure to creep into other aspects of the trip, Doyle said. So make sure you find a rental with enough beds (no one wants the couch) or a hotel with enough rooms if you know sleeping under one roof will cause conflict.

“Making sure you find accommodations that fit everyone’s needs is really important, especially when you are dealing with babies or people with mobility issues,” Doyle said.

Weinacht suggests finding somewhere to stay close to the center of the action to make things easier for a group. Although staying farther out could save you a few dollars, it may not be worth the hassle or cost if you’ll have to coordinate transportation for everyone. You want your grandma to be able to get a cup of coffee at a next-door cafe or for your sister to put the little ones down for a nap after an activity.

Samantha Brown: The surprising reason you should travel with your kids

Break from the group for meals

Not every meal needs to be eaten together on a family trip. In fact, both Weinacht and Doyle advise against it.

“Food is a huge thing people fight over,” Doyle said. She suggests picking one “dining experience” for your trip, whether that’s a cooking class, a dinner with a view or bringing a private chef to the house. It takes the guesswork out of at least one night and brings people together. Doyle said she always builds breakfast into packages for her clients, because it’s one less thing to think about in the morning.

I learned on our trip that adventurous eating varied on my family’s list of priorities. Some occasionally wanted the comforts of home; others wanted to try a restaurant they’d been seeing on a list. And all of those things are okay. We made it a priority to come together for dinner each night, which we rotated in picking. Before the trip, I created a guide for each city on Apple Maps , which allowed us to each add restaurants we were interested in and to see what would be near points of interest.

As European cities flood with tourists , the idea of just popping into a popular restaurant and getting a table is a fairy tale. And with a big group, forget it.

Weinacht suggests making several reservations per night and mixing it up between casual and fine dining — with one caveat.

“If it’s 4 p.m. and you know you are going to be too tired to make it, cancel,” Weinacht said, noting that not canceling has become a bad habit of tourists during the “revenge travel” era.

The case for a solo day on your next group trip

Build in alone time

We set aside “alone” time on our trip in big and small ways. First, we knew everyone had different bucket-list stops. I wanted to go to Sicily ; my brother wanted to see the Amalfi Coast . Plus, there was no way we could tackle all our goals on our PTO and financial budgets.

So we bookended our trip with our own agendas: My boyfriend and I toured Sicily while my family would arrive a week later to do Rome, Tuscany and Florence together. We then escorted my parents back home while my brother and his girlfriend headed south. Everyone accomplished what they wanted.

We also planned a few hours of alone time for everyone each day. As Weinacht noted: “Having that time apart brings you closer, because you come back together and share those moments with each other.”

Doyle said building in time for everyone to acclimate or decompress, especially on a trip abroad, is essential. She suggests having a “down day” to make sure everyone gets on the time zone or relaxes before a long travel day home.

Travel can be exhausting. Family can be exhausting. So don’t forget to build in buffer time at home, too.

“When you get back from one of these multigenerational trips, you may be tired from all the people. … Easing into a trip or out is important and should not be underestimated,” Doyle said.

10 games to pack for getting competitive on your next group trip

Don’t overplan

When you have so little time in a place, your knee-jerk reaction is to jam in as much as you can. Who knows whether you’ll ever be back? As someone who loves a plan, I had to resist this urge.

“I always tell clients, ‘Yes, you can be a Type A planner, but you do not want to overplan on a multigenerational trip,’” Doyle said.

That’s because these types of trips tend to be slower-paced, she said. You may be traveling with elderly family members or kids, and their needs are different.

We built our itineraries around one big activity for the day and left the rest open for dining and wandering. In these moments, I found a discount luxury store where I bought a sweater in Siena, and my brother found a great view of Florence from a public library.

“You need time for those serendipitous moments,” Weinacht said. “Leaving more time for yourself doesn’t mean you are going to do less.”

More travel tips

Trends: Japan | Cool all-inclusives | Let ChatGPT plan your day | Is it safe to go to Mexico? | How to be a good weed tourist

The basics: Better travel 101 | Cash-free tipping | Should you always book direct? | Traveling with kids | Decide where to stay | A pre-trip checklist of house chores | How to get your passport | Avoid getting sick | Budget for your trip | Do you have the right travel insurance? | How to travel with pets

Flying: Fly like a decent human being | Gear to pack | How to set airfare price alerts | PreCheck vs. Global Entry vs. CLEAR | Can I fly with weed? | AirTag your luggage | Airport parking 101 | Deal with airport crowds | Why you should stalk airfare after booking | Pet flying 101

Driving: 9 tips for road tripping with a baby | Try the Airbnb of rental cars | Rent an EV | Do I need an international license to drive abroad? | Avoid big rental car fees | Alternatives to flying with your pet

National Parks: A comprehensive guide | Where you need reservations | Lesser known parks | Parks etiquette

Greener travel: New rules of responsible travel | Bike to the airport | How environmentalists travel | How to find ‘greener’ flights | Make your travel better for the planet

Go by train: Overnight Amtraks | Grand Canyon | Vietnam | Harper’s Ferry

In case of emergency: | Make a backup plan | Manage airport disasters | Your flight is canceled | How to get a human on the phone | What to do if your car gets stuck | Find your lost luggage | How to get a refund for a canceled flight | Deal with a bad hotel room | When you’re bumped off your flight | If you get rebooked without your family | What are my rebooking rights? | Recover a lost item at TSA, the airport or your flight

• 18 courses, no murder: A floating restaurant right out of ‘The Menu’ September 30, 2023 18 courses, no murder: A floating restaurant right out of ‘The Menu’ September 30, 2023
• Hiking France’s brewery coast September 23, 2023 Hiking France’s brewery coast September 23, 2023
• Visiting the birthplace of the teddy bear August 18, 2023 Visiting the birthplace of the teddy bear August 18, 2023

Top 30 travel destinations worldwide for 2024 revealed by National Geographic

From “wildlife havens and urban escapes to off-grid locales and cultural gems,” National Geographic Traveller’s Cool List 2023 reveals destinations that are “set to make the news” next year, a company press release said.

National Geographic Traveller (UK) announced a list of thirty locations which span five continents that were chosen by editors as the “top places and spaces around the world where tourism benefits communities and the environment as much as the visitors and locals themselves.”

“The 30 entries reflect an incredible range, featuring everything from exciting immersive journeys to inspirational visits that could take just a few hours,” the statement says. 

“Whether it’s culinary excellence, solar eclipses, night trains, new national parks, rewilding initiatives, ancient wonders revisited or cultural landmarks, we’ve curated some of the best travel destinations for the next 12 months,” Pat Riddell, editor of National Geographic Traveller (UK), was quoted as saying in the statement. “From Canada, the US and Argentina to Sierra Leone, Sikkim, Australia and beyond, the world is represented in all its full glory.”

National Geographic's top 30 travel destinations for 2024 

• Albanian Alps, Albania
• Belfast, Northern Ireland
• Emilia-Romagna, Italy
• Europe by train
• Galloway & Southern Ayrshire, Scotland
• Nordland, Norway
• North Yorkshire, England
• Pompeii, Italy

Learn more: Best travel insurance

More: Amtrak unveils new fleet of Airo trains and the 14 routes they will serve

• Saimaa, Finland
• Tartu, Estonia
• The Euros, Germany
• Valletta, Malta
• Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

North America

• Dominican Republic
• Nova Scotia, Canada
• Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico

South America

• Atacama Desert, Chile
• Iberá Wetlands, Argentina
• Akagera, Rwanda
• Andrefana Dry Forests, Madagascar
• Sierra Leone

More: UNESCO adds 42 treasures to World Heritage List, including another in a Midwest state

• Sikkim, India
• Tainan, Taiwan
• Xi’an, China

Australasia

• Victoria, Australia

To see the full list online, visit: nationalgeographic.com.

New Year's Resolutions: 10 Travel Goals & Intentions To Set For 2024

The New Year is approaching, and it's time to set some mindful goals for travel in the coming months. Here are some bold ideas to consider!

• Travel more in 2024 by exploring local destinations. Take advantage of free time and discover the beauty in your own backyard.
• Prioritize sustainability when planning your trips. Choose destinations that prioritize sustainable tourism and support eco-friendly tour operators.
• Embrace slow travel and spend more time in one area. Choose expansive destinations that offer lots to see over a longer period, reducing your carbon footprint.

As 2023 comes to a close, it’s time for people to reflect on their year in travel and start setting goals and intentions for the year ahead. 2024 is set to be a big year for international travel and tourism as the industry continues to rebound post-pandemic . For every avid globetrotter trying to nail down their travel plans for 2024, here are some goals and intentions to consider during the planning process.

10 Travel More (By Exploring Local Destinations)

Traveling doesn’t have to be reserved for the wealthy or people with tons of paid time off to take advantage of. A great way to travel more in 2024 is to maximize the free time available, whether evenings or weekends and use it to explore areas close to home. Remember, one person’s hometown is another person’s dream destination! It’s always a good time to explore your own backyard.

• Destinations To Consider: Your nearest major city, local cottage country, or attending a festival in your area

9 Prioritize Sustainability

The tourism industry has made a noticeable shift towards sustainability worldwide in recent years, and the trend will continue. For many travelers, making eco-friendly travel decisions will be a good goal to set for the year ahead. This can mean traveling to countries that prioritize sustainable tourism , booking with eco-friendly tour operators, or taking trips that center around ecotourism .

• Destinations To Consider: Iceland, Sweden, Costa Rica, Norway, New Zealand, Bhutan, or Rwanda

8 Check Something Off Your Bucket List

When making travel plans for 2024, be sure to keep the bucket list at the forefront. Life is short, and knowing what items are most important is a good way to decide where it’s worthwhile to take time and money to see. Even if taking a major trip abroad isn’t in the budget for the year, see if there’s something on the bucket list to check off near home, like hiking a 14er in Colorado or skydiving!

• Activities To Consider: Visiting a wonder of the world, exploring a capital city abroad, or a thrilling adventure (like bungee jumping in New Zealand)

7 Embrace Slow Travel

Slow travel isn’t just a trend; it’s here to stay. In 2024, travelers can make it a goal to embrace slow travel by choosing destinations that are expansive and offer lots to see over a longer period. This means traveling overland (by bus, car, or train) and spending more time in one area rather than hopping on many flights and leaving a massive carbon footprint.

• Destinations To Consider: Argentina, Japan, USA, or Australia

6 Be Spontaneous

It’s always a good idea to set the intention to leave room for spontaneity in the New Year, especially where travel is concerned. Consider whether there are opportunities to take a last-minute trip using a cheap flight or driving to a national park out of state for a weekend getaway.

• Destinations To Consider: Thailand, Vietnam, Peru, or Colombia

5 Visit A Place You Never Thought You’d Go

Stepping outside the comfort zone is a great way to evolve as a person, so travelers might want to consider taking a trip to somewhere they never thought they would go in 2024. This could be somewhere they only recently heard of or a place that only just became more accessible to tourists.

• Destinations To Consider: Namibia, Colombia, Guatemala, Albania, or Malaysia

4 Learn To Travel Hack

Travel hacking is a good way to travel more while spending less . Often, finances are the biggest barrier to travel, so using miles and points to get flights and hotel stays for free makes it possible to see more of the world sooner! Many airlines have points programs and are part of alliances with other airlines where the points are transferable. Travelers can also look into whether their credit card rewards points allow them to book travel for free.

• Travel Hacking Programs To Consider: Aeroplan, Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan, United MileagePlus, American Airlines AAdvantage, or World of Hyatt

3 Say “Yes” More Often

Saying yes to invitations to travel can be difficult, especially when life gets busy. But globetrotters can set the intention to say “yes” more frequently in 2024, putting plans with others at the forefront. Saying yes to an invitation to travel can often lead to life’s richest experiences.

• Destinations To Consider: Weekend in Napa Valley, last minute cheap flight to Western Europe, or joining a friends' camping trip

2 Take A Weekend Getaway

A simple weekend getaway can be rewarding and refreshing, yet it is difficult to plan and prioritize it. Make it a to-do for 2024 to plan and take at least one-weekend getaway, whether it’s out of state, an international trip, or a weekend camping adventure.

• Destinations To Consider: Upstate New York, Knoxville (Tennessee), San Francisco (California), hiking trip in Yosemite National Park (California), Dallas to Waco (Texas), or Banff National Park (Alberta, Canada)

1 Take A Trip With A Loved One

Travel is great, but it’s often the people that make the adventure memorable. In 2024, maybe it’s time to finally take that trip with a friend, a parent, or a spouse that has been talked about for years but has never taken shape.

• Destinations To Consider: Girls trip to Mexico , travel with parents to Costa Rica, couples getaway to Lima (Peru), or friends trip to Jackson Hole (Wyoming)

13 SMART Goals Examples for Travel Agents

Traveling is often associated with excitement and adventure, but it can be tons of hard work for travel agents. You must set well-defined goals to succeed in your roles and responsibilities.

The SMART method is a fantastic way to reach ideal results. With this tool, travel agents can take the initiative and make their dreams of success an achievable reality.

In this post, we will provide readers with clear and concise examples of SMART goals that travel agents can easily incorporate into their plans.

Table of Contents

What is a SMART Goal?

The SMART ( Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-based ) system will enable travel agents to establish effective goals for success.

Are you still confused? Let’s dive deeper into each SMART element:

The truth is that the more specific your goals are, the better your chances of achieving them. That is because when you know who you want to reach, you can tailor your marketing efforts accordingly.

For example, if you specialize in luxury travel for couples celebrating their anniversaries or honeymoons, you can create content that speaks directly to this demographic.

You might write blog posts about romantic destinations or share Instagram photos featuring couples enjoying lavish experiences. By doing so, you’ll attract clients who are specifically looking for what you offer.

To succeed in the tourism industry, travel agents must ensure their goals are measurable. This criterion is essential as it helps them track their progress and make necessary adjustments.

For instance, agents may want to “increase bookings by 20% within 6 months.” With such a target, the travel agent can track their performance over time and determine whether they are on course to success.

Instead of focusing solely on lofty aspirations, consider your current resources and limitations. Take a look at your budget, your client base, and your skill set. What can be accomplished within these parameters?

This doesn’t mean settling for mediocrity; it means setting achievable goals that will still push you outside your comfort zone. Doing so will increase motivation and fulfillment as you progress towards challenging and attainable targets.

When your goals align with your values, they become deeply meaningful and motivating. You’re no longer just striving for something unimportant. Rather, you’re working towards goals that resonate with your soul. This sense of purpose will push you on even during times of difficulty.

Creating a robust timeline will help you stay focused on your goals and guarantee that you stick to the plan. After all, the road to success does not happen instantly and requires considerable hard work and perseverance for long-term growth.

Here are 13 examples of SMART goals for travel agents:

1. Increase Sales

“I’ll increase the number of customers who choose to book travel with my agency by 10% within 6 months. I will leverage social media, search engine optimization, and partnerships with other businesses to reach a larger audience.”

Specific: The goal is well-defined, detailing precisely the objective and how it will be reached.

Measurable: By tracking customer bookings, the agency can measure whether or not they have achieved a 10% increase in customers.

Attainable: This goal can be achieved by leveraging different marketing strategies.

Relevant: This is relevant to the travel agency because it will help them grow and reach more customers.

Time-based: You have a 6-month window for goal completion.

2. Improve Customer Satisfaction

“I will increase customer satisfaction ratings by 5% over the four months ahead. To do this, I’ll ensure that customer inquiries are answered promptly and complaints are addressed quickly.”

Specific: The SMART goal includes a target percentage increase in customer satisfaction and the action steps needed to achieve it.

Measurable: You could track customer feedback to measure the satisfaction ratings.

Attainable: This goal is workable if you do your best to answer queries and address complaints.

Relevant: Increasing customer satisfaction ratings is critical to getting more client bookings and referrals.

Time-based: The goal is to be achieved after four months.

3. Launch New Travel Offerings

“By the end of this quarter, we will launch 5 new travel offerings for our customers. We’ll analyze customer feedback and make sure that these offerings are of the highest quality.”

Specific: You have a precise goal—launch 5 new travel offerings.

Measurable: You can track the number of new offerings launched.

Attainable: If you have the necessary resources and time, achieving this goal is feasible.

Relevant: Launching new travel offerings will likely align with your overall business objectives.

Time-based: You should expect success at the end of this quarter.

4. Optimize the Website

“My aim is to make our website more user-friendly and efficient by the end of 6 months. I will work to improve its design, speed, content accuracy, and security to ensure our customers have the best booking experience.”

Specific: This statement is explicit as the travel agent sets out to improve website design, speed, content accuracy, and security.

Measurable: You can measure success by how much improvement has been made to the website.

Attainable: With proper planning and dedication, enhancing the website within 6 months is a realistic goal.

Relevant: Improving user experience on the website is an important goal for any travel agency.

Time-based: Goal attainment is expected by the end of 6 months.

5. Analyze Data

“Within two months, I will analyze customer data to find trends and insights that can be used to create better products . I want to ensure our products are tailored to customer needs and preferences.”

Specific: The aim is to analyze customer data to identify trends and create better products.

Measurable: You should know how much data needs to be analyzed and within what time frame.

Attainable: The goal should be achievable in two months, provided you can access the data and set aside enough time for this task.

Relevant: This is appropriate because it focuses on understanding customers and providing them with the necessary products.

Time-based: The SMART goal should be met in the following two months.

6. Build Professional Network

“I want to build a larger and more diverse professional network within the travel industry by the end of this year. I plan to attend at least one travel industry event every month and actively seek out opportunities to collaborate with other agents.”

Specific: This goal is about expanding a professional network in the travel industry.

Measurable: Attendance at events and collaborations will be used to measure progress.

Attainable: With determined effort, connecting with other agents in the field is possible.

Relevant: Building a professional network in the travel industry is essential for gaining new clients.

Time-based: There is a one-year deadline to achieve the goal.

7. Generate Leads

“To grow our bookings and sales, I will develop and execute a comprehensive lead generation strategy in the next two months. That includes researching new lead sources, creating content to capture leads, and setting up automated systems for follow-up.”

Specific: The plan to grow sales is detailed, including research, content creation, and automated follow-up.

Measurable: You could track how many leads are generated each week.

Attainable: Two months is a reasonable timeline to develop and execute a lead generation strategy.

Relevant: Lead generation is an effective way to increase bookings and sales.

Time-based: You will accomplish this goal after two whole months.

8. Expand Social Presence

“For 7 months, I want to increase my travel agency’s social presence by creating content (such as blogs, videos, and podcasts) to be posted on our social media platforms. This will help us with brand recognition and create a larger online community for potential customers.”

Specific: You want to expand the travel agency’s social presence by creating content.

Measurable: They will count the amount of content they produce and post.

Attainable: This is definitely possible because you have a realistic 7-month timeline.

Relevant: The goal relates to the business because it will boost brand recognition .

Time-based: The statement is time-bound since it has a deadline of 7 months.

9. Create Custom Experiences

“I will create and offer custom experiences for travelers to make their trips unique, memorable, and enjoyable. These packages should be tailored based on stated preferences and interests by the end of 6 months.”

Specific: The goal includes the overall objective , what needs to be done, and a deadline.

Measurable: You could survey customers about the quality of their experiences.

Attainable: Creating custom experiences is feasible, given the resources and time frame.

Relevant: This will help enhance customer satisfaction and increase engagement.

Time-based: The goal has an end date of 6 months for success.

10. Increase Repeat Customers

“I will increase the number of repeat customers by 10% this year. I hope to implement practices that encourage customer loyalty, such as offering discounts and incentives for repeat customers.”

Specific: The goal is easy to understand. You want to boost repeat customers by 10%.

Measurable: The individual can measure their success by percentage increase.

Attainable: It’s possible to meet this goal with the right strategies and tools.

Relevant: Increasing repeat customers is pertinent to the travel agency business.

Time-based: You have until this year to accomplish this particular goal.

11. Target New Markets

“Over the course of 10 months, I will explore two new markets and focus on marketing campaigns to reach potential customers in those areas. We’ll use SEO, email outreach , and attending relevant events to increase our visibility in the area.”

Specific: The goal specifies which markets to target and lists marketing tactics.

Measurable: You can gauge the success of each campaign through website visits, email open rates, and event attendance.

Attainable: This goal is realistic if the person has available resources.

Relevant: Reaching new markets and increasing visibility is directly relevant to the travel agent’s business.

Time-based: Ten whole months are required to reach this statement.

12. Utilize Automation Tools

“I’ll invest in automation tools to reduce manual labor and streamline processes. By the end of 8 months, I want all team members to be able to effectively use these tools for their job functions.”

Specific: The SMART goal is clear and concise, stating the objective and how it will be met.

Measurable: By investing in automation tools, the company can track if team members use the proper tools.

Attainable: This goal statement can be completed by researching and investing in appropriate tools.

Relevant: This is relevant to streamlining processes since automation reduces manual labor.

Time-based: There is an 8-month window for accomplishing the goal.

13. Enhance Brand Reputation

“I will use a variety of marketing channels to build the brand reputation of my travel agency by 10% within a year. I’ll ensure our customers receive quality service to encourage them to recommend us to their peers and family.”

Specific: This specifies the desired outcome (10% increase in brand reputation) and corresponding steps to obtain it (using various marketing channels and ensuring quality service).

Measurable: You can measure the improvement in brand reputation through surveys and customer feedback.

Attainable: It’s possible to accomplish the desired aim with various marketing channels and quality service.

Relevant: Enhancing brand reputation is essential for the growth of a travel agency.

Time-based: The goal is expected to be achieved within one year.

Final Thoughts

Setting SMART goals can be difficult, but with creative planning and determination, travel agents can make it happen. Breaking goals into manageable chunks will keep you focused on the bigger picture.

When done right, these goals can act as a compass, guiding you to success. Don’t let fear of failure stop you from reaching your dreams—aim high, and you’ll never be disappointed. So what are you waiting for?

This post may feature products and services that we think you’ll find useful. Please read our  disclosure  for more information.

National Geographic content straight to your inbox—sign up for our popular newsletters here

• The Big Idea

Why travel should be considered an essential human activity

Travel is not rational, but it’s in our genes. Here’s why you should start planning a trip now.

In 1961, legendary National Geographic photographer Volkmar Wentzel captured two women gazing at the surf off Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia. This and all the other images in this story come from the National Geographic image collection.

I’ve been putting my passport to good use lately. I use it as a coaster and to level wobbly table legs. It makes an excellent cat toy.

Welcome to the pandemic of disappointments. Canceled trips, or ones never planned lest they be canceled. Family reunions, study-abroad years, lazy beach vacations. Poof. Gone. Obliterated by a tiny virus, and the long list of countries where United States passports are not welcome.

Only a third of Americans say they have traveled overnight for leisure since March, and only slightly more, 38 percent, say they are likely to do so by the end of the year, according to one report. Only a quarter of us plan on leaving home for Thanksgiving, typically the busiest travel time. The numbers paint a grim picture of our stilled lives.

It is not natural for us to be this sedentary. Travel is in our genes. For most of the time our species has existed, “we’ve lived as nomadic hunter-gatherers moving about in small bands of 150 or fewer people,” writes Christopher Ryan in Civilized to Death . This nomadic life was no accident. It was useful. “Moving to a neighboring band is always an option to avoid brewing conflict or just for a change in social scenery,” says Ryan. Robert Louis Stevenson put it more succinctly: “The great affair is to move.”

What if we can’t move, though? What if we’re unable to hunt or gather? What’s a traveler to do? There are many ways to answer that question. “Despair,” though, is not one of them.

We are an adaptive species. We can tolerate brief periods of forced sedentariness. A dash of self-delusion helps. We’re not grounded, we tell ourselves. We’re merely between trips, like the unemployed salesman in between opportunities. We pass the days thumbing though old travel journals and Instagram feeds. We gaze at souvenirs. All this helps. For a while.

We put on brave faces. “Staycation Nation,” the cover of the current issue of Canadian Traveller magazine declares cheerfully, as if it were a choice, not a consolation.

Today, the U.S. Travel Association, the industry trade organization, is launching a national recovery campaign called “ Let’s Go There .” Backed by a coalition of businesses related to tourism—hotels, convention and visitor bureaus, airlines—the initiative’s goal is to encourage Americans to turn idle wanderlust into actual itineraries.

The travel industry is hurting. So are travelers. “I dwelled so much on my disappointment that it almost physically hurt,” Paris -based journalist Joelle Diderich told me recently, after canceling five trips last spring.

(Related: How hard has the coronavirus hit the travel industry? These charts tell us.)

My friend James Hopkins is a Buddhist living in Kathmandu . You’d think he’d thrive during the lockdown, a sort-of mandatory meditation retreat. For a while he did.

But during a recent Skype call, James looked haggard and dejected. He was growing restless, he confessed, and longed “for the old 10-countries-a-year schedule.” Nothing seemed to help, he told me. “No matter how many candles I lit, or how much incense I burned, and in spite of living in one of the most sacred places in South Asia, I just couldn’t change my habits.”

When we ended our call, I felt relieved, my grumpiness validated. It’s not me; it’s the pandemic. But I also worried. If a Buddhist in Kathmandu is going nuts, what hope do the rest of us stilled souls have?

I think hope lies in the very nature of travel. Travel entails wishful thinking. It demands a leap of faith, and of imagination, to board a plane for some faraway land, hoping, wishing, for a taste of the ineffable. Travel is one of the few activities we engage in not knowing the outcome and reveling in that uncertainty. Nothing is more forgettable than the trip that goes exactly as planned.

Brownsville, Texas: 1938

Women in period dress greet travelers arriving on a Pan Am flight.

Travel is not a rational activity. It makes no sense to squeeze yourself into an alleged seat only to be hurled at frightening speed to a distant place where you don’t speak the language or know the customs. All at great expense. If we stopped to do the cost-benefit analysis, we’d never go anywhere. Yet we do.

That’s one reason why I’m bullish on travel’s future. In fact, I’d argue travel is an essential industry, an essential activity. It’s not essential the way hospitals and grocery stores are essential. Travel is essential the way books and hugs are essential. Food for the soul. Right now, we’re between courses, savoring where we’ve been, anticipating where we’ll go. Maybe it’s Zanzibar and maybe it’s the campground down the road that you’ve always wanted to visit.

(Related: Going camping this fall? Here’s how to get started.)

James Oglethorpe, a seasoned traveler, is happy to sit still for a while, and gaze at “the slow change of light and clouds on the Blue Ridge Mountains” in Virginia, where he lives. “My mind can take me the rest of the way around this world and beyond it.”

It’s not the place that is special but what we bring to it and, crucially, how we interact with it. Travel is not about the destination, or the journey. It is about stumbling across “a new way of looking at things,” as writer Henry Miller observed. We need not travel far to gain a fresh perspective.

No one knew this better than Henry David Thoreau , who lived nearly all of his too-short life in Concord, Massachusetts. There he observed Walden Pond from every conceivable vantage point: from a hilltop, on its shores, underwater. Sometimes he’d even bend over and peer through his legs, marveling at the inverted world. “From the right point of view, every storm and every drop in it is a rainbow,” he wrote.

Thoreau never tired of gazing at his beloved pond, nor have we outgrown the quiet beauty of our frumpy, analog world. If anything, the pandemic has rekindled our affection for it. We’ve seen what an atomized, digital existence looks like, and we (most of us anyway) don’t care for it. The bleachers at Chicago ’s Wrigley Field; the orchestra section at New York City ’s Lincoln Center; the alleyways of Tokyo . We miss these places. We are creatures of place, and always will be.

After the attacks of September 11, many predicted the end of air travel, or at least a dramatic reduction. Yet the airlines rebounded steadily and by 2017 flew a record four billion passengers. Briefly deprived of the miracle of flight, we appreciated it more and today tolerate the inconvenience of body scans and pat-downs for the privilege of transporting our flesh-and-bone selves to far-flung locations, where we break bread with other incarnate beings.

In our rush to return to the world, we should be mindful of the impact of mass tourism on the planet. Now is the time to embrace the fundamental values of sustainable tourism and let them guide your future journeys. Go off the beaten path. Linger longer in destinations. Travel in the off-season. Connect with communities and spend your money in ways that support locals. Consider purchasing carbon offsets. And remember that the whole point of getting out there is to embrace the differences that make the world so colorful.

“One of the great benefits of travel is meeting new people and coming into contact with different points of view,” says Pauline Frommer, travel expert and radio host.

So go ahead and plan that trip. It’s good for you, scientists say . Plotting a trip is nearly as enjoyable as actually taking one. Merely thinking about a pleasurable experience is itself pleasurable. Anticipation is its own reward.

I’ve witnessed first-hand the frisson of anticipatory travel. My wife, not usually a fan of travel photography, now spends hours on Instagram, gazing longingly at photos of Alpine lodges and Balinese rice fields. “What’s going on?” I asked one day. “They’re just absolutely captivating,” she replied. “They make me remember that there is a big, beautiful world out there.”

Many of us, myself included, have taken travel for granted. We grew lazy and entitled, and that is never good. Tom Swick, a friend and travel writer, tells me he used to view travel as a given. Now, he says, “I look forward to experiencing it as a gift.”

Read This Next

Here’s why you should keep a travel journal, what's new in london's museums ahead of the king's coronation, explore 6 of history’s most infamous scams and hoaxes.

• Photography

An antique process captures coastlines bound by Celtic soul

• Through the Lens
• Domesticated
• Wildlife Watch
• Environment

History & Culture

• History & Culture
• History Magazine
• Mind, Body, Wonder
• Paid Content for Advertiser
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Your US State Privacy Rights
• Children's Online Privacy Policy
• Interest-Based Ads
• About Nielsen Measurement
• Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
• Nat Geo Home
• Attend a Live Event
• Book a Trip
• Inspire Your Kids
• Shop Nat Geo
• Visit the D.C. Museum
• Learn About Our Impact
• Support Our Mission
• Advertise With Us
• Customer Service
• Renew Subscription
• Manage Your Subscription
• Work at Nat Geo
• Sign Up for Our Newsletters
• Contribute to Protect the Planet

Copyright © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society Copyright © 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. All rights reserved

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

A ticket for the Amtrak Hiawatha Service between Milwaukee and Chicago now can cost up to $6 less or up to $6 more each way

Posted: November 1, 2023 | Last updated: November 1, 2023

A ticket for the Amtrak Hiawatha Service — which travels between Milwaukee and Chicago — now can cost up to $6 less or up to $6 more each way, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation announced Wednesday.

The Hiawatha Service has started using a variable ticket pricing system that's "based on demand and advance purchase."

Here's what to know:

Get daily updates on the Packers during the season.

What is the Amtrak Hiawatha Service?

“The Hiawatha Service offers seven round trips weekdays between Milwaukee and Chicago and is one of the most popular passenger train routes in the country,” Craig Thompson, WisDOT secretary, said in a news release.

According to Amtrak's website , the service's southbound stops are:

• Milwaukee Airport Rail Station

Traveling northbound, the stops are in the reverse order.

The full schedule for this service can be found here .

How much were fares each way previously for the Hiawatha Service?

Since 2016, fares had been $25 each way for the Hiawatha Service, the news release said.

How much do tickets cost now each way for the Hiawatha Service?

One-way fares for the Hiawatha Service slide between $19 and $31 "based on demand and advance purchase," the news release said.

What was the goal with implementing this new variable ticket pricing system?

These were the three main goals of implementing this new variable fare system for the Hiawatha Service, according to the news release:

• "Ease crowding by offering lower cost tickets during off-peak times."
• "Raise revenue overall to cover more system costs and service improvements."
• Keep commitment to affordable travel by capping the maximum fare at $31 each way.

Money-saving 10-ride ticket

A 10-ride ticket for the Hiawatha Service now costs $210, per the news release. That makes its fares $21 each way.

Participants in 10-ride tickets must continue to use the  RideReserve system to choose their train​ .

For the Hiawatha Service, 10-ride passes are valid for 10 rides within a 90-day period, according to Amtrak.

Worth noting if you're a transit benefit account holder

One-way and 10-ride tickets are still eligible for pre-tax purchase by transit benefit account holders, the news release noted.

How can I purchase tickets for the Amtrak Hiawatha Service?

According to the news release, tickets can be purchased:

• Online at Amtrak.com .
• Through the Amtrak app available on the App Store and Google Play .
• At a staffed Amtrak ticket window in Milwaukee and Chicago.
• At ticketing kiosks in Chicago and at the Milwaukee Intermodal downtown and Milwaukee Airport stations.
• By calling 800-USA-RAIL.

Where can I find more information?

For more information on the Amtrak Hiawatha Service, visit AmtrakHiawatha.com . For additional info on Amtrak, visit Amtrak.com .

Our subscribers make this reporting possible. Please consider supporting local journalism by subscribing to the Journal Sentinel at jsonline.com/deal .

DOWNLOAD THE APP: Get the latest news, sports and more

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: A ticket for the Amtrak Hiawatha Service between Milwaukee and Chicago now can cost up to $6 less or up to $6 more each way

More for You

Judge, citing Trump's 'repeated public statements,' orders anonymous jury in defamation suit trial

Mike Johnson, House Republicans pass Israel aid bill, setting up clash with Schumer, McConnell and Biden

Yankees Cut Ties With Ex-Red Sox Slugger After Lackluster Stint In New York

Daily horoscope today: November 4, 2023 astrological predictions for your star sign

Mortgage rates are dropping fast after a shock jobs report set off a series of dominoes on Wall Street—The housing market can thank Detroit’s striking auto workers

Can I collect both my dead spouse’s Social Security and my own at the same time? Here are 5 secrets of ‘survivors benefits’ you need to know

Feds fight cameras for Trump’s D.C. criminal trial

What House Speaker Mike Johnson has said about Social Security and Medicare

Reliable veteran declines player option with Red Sox

A boomer who moved from California to Tennessee said the slower pace of life and lower cost of living are big pluses

House approves funding bill slashing EPA budget to 1990 levels, expanding domestic energy production

RFK Jr. comes 'home' to his anti-vaccine group, commits to ‘a break’ for U.S. infectious disease research

Scientists fear rising temperatures may release ancient threat from Siberian permafrost: ‘It could be a danger to us’

CNN Anchor Pulls Receipts to Expose GOP Rep’s Hypocrisy After Israel Bill

Seager Takes Shot At Astros

Israel's bombing of a refugee camp could be a turning point. Even its closest allies are expressing concern.

The United States Quietly Gave Ukraine the Assault Breacher, a Special Vehicle For Breaking Through Russian Defenses

Nuclear Bomb Map Shows Impact of New US Weapon on World's Major Cities

Tesla CEO Elon Musk called company’s new asset a ‘money-printing machine’ — now it’s set to open ahead of schedule

Charles Payne: This is one of the biggest financial rip-offs in US history

• CREATE MY MAP

The 10-Step Guide to Setting & Achieving Your Travel Goals

Do you have a growing bucket list of dream destinations and experiences but never find the motivation or time to make them happen?

Well, I'm sure you don’t need our reassurance that a trip to Paris is always a great idea. But a dream without a plan is just a wish - and we're here to fix that!

We believe that everyone deserves to experience all that this beautiful world has to offer, and that the act of traveling makes each of us better, more well-rounded and open minded people.

It’s important to immerse yourself in your travel goals to actually make them a reality. By tracking your trips and keeping them visualized in your home, you are significantly more likely to stay motivated to save for, plan, and feed your desire to travel once and for all! (65% more likely, in fact - more on that below!)

With our 10 powerful ideas below, you'll soon be on the path to achieving your travel goals! Whether you implement all of these tips or just one, you're guaranteed to be that much closer to achieving your travel goals. But the more you actually implement, the faster you're going to crush that bucket list and see as much of the world as you desire!

1. Set goals that motivate you

Take a second and ask yourself: What is my motivation for prioritizing travel as an important part of my life? Is it to experience new places and cultures? To discover my passion? To escape from the daily grind? To jump outside of my comfort zone? Something else? WHY do I want to travel?

The answer is different for every traveler. But whatever fuels your desire for seeing the world, be  sure it is kept top of mind each day. Whether you use one of our push pin maps, or simply a photo on the fridge, constant reminders are very important to achieving your travel goals.

2. Dream big!

Take an afternoon to sit down and create a “Bucket List of 100 Dreams” - a completely unedited list of 100 things you would like to do in this life. The sky’s the limit here so aim for goals a little out of reach.

This’ll be tough - and that’s the point! The beginning of the list may be loftier, long-term dreams. But by the last third it might be simpler things like visiting a state park an hour away - drivable getaways that you could accomplish on a lazy weekend!

You can utilize these to create some great momentum by checking off those smaller, easily attainable bucket list items, and then keep at it! Before you know it, you’ll be doing things that you never thought possible.

3. Narrow it down

You don’t have to start with the easy ones. It’s all up to how you like to operate.

Take a look at all of the goals on your bucket list. Now choose one of the places or experiences on your list and commit to it. When deciding which goal to tackle first, you can use the questions below to narrow it down and prioritize your goals, either by ease or by importance:

• Which of the destinations are closest to me?
• Which trip is the least expensive?
• Which trip would be the easiest for me to take right now?
• If I could only visit one of these places before I die, which one would I choose? With this question you’re pinpointing which trip you’re most passionate about.

Pro tip: You can take some of the mental juggling out of the decision by creating a spreadsheet and rating all of your list items based on the questions above. Add up their scores and the one with the highest score is your next destination!

4. Turn excuses into actionable steps

We’ve all heard (or even used) the excuses:

I don’t have enough money to travel.

I can’t get enough time off work to travel.

I don’t have anyone to travel with.

Every excuse can also be looked at as an opportunity. Squash those excuses and replace them with simple tasks:

• I will create a budget plan to save the money I need to take this trip.
• I will plan my time off work in advance to make it a priority to recharge.
• I will find a tour company that caters to solo travelers if I can’t find a travel companion and don’t want to go solo.

There’s always a way to overcome your hurdles. You have to decide to stop letting them hold you back, and embrace the fact that you can overcome them.

5. Set SMART travel goals

It’s important to identify not just the difference between where you are and where you want to be, but to create a step by step plan to bridge that gap. Set SMART goals, which give you direction and help you organize and reach your goals. To make sure your goals have a high likelihood of success, each one should be:

Specific: Your goal should be clear and well-defined so that you can focus your energy on  achieving it.

Ask yourself: Who, what, where, when and why?

Instead of saying “I want to travel more” or “I want to go back to Europe,” which are vague  goals, clarify where, when and with who you want to go. An example is: “I want to visit Paris  with my boyfriend for a week in May to celebrate our anniversary.”

Measurable: It’s important to have measurable amounts and dates attached to your goals  so that you can track your progress and stay motivated, while feeling the excitement as you  inch closer to your goal.

Ask yourself: How will I know when I have reached this goal?

Instead of “I want to stay for about a week and not spend too much money,” make your goal more quantifiable like “I want to stay for 8 days, 7 nights and spend xxx on flights, xxx on accommodations and xxx on experiences.”

Achievable: The goal should challenge you but not be entirely out of reach. It should be  realistic and attainable to be successful.

Ask yourself: Do I have the resources and capabilities to achieve the goal? If not, what am I  missing?

Choose a realistic trip to focus on first based on your current income and circumstances (vacation time, visas, distance, cost of flights, etc.)

Relevant: This step is about ensuring that your goal is important to you and that it also  aligns with your other life goals.

Ask yourself: How much does this matter to me and is it worth the time and effort? Is it significant to my life?

Consider your travel style and how long you would want to spend in each destination. Does it make more sense for you to take a one-week 5-star vacation in Bali or a 6-month budget backpacking trip around South America?

Time-bound: Your goal should have a clearly defined timeline, including not only your travel  dates, but also the stages of saving, planning and booking your trip and milestones for each. This  step helps to prevent everyday tasks from taking priority over your longer-term goals.

Ask yourself: Is my timeline realistic while also creating urgency?

A good example is: “We can save $3,000 in 6 months but need $1,000 for the flight by January, $1,000 for accommodations by February and to book our activities by April.”

6. Write it down

Did you know that you are  42% more likely to achieve your goals if you write them down?

This makes the goal real and tangible, taking the trip from abstract to concrete.

As you write, use the power-word “will” instead of “would like to” or “might.” This way you can  visualize yourself achieving the goal. Hang your goals up on your fridge or mirror so that they are top of mind every day.

7. Immerse yourself in your goals

To keep yourself motivated for saving and planning for your travel goals, immerse yourself in  them!

Make the inspiration visual! Pin your next destination on your map with a heart pin and add  inspirational photos to your matching pin board. Create a vision board or Pinterest board with photos and blog posts about your dream destination. Surround yourself with people who have similar goals in your friend circle or in a Facebook community such as For The Love of Travel .

8. Tell everyone

Accountability is key! Sharing your travel goals with others increases your chances of sticking  to them ( 65% more likely to achieve them !). And better yet, find someone to join you in your travel goals and stick together!

9. Take the first step

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step! Then on to the next step... and the  next... If you try to conquer everything all at once, you may get overwhelmed and give up.  Taking things one step at a time keeps things manageable - and achievable!

Remember, goal setting is an ongoing process, not just a means to an end. On a journey of a thousand miles, it’s easy to lose sight of just how far you’ve come. Build in reminders to keep yourself on track, and set aside time to review your progress.

10. Celebrate and repeat!

So you saved the money, booked the flight, planned the experiences and are off on your adventure! Congrats! Take some time to celebrate and reflect. Whether that’s writing in a journal, printing off photos, updating your push pin map , or collecting the post cards you sent yourself, take the time to let it all sink in. Then get to work on that next travel goal on your list!

At the end of the day, it is difficult for all of us to set and achieve our travel goals. Life is busy! But these tips should help.

The best tool to help you set your goals, dream about them, share them with others (for that accountability!), commit to yourself, and stay inspired, is a push pin travel map .

At Conquest Maps, we have helped tens of thousands of people achieve their travel dreams with our pinnable travel maps . 

We offer a highly customizable selection of top quality maps so that you can get out there and see the world with more enthusiasm and determination than ever before!

It’s your journey. Time to conquer those obstacles and explore the world!

Added to your cart:

Trending articles

Travel sustainable property badges: framework and selection criteria.

Raising a glass to Portugal’s best wine regions

How to accomplish your travel goals

Ever wondered how frequent travelers make their travel dreams come true? You can, too! Get our insider tips on how to achieve your travel goals this year

Waiting for the perfect time to travel? Don’t wait – get planning, and get going!

We all have them. Those glittering dreams of what we wish to achieve one day. Crafts we would like to master. Literary classics begging to be read. That adorable lakeside cottage which we’re totally going to build. And not least our travel goals: a bucket list of the marvelous places around the globe that we’re dreaming to visit – that one perfect day when the puzzle of life falls into place.

When the time is right. When the kids are older. When your wallet is full. When you’ve got spare holiday. In other words: when pigs fly.

In order to achieve your travel goals, the first thing to realize is: there’s no such thing as a right moment. Life is full of wonderful but distracting roadblocks that keep your eyes on day-to-day business. As with all other achievements, if you want your travel dreams to come true, you need to take action, define your goals and plan to make them happen.

It’s all about priorities

Traveling is movement. Moving yourself from one point to another – investigating new corners of the world – is a delightfully simple and efficient way of changing perspective, and getting a broader and more inspired view of this thing we call life.

In a long-term perspective, that’s a significant opportunity that deserves priority, right? OK. Hold on to that thought. That’s step number one: making traveling a real priority. Something you identify with and plan for.

What’s holding you back?

Now that you’ve gotten your priorities straight, it’s much easier to tackle the challenges you will face along the way. So, what’s holding you back?

Money? Well, how much do you need and by when? Not entirely sure? Well, then that’s your first challenge. Figuring out exactly what you want is imperative, only then can you start budgeting for it.

You’ve got time struggles? Join the club. So many great adventures to be had, so little time. This is where your priorities kick in. You’re determined, and from there it’s surprisingly simple. If you want more time for traveling, you need to plan ahead. It’s much easier organizing your holidays when your schedule is still open and things can be swapped around.

Got kids? Splendid! Traveling is an outstanding education and bonding experience. Check out these 25 tips for traveling with children . Have no one to travel with? Solo travel is a thing – and an awesome one, too. See our 20 essential tips for solo travelers .

In short, get cracking with that research and start transforming your challenges into tasks.

Where do you want to go?

Back to your bucket list. It’s endless. The roads you will tread! You still need somewhere to start, though. It’s impossible to take action on vague dreams, so in order to achieve your goals, you need to narrow your options.

Make a list of your dream locations, and allow yourself to drool over it for a while. Now it’s time to get real. Choose a place on your bucket list – or more than one, but keep it realistic – and commit to it. By doing so, you no longer have an endless list of places fighting for your attention, and you’re able to do some actual planning.

Compare destinations and prices by using momondo’s Anywhere Search . Type your preferred arrival destination – city, country, region, continent – into the search box, and you’re presented with a list of options and approximate prices. Choose map view for a geographical overview.

If you’re looking to travel off the beaten path, check out the best alternative summer vacation destinations for 2018 .

How to save money for travel

Alright. Now it’s getting serious. Someone needs to fund this, and let’s face it – it will likely be you. However, it doesn’t have to be half the slog you may think it is. Taking actual steps towards achieving your goals is tremendously uplifting.

Firstly, get an idea of your trip’s overall costs. Include prices for flights and accommodation, transportation and food. Also, look up the local cost of living to calculate pocket money.

Once you’ve got your number, start balancing. Compare your income vs. expenses, and see how everything stacks up. Set a fixed spending budget, and figure out how much you’re realistically able to set aside bi-weekly or monthly. Set up a dedicated travel fund where you collect your savings.

Make sure to revisit your budget regularly to see if anything needs adjusting.

Maximize your budget

Once you’ve cut back on excess spending, see if you’ve got additional income options. Perhaps you have some stuff you could sell?

When planning your trip, look for free activities. Book a room with kitchenette or kitchen access, and make an adventure out of local grocery shopping (it’s fun!). Look for tourist passes for cheaper transportation, and bring snacks and drinks when sightseeing. Steering free of tourist traps is another obvious win.

As for flight tickets, note that it’s usually cheaper to fly mid-week, and even cheaper if it’s in the evening. See all our insider tricks on how to find the cheapest flights , and consider picking one of the best budget destinations .

How to make time for traveling

You’ve got your dream location. You’ve compiled a list of must-sees longer than the Great Wall of China. You’ve swiftly calculated the expenses and the time needed. And then you call it off. Next year … maybe then it’s more feasible.

Classic mistake. Trips neither have to be long, nor expensive to offer great experiences. Plan ahead and schedule long weekends. That’s a great way of starting your world explorations, and even just three days somewhere different can bring new perspectives. Also, once you’re there, remember that you don’t have to see it all. Pick just a couple of sights, and then leave your schedule open to the unexpected. This way you’ll have much better time to fully appreciate what comes along.

It’s all in our vacation expectations, and how we perceive our time. If you only count your weekends, you have 104 days off every year. Add just a couple of weeks of personal leave, and you’re well above 3 months of potential travel days a year. That’s without counting public holidays. You’ve got time.

Get more bang for your buck

You’ve got the money, you’ve got the time. Now follow in the footsteps of any frequent traveler and spend it wisely. Keep on the lookout for deals and bargains – it’s key to maximizing your travel opportunities.

Once you’ve made a flight search on momondo, set up a personal Price Alert. It’s nice and simple – you sign up for your preferred route, and we’ll ping you as soon as the price changes significantly.

Obsessed? Well, that’s perfect!

To keep your motivation fueled, you’ll want to take your travel obsession to new levels.

Immerse yourself in your dream destination. Get insider stories from others who’ve already been. Watch movies about it. Browse travel guides and articles, and list the places you’d like to see. More than anything, read novels that paint a picture of local history and what it’s like to be there. It’s the perfect way to get beneath the surface.

Apart from keeping you motivated, all your research will come in handy when you finally arrive.

Join forces to stay on track

To stay on track, consider finding yourself a travel buddy. Someone who shares your interests and will hold you accountable for your progress. Set short-term tasks for each other, and check in once a week to make sure you’re on track.

If you’re a lone wolf, your strategy is more or less the same. Set up continuous short-term goals and fixed deadlines, and keep them. If you tackle one step at a time, you’ll be amazed how easy it is.

Bon voyage!

Before you go, make sure you’ve got it all:

• Learn to pack like a pro with our  essential packing tips
• Forgot anything? Check out our handy traveling checklist

Where you should travel for New Year’s based on your goals for 2019

An epic Florida road trip: not your usual suspects

10 eco travel trends to look out for in 2020

Curbing overtourism: an interview with journalist Elizabeth Becker

That Traveling Chick: Female Travel Blogger

Join our Travel Tidbits E-News

And get a FREE Travel Packing Checklist

Let’s Get Social

Achieving travel goals.

March 17, 2022 by Joslyn 26 Comments

Does the idea of planning travel have your head spinning. Read on to find out how to achieve your travel goals no matter how big or small. Maybe a staycation, or a road trip a couple states away. How about a cruise or a beach vacation ? Maybe a flight around the world? Whatever it may be you want to do, there is always a way to do it.

Let me show you it CAN still be possible to explore safely and affordably. And there are so many new online tools and resources to help you navigate the next era of tourism.

Disclosure – This post contains affiliate links that generate commission when clicked at no cost to you.

1. Set flexible and achievable travel goals

Did you know you are 42% more likely to achieve your goals by writing them down? This process can help you get clear on exactly what you want to accomplish and how to make it happen. Start by writing down a list of the destinations you are dreaming about in the travel goals section of the Budget Travel Starter Kit .

Consider your travel style and how long you would want to spend there e.g. one-week vacation in Mexico or a 6-month RV trip across the US? Calculate the approximate amount required for each trip and add it to the “amount needed” column.

Before completing the target date, research current travel restrictions and visa requirements (if you’re hoping to go abroad). For visas, Passport Index will provide an overview but ultimately check and apply directly with that country’s immigration

You can use this information to choose one realistic trip and target date based on your current income and circumstances (travel restrictions, vacation time, visas, distance, cost of flights, etc). It doesn’t mean you won’t eventually get to visit all your bucket list places but for now, focus on the most realistic travel goal.

2. Visualize your goal and the potential obstacles

Positive thinking can actually improve life satisfaction and outcomes according to scientific research . Here are activities to visualize your goals and reinforce your optimistic mindset.

• Create a vision or Pinterest board with images for your dream destination
• Update the wallpaper on your phone and computer with a picture from that place
• Read books and blogs about your dream destination to keep you motivated with saving
• Start saying ‘I’m going to…’ (your dream destination) rather than ‘I want to go’. This will build confidence it’s actually going to happen.

Once you’ve visualized yourself achieving your travel goals, it’s also important to consider what could get in the way. It may sound counterintuitive but NYU psychology professor, Gabriele Oettingen, says understanding the potential obstacles will help you find a way to adapt, reschedule, or move onto another goal.

The WOOP website provides a simple and free way to identify your inner obstacle and plan to overcome it. For example, this could be a plan to request holiday leave from your job, considering how much time off you have available and how much notice you need to give.

3. Create a budget to achieve your travel goal

Money is always a key factor in stopping people from traveling more. If money is an issue for you, there are two ways to beat it – decrease your costs and/or increase your income .

Either path that you choose, it’s still worthwhile to know exactly how much money you have first. Use the budget section of the Budget Travel Starter Kit to write all your incoming payments and outgoing expenses. If you’re not sure where all your money is going, try tracking your expenses for a week on a free app like Trabee Pocket.

Review your expenses and identify unnecessary costs you could cut back on (e.g. eating out, espresso coffee, beauty treatments, etc.) Ultimately, it’s your decision what you are willing to trade for the opportunity to fulfill your wanderlust.

Here are a couple tips to try:

• The 50/30/20 Financial Guideline by using 50% of income for mandatory expenses, 30% on optional expenses, and 20% on savings or paying down debt
• Reverse budgeting where you put money towards your goals first before your living expenses.

4. Set targets to pay off debt and save money to travel

We believe in financially-responsible travel, which means paying off high-interest debts (like credit cards) and creating an emergency fund before saving for a trip. It’s always a good idea to keep $1,000 or more aside for unexpected costs e.g. car repairs.

Looking at the expenses listed in your budget and the amount needed for your trip, calculate how long it will take after paying off debt and creating an emergency fund. Also, consider opening a flexible, interest-earning account that won’t lock you in for a long period.

• Checking account:  for receiving income and making daily purchases
• Savings account:  where I transfer the amount I want to save each month and keep my emergency funds
• Term deposit: interest-earning account for funds I won’t need to access for 3+ months.

Set target dates for each milestone e.g. pay off your credit card by the end of March, save $2,000 by mid-June, etc. It’s better to aim higher than lower – push yourself to reach your goals but don’t be too hard on yourself if you don’t make it each month. Schedule reminders in your calendar for when to make repayments, cancel direct debits, put money aside for the trip, and review your progress (e.g. monthly).

5. Consider how you can make extra income

If you can’t possibly decrease your expenses, then the other option is to consider how you can make more money – whether it’s a paid promotion, higher-paying job, or lucrative side hustle. Or you can reduce both your living costs and increase your income. I have multiple income streams with my blogging, VA services and selling misc items like clothing and unused household stuff online.

6. Review your progress and adjust your targets

Each month review your progress against the budget, goals, and target dates in the Budget Travel Starter Kit. If you come in short in some areas, consider whether you need to adjust your budget and then review next month. Repeat this process until you pay off high-interest debt, store away an emergency fund, and have the amount needed.

Designing – researching and trip planning for your travel goals

1. create a travel plan.

Whether you prefer to wing it or plan carefully, you can use the Budget Travel Starter Kit to record an outline of dates and important information. Travellerspoint is another free tool that allows you to build visual itineraries and maps – perfect for backpacking and road trips. Share it with travel buddies to add ideas and keep updating it as plans become more concrete.

2. Compare hotels and airlines for safety and cost

Planning a budget-friendly trip with cheap flights and accommodation has always been a challenge. Now we also have to worry about staying as safe as possible and adhering to all regulations. The Safe Travel Barometer can help make this easier by comparing safety protocols for travel companies like hotels, airlines, and airports.

Plus, we’ve put together two in-depth guides for you:

• What you need to know if you’re flying soon : 9 tips for safety and sanity
• 5 smart ways to find cheap accommodation (and travel safely)

3. Organize visas, medication, and travel insurance

By now, you’re probably already familiar with the visa and quarantine requirements (if any) of the place that you are visiting. However, it’s also worthwhile to check for any compulsory immunizations. If you take medication, make sure it can be taken into that country and whether you need a prescription to purchase more.

Travel insurance is more important than ever before. When making bookings with a credit card, see if it includes any type of insurance. If it doesn’t provide sufficient coverage, look for a travel insurance company that covers COVID-19 like SafetyWing .

4. Consider how you will access data and your funds abroad

Research your destination to see if WiFi will be available in public places and the cost for a local sim card. Whenever I travel to a new country, I purchase a sim card as soon as I arrive and this has been the cheapest and most convenient option. A quick Google search will reveal which is the best option in terms of connectivity and price.

Your existing phone company may provide international data access as part of your plan or for an extra cost. Read the terms and conditions to make sure you don’t exceed the limitations and end up with a nasty bill. And if you have a regular data plan – keep data roaming switched OFF as it can be crazy expensive!

In my experience the most cost-effective options for accessing cash abroad are:

• Withdrawing from an ATM
• Exchanging cash

Contact your banks to check if they have any partner banks in that country. For example, international banks like Citibank or HSBC have ATMs all around the world. If not, find out what the fees will be for withdrawing AND converting cash (some banks charge both). Weigh this up against the risks of carrying cash and exchanging money.

Personally, I use a Transferwise Borderless account and Mastercard debit card which lets me:

• Receive, hold, and withdraw cash in multiple currencies at rates much lower than traditional banks
• Freeze and unfreeze my card through an app on my phone, preventing unauthorized charges
• See a summary of transactions for each currency and overall.

Departing – getting organized and packing

1. choose your carry-on bag.

No matter what kind of trip you are taking, I guarantee you’ll only need 7-10 days’ worth of clothing. That’s because you can wash your clothes and mix-and-match pieces to keep them fresh. Unless you’re embarking on a cross-seasonal journey and I’ve had friends who’ve still achieved that with a carry-on.

Switching to a carry-on bag can make your trip cheaper and more comfortable by avoiding:

• Unnecessary weight to drag around
• Checked luggage fees
• Wait times at the luggage carousel
• Risk of your bag being lost or damaged by the airline
• Friends and family asking you to bring giant souvenirs home.

2. Purchase must-have travel accessories only

Keep your bag light by only purchasing the travel accessories that you actually need such as a travel scarf/sarong and wallet with a chain that attaches to your bag. Don’t forget your hygiene kit with essentials that can help you reduce your risk of getting sick or spreading it to others.

• Breathable, washable masks with two or more layers
• Hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
• BPA-free water bottle for personal use
• Food storage containers and reusable ziplock bags
• Contactless credit or debit card .

If you are planning to clean your accommodation, see the CDC’s guidance on how to clean and disinfect (or refer to the advice from your local government advisory).

3. Make copies of all your travel documents

Set up electronic access to all your copies of important documents such as:

• Insurance certificate
• Visa approval
• Bank statement with available funds and account name.

Thanks to technology, you can easily share these with your family as well either by email, Dropbox, or Google Drive. However, as WiFi isn’t always a given – download to your phone and/or make physical copies to have on hand at immigration or in case of emergency.

4. Pack and then pack again with less

Use the packing list section of the Budget Travel Starter Kit to organize what you need to take. Before going on your trip, make a trial-run of packing your bag to make sure everything fits comfortably then remove anything unnecessary.

Doing it – traveling and keeping costs low

Congratulations! You made it. You are living out your travel dreams. Now the focus is on enjoying the adventure – without making any expensive mistakes. I recommend setting a daily budget and keeping track of your expenses on a free travel app like Trabee Pocket.

I’ve also included a few resources below to help keep your trip affordable, responsible, and sustainable.

• 15 ways to make friends while traveling without feeling awkward as f#ck
• 10 truths about backpacking in your 30s (and beyond) as a woman
• 12 smart ideas to save money on food while traveling and at home
• How to choose ethical animal tourism experiences .

Be sure to come back when you’re ready to start thinking about your next travel goal.

Originally written in 2017 and updated in 2021.

What are your travel goals? Tell us about it below!

And if you liked the post – share it with your friends on social media.

About Joslyn

Female Travel Blogger Sharing Travel Tips, Work and Travel Tips, Budget Travel Tips and general daily life from a travel chicks point of view!

Reader Interactions

Ania | Snow to Seas says

July 30, 2017 at 12:55 am

Really helpful and thorough post for anyone wanting their travel dreams to become a reality! There are so many valuable tips in here, like getting insurance, making sure you have access to your funds, and packing and repacking less (I am guilty of constantly overpacking). Thank you for putting this together!

Chantell Collins says

August 3, 2017 at 3:08 pm

Thanks Ania! That is such a lovely comment. I am passionate about helping other people to make their travel dreams a reality and love hearing that this information is helpful 🙂

Cheryll Young says

April 22, 2020 at 6:45 am

I have traveled a lot and could probably write a book on budget travel but I have trouble locating friends who are willing to stay in hostels or travel for months at a time. I’m 72 and still on the Go. I find your info accurate and encouraging for those who only dream about travel….thank you.

April 22, 2020 at 2:55 pm

Thank you, Cheryll! I know exactly what you mean about finding friends to travel with. That’s why I encourage dreamers not to wait for their friends and create step-by-step guides to help them travel more confidently. Your story is very inspiring – thank you for sharing 🙂

July 30, 2017 at 6:17 pm

Thank you for putting this together and keeping several types of travelers in mind. This is super useful and I’ll be sharing it with friends who don’t know how to set travel goals. 🙂

July 30, 2017 at 11:02 pm

Thanks Alex! I really wanted to write something useful that tied all aspects together but was easy to follow. I put a lot of my energy and knowledge from experience into this. Thank you so much for sharing!

Anne Slater-Brooks says

July 31, 2017 at 12:27 pm

Wow this is a really comprehensive resource for those wanting to travel who are on a budget. Thanks for sharing.

August 1, 2017 at 4:34 pm

Thanks Anne! I don’t think I realised how much I had to say until I started writing ha ha.

July 31, 2017 at 4:29 pm

This is really helpful Chantell! Excelent guide for anyone planning a trip

August 1, 2017 at 4:32 pm

Thanks Ivana! So happy to hear that you enjoyed it!

Patricia says

July 31, 2017 at 8:13 pm

These are super helpful tips! I particularly like the breakdowns on budgeting for the dream trip. Right now, we are pretty strapped for cash, so we are focusing on closer trips that we can handle, but it’s good plan for a bigger trip down the road. Travel insurance has become a very important aspect of longer travel — something that didn’t really seem to exist when I was a twenty-something backpacking in Europe. Now, it does seem like there are good options. I also hadn’t thought about registering my destination, but these days that looks like an excellent plan. Also, good to know about Citibank and fund access!

Thanks Patricia. I am so happy that you found some helpful tips in here. I understand the feeling of being strapped for cash, which is why I am always looking for ways to save money before and during my travels (and of course, sharing them on here!).

Sandy N Vyjay says

August 1, 2017 at 7:03 am

A very systematic and comprehensive approach to traveling. This becomes very important, especially when traveling with family and kids. Planning ensures that you have a smooth experience. The post points the direction towards the conversion of travel dreams to reality.

August 1, 2017 at 4:30 pm

Thanks Sandy and Vyjay! That’s definitely what I was aiming for – a step-by-step approach for those who are struggling to know where to start or for those who want to travel more. Thanks for the lovely comment :).

Laura Nalin says

August 1, 2017 at 4:52 am

These are all really great goals! I definitely think these tips are all doable. I definitely follow most of the suggestions you’ve provided – certainly the extra copies of my documents in Dropbox. I’m a bit confused about your brother’s experience with his debit card, though. I live in Vietnam and have had zero issues with my debit card while living here, as well as the three other times I’d visited prior. I do love that there are lots of ANZ ATMs around as you can take the most money out via those. How odd that his card didn’t work!

August 1, 2017 at 4:31 pm

Thanks Laura! It was a few years ago and he had a Suncorp debit card – which at the time could only be used in Australia. I am sure they have updated that now but still always better to check :).

Danielle Desir says

August 1, 2017 at 1:55 pm

A few years ago when I first started traveling I planned every detail out but now my style is more of a blend. I always book flights and lodging way in advance but it’s only a few weeks before a trip that I start planning an itinerary and things to do. A lot of it is trial and error to you find the right mix!

August 1, 2017 at 4:29 pm

Hey Danielle! I so agree. There have been many times where I have planned and booked ahead only to change my travel plans while on the road. That’s when I started using Booking.com because with many hotels and hostels you can get free cancellation. I have also been victim of not planning ahead and missing out on good deals or activities because they are booked up. Definitely is a balance somewhere in the middle 🙂

August 4, 2017 at 3:48 am

Great tips! Especially for non-experience travellers. Thanks for sharing <3

August 6, 2017 at 2:38 am

Thanks Sandy! I appreciate it 🙂

Jill at Reading the Book Travel says

November 10, 2018 at 6:53 pm

This is a really great, comprehensive guide to planning a trip which I’m sure will be very reassuring for newbie travellers. Your advice is spot-on!

November 11, 2018 at 5:32 am

Thanks Jill! I really appreciate your comment and feedback. I think it is a great guide to help people tick off their bucket list on a budget.

Nam Nguyen says

March 4, 2019 at 10:55 pm

Great stuff Chantell! Many thanks for sharing this information

March 4, 2019 at 11:52 pm

You are welcome Nam! Thanks for all your help with our visa applications 🙂

Daniella Chase says

June 3, 2019 at 5:42 am

Thank you, Chantell. I’m from Guyana, South America and I plan on backpacking my way around the continent a bit. I have backpacked outside my country before and I still find a lot of this information useful. I look forward to my trip and putting these tips to good use!

June 3, 2019 at 3:07 pm

Hey Daniella! Thanks for the feedback – knowing this information is helpful to you really makes my day! I hope you’ll join us in the Budget Travel Babes community where you can connect with lots of other female travelers and get more real-life budget advice. https://www.facebook.com/groups/budgettravelbabes/

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Helping women all over the world learn about travel, earning money to travel and while traveling.

Join the Facebook group of over 19k women travelers and wanna-be travelers.

This website contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Privacy Policy and Disclosure

thattravelingchick

🌺 For the Wanderlust in Everyone ✈️ Travel Tips & Tricks 📍 Currently in: Michigan ✋🏼🇺🇸

Best Mission Statements Examples [for Travel & Accommodation]

By Status.net Editorial Team on March 14, 2023 — 5 minutes to read

Travel and accommodation companies have a unique opportunity to create vision and mission statements that reflect their commitment to providing customers with exceptional service. A good mission statement should encompass the company’s values, goals, and objectives for providing quality travel and accommodation services and the company’s commitment to making sure that its customers have an enjoyable experience from start to finish.

How do you write a good mission statement?

Crafting a strong mission statement can help your organization stay focused, articulate its values, and attract the right people and resources. Writing a good mission statement requires thoughtful research, reflection and communication with stakeholders.

• 1. Clarify Your Purpose: Think about why your organization exists, its core values and objectives.
• 2. Identify Your Audience: Consider who you are trying to reach with your mission statement, such as customers, employees or the general public.
• 3. Brainstorm Descriptive Words and Phrases: Think of words and phrases that accurately describe your organization’s purpose, values and goals.
• 4. Combine the Words to Create Your Mission Statement: Combine the words and phrases you brainstormed into a concise statement that expresses your mission.
• 5. Have Others Review It: Have other people review your mission statement to ensure it accurately reflects your organization.

Learn more: How to Create a Perfect Company Mission, Vision, Values Statement? (Awesome Template) In this article you will find vision and mission statements examples for companies that fall into the following industries:

A company in the travel industry is a business that provides services related to travel and tourism. This can include anything from booking transportation and accommodations, to organizing activities and excursions. These companies work to make sure their customers have an enjoyable and stress-free experience when they travel. They may offer a range of services, including flights, cars, hotels, tours, cruises, and also they may help with visas and other paperwork required for international travel. Sometimes travel companies also help customers with packing suggestions and tips on what to expect while traveling. With the world becoming increasingly connected, more people are choosing to explore new places, and companies in the travel industry are well-positioned to meet this growing demand.

Accommodation

An accommodation company is a business that provides lodging and other services for travelers and those on vacation. Accommodation companies can be of various sizes and might provide anything from basic bed and breakfast services to luxury resorts. They usually offer a variety of services such as providing meals, arranging transportation, arranging tours, providing entertainment, and more. Accommodation companies are typically run by skilled professionals who understand the hospitality industry and are knowledgeable about the different types of accommodation available to guests. Accommodation companies may provide their own premises or may work with hotels, motels, resorts, and other lodging providers to ensure their guests receive the best services possible. Accommodation companies also have to deal with different regulations related to their offerings and must stay up-to-date with changes in the hospitality industry. This ensures that the accommodation they provide is safe, clean, and up to the standards of their guests. Accommodation companies strive to provide a pleasant experience for their clients by ensuring they are satisfied with their stay.

See also: 20+ Core Values: Examples for Travel and Accommodation Companies

Samples of Vision and Mission Statements: Travel and Accommodation Companies

Dedication to the highest quality of Customer Service delivered with a sense of warmth, friendliness, individual pride, and Company Spirit .

To provide authentic hospitality by making a difference in the lives of the people we touch every day.

TripAdvisor

To help people around the world plan and have the perfect trip .

Virgin America

Virgin America is a California-based airline that is on a mission to make flying good again , with brand new planes, attractive fares, top-notch service, and a host of fun, innovative amenities that are reinventing domestic air travel.

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

Turning moments into memories for our guests.

Hilton Worldwide

To be the preeminent global hospitality company – the first choice of guests, team members, and owners alike .

Virgin Atlantic

To embrace the human spirit and let it fly.

To offer travelers a reliable, innovative and fun airline to travel in Central America.

MGM MIRAGE (NYSE: MGM) , one of the world’s leading and most respected hotel and gaming companies, owns and operates 24 properties located in Nevada, Mississippi and Michigan, and has investments in four other properties in Nevada, New Jersey, Illinois and the United Kingdom. MGM MIRAGE has also announced plans to develop Project CityCenter , a multi-billion dollar mixed-use urban development project in the heart of Las Vegas, and has a 50 percent interest in MGM Grand Macau, a development project in Macau S.A.R. MGM MIRAGE supports responsible gaming and has implemented the American Gaming Association’s Code of Conduct for Responsible Gaming at its properties. MGM MIRAGE also has been the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions for its industry-leading Diversity Initiative and its community philanthropy programs. For more information about MGM MIRAGE, please visit the company’s website at www.mgmmirage.com.

Workforce diversity gives us access to a world of different ideas and perspectives. Northwest Airlines is committed to maintaining a corporate culture where men and women of all ages, races, physical abilities, preferences and backgrounds are treated with dignity and respect. At Northwest Airlines we recognize that when diversity is valued and respected the results are improved service, customer satisfaction and a positive community image . We believe our employees make a world of difference and work to maintain an environment where diversity and inclusion is a critical component of our success. Our Diversity Vision To build a high performing environment where individual differences and contributions of employees, customers and business partners are respected and valued, the result of which is a business organization where fairness, trust and integrity govern relationships and the way we do business.

Ritz-Carlton

The Credo : The Ritz-Carlton Hotel is a place where the genuine care and comfort of our guests is our highest mission.

We pledge to provide the finest personal service and facilities for our guests who will always enjoy a warm, relaxed, yet refined ambience .

The Ritz-Carlton experience enlivens the senses, instills well-being, and fulfills even the unexpressed wishes and needs of our guests.

Motto : At The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., “ We are ladies and gentlemen serving ladies and gentlemen .” This motto exemplifies the anticipatory service provided by all staff members.

See also: 20+ Core Values: Examples for Travel and Accommodation Companies 1500+ Best Company Vision and Mission Statements by Industry 250+ Best Inspirational Company Core Values

• 20+ Core Values: Examples for Travel and Accommodation Companies
• Best Mission Statements Examples [Energy and Chemicals]
• Best Mission Statements Examples [Construction & Production]
• Are Mission and Vision Statements Still Relevant?
• Best Mission Statements Examples [for Real Estate Companies]
• Best Mission Statements Examples [for Insurance Companies]

Travel Goals: How to Envision and Achieve Your Travel Dreams

Have you ever noticed how two people can visit the same place with similar hopes and dreams have dramatically different experiences?

One person will return home with life-changing memories of adventure and reflection, whereas another will return home disappointed, feeling as though they'd failed to accomplish what they set out to achieve.

Why is this?

While nothing is guaranteed on the road, travelers who consistently have exceptional experiences share a common trait: they set travel goals. 

Setting travel goals to improve your next trip might seem counterintuitive to some. After all , isn't the objective of travel to get away from the to-do lists and schedules of daily life?

Yes, and no. Although travel is a great opportunity to escape from our day-to-day routines, it's not an alternative universe within which the general rules of life don't apply.

Just as they do at home, when traveling goals provide you with short-term motivation and long-term vision. They help you to better organize your time and energy so that you get the most out of your trips.

Goals ensure that you’re life on the road follows your own personal values. And by setting and completing goals, you take the steps necessary to fulfill your purpose, or Why, for traveling.

Without goals, it’s easy to get lost. With no clear direction on what to do next or which way to go, we can become overwhelmed with the number of novel possibilities travel presents us with on a daily basis.

Having good travel goals is like having someone guide you along your journey, ensuring you take the proper next step every time.

Fortunately, as you will see, creating—and accomplishing—major, life-changing travel goals isn’t just for the hyper-motivated or über-persistent. There are a number of straight-forward steps that anyone eager to learn and grow can follow to design and fulfill their travel dreams.

How To Create Amazingly-Effective Travel Goals

OK, so you’re convinced that setting goals is useful. But how do you go about doing this? How do you create good travel goals?

The best, most-effective travel goals are SMART goals. No, I don’t mean that they are members off MENSA (what’s with the acronyms today?).

Rather, great travel goals are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-Based. Let’s explain that a bit more.

CC BY-SA 4.0 , Dungdm93 .

Great travel goals are clear and specific, which helps to remain focused and motivated.

To make your goals more specific, try and answer the six ‘W’ questions:

-What do I want to accomplish?

-When do I want to accomplish this goal?

-Where do I need to go?

-Who should be involved?

-Which resources or limits are there?

-Why do I want to accomplish this goal?

Great travel goals are also measurable, allowing you to easily track your progress and know when you’ve succeeded.

Being able to clearly see both how far you’ve come and what you need to do to finish helps you to stay motivated and creates excitement around the thought of accomplishing your goal.

When setting measurable goals, ask questions like:

-How will I know when I've succeeded?

A good measurable travel goal for someone shy would be to have a 5+ minute conversation with a local 3x over the course of one, week-long trip. A less-effective goal would be to "meet new people" or "open up".

Great travel goals should also be attainable. You should be able to see a realistic path you can take to success. You should feel challenged and your abilities should be stretched, but everything should remain possible.   If your goals is so difficult that it starts to feel unattainable, then you’re more likely to just give up.

Achievable goals answer questions like:

-Given my current situation (financial, mental/physical health, time constraints) how realistic is this goal?

-How can I accomplish this goal?

Great travel goals need to be relevant. They need to matter to you, aligning with your greater purpose in travel or life.

Having a deep sense of purpose behind your goals ensures that you’ll never run out of motivation, even when the going gets tough and helps to keep things in perspective. If you goal isn’t relevant to you, you will lack the fortitude necessary to handle adversity when it undoubtedly appears.

Relevant travel goals answer ‘yes’ to these questions:

-Is this something that matters to me?

-Do I really want to accomplish this?

-Will completing this goal improve the world in some way?

-Am I improving my life by succeeding?

-Is this the right time or place for me to try and achieve this goal?

Great travel goals have a target date. They have a deadline for completion that you can stick to. This helps ensure that one temporary, short-term goal—which is supposed to be a single step on the way towards aiding greater goals or your purpose—doesn’t become a massive time-suck or permanent hinderance.

Time-based travel goals can usually answer these questions:

-What can be done today to help accomplish this?

-What can I do six weeks from now?

-What can I do six months from now?

A good time-bound travel goal for someone afraid of flying would be to take one flight without the aid of anti-anxiety drugs, sleeping pills, or alcohol in the next 3 months.

In addition, the best travel goals are performance, not outcome, based. This means that the goal is to complete the process rather than to achieve a specific end result.

As all great performers know, the only thing you ever have full control over is your effort. There’s no guarantee that a well-struck golf ball won’t end up in the water in a tournament or that a perfectly-sung ballad won’t be eclipsed by another song during a talent show.

You can’t force the weather to be nice, a museum to be open, or a local to be friendly, but you can wake up in the morning ready to take that hike, prepare yourself to see some art, or have the courage to start a conversation at the nearby cafe.

You can't control whether or not the ticket office is open while traveling through Italy—it rarely seems to be—but you can make sure you're at the train station on time.

While there are no guarantees, consistently putting in the effort—following a process that you know can work—leads to the best long-term results.

How To Figure Out What Goals to Set

If you’ve read what we wrote on travel with purpose , you know how important it is to find your Why for travel. Purpose gives focus to your planning, inspires action on the road, and provides strength in difficult moments—both before and during trips.

Once you’ve identified your purpose for travel— here’s a refresher on how to do that —you’ve already done much of the work necessary to set great travel goals. You have a clear idea of which direction you want to take. Now you just have to map out the specific steps you will take to get there.

Once you know what your final destination is, it becomes much easier to determine what path you want to take to get there.

Sometimes the route you need to take will be obvious, and goal-setting will be simple. Other times the path might not be as clear. If that’s the case, ask yourself the following questions, with your Why in mind:

-Image that you’ve had a successful trip filled with purpose. What would that trip entail? Can you work backwards from the end to the start?

-What’s the smallest possible first step you could take towards achieving your Why?

-Has anyone else traveled with a similar purpose? What did their journey look like?

-What’s the most important problem you could tackle on day one of your trip?

-What’s one thing that would get you to jump out of bed?

-What do you want your obituary to say?

-What would you never regret trying even if you failed?

-What could you do to ensure that you’re living a satisfying life?

Choosing between paths is often part of the fun of travel planning and goal setting.

Not every goal for your trip has to—or even should—be purpose-driven. Adding a few for-fun, less-serious goals helps to lighten the mood and provides additional motivation along the way.

Examples of some fun goals could be visiting all the Trappist breweries in Belgium, learning 5 words in Portuguese each day during a month-long trip to Brazil, and trying 20 different flavors of Kit Kat while in Japan.

Just a few of the hundreds of flavored Kit Kats available in Japan.

Deciding How Many Travel Goals to Have

When trying to determine how many goals you should set for a trip, there are a number of factors to consider.

How long will you be gone? How much time will you be able to devote to accomplishing your goals? Will you have other obligations or responsibilities on your trip? Does reading over your list of potential goals make you feel overwhelmed?

It can be helpful to think of travel goals as items in your mental backpack. Pack too few and you'll be ill-prepared. Pack too many and you'll be overly burdened.

In general, it is better to pick a smaller number of meaningful goals rather than a large number of goals that you’re less enthusiastic about. Your time and energy on the road is limited, and there is only so much you can concentrate on.

Changing Your Travel Goals

Having fewer goals allows you to create new goals when you’re traveling based on what you see and do. As you travel, you will undoubtedly realize new things about yourself and your prioritizes might change. Perhaps you came to South America to learn Brazilian Capoeira only to learn that you’d rather practice Argentine Tango.

Argentinian Tango dancers. CC BY 2.5 , Carlos Luque .

Your goals don’t have to be inflexible. Sometimes unexpected things happen when you’re traveling. Allow yourself the latitude to jump into the adventure that is unexpected possibilities. Don’t let your original goal of visiting the top 5 Sachertorte coffee houses in Vienna keep you from accepting an invite from new friends to spend the weekend at a music festival in Bratislava. The best part of travel is the unexpected and the unplanned, and objectives should never get in the way of a good story.

Expectations Versus Hopes

To help make this easier, make sure your goals are not expectations. Expectations are absolute and unmovable. When we expect something, we move an accomplishment from being something to be celebrated to being something mundane. After all, we expected it to happen so why be happy? And if they don’t happen, then we get upset.

In contrast, if you view your goals as hopes—things you want to have happen but also recognize that they might not—then you are free to change or abandon goals when necessary. The quality of your travel experiences are not contingent upon how many of the goals you set out at the beginning are accomplished blindly.

Don't underestimate the benefits of having the freedom to explore with hope.

How to Achieve Your Travel Goals

There are a number of things you can do to help you to accomplish your travel goals.

1.) Make sure your travel goals are SMART

As mentioned above, if your goals are not specific, measurable, actionable, relevant, or time-bound, your chances of success will be greatly diminished.

2.) Review your travel goals regularly

Review your goals every day when you wake up. One way to do this is to create a travel journal within which you actually one big goal for the day and three ways in which you are going to make it happen.

Also remind yourself everyday of your overall purpose for traveling. Write this down on a piece of paper and bring it with you during the day.

3.) Prioritize your travel goals

At the beginning of your trip, sequence your goals based on priority. Know what is most important to get done first and what you most want to accomplish. Not only does this set you off on the right foot, but it makes it more likely that you will have done the things you most want to do in case something happens that cuts your trip short or otherwise changes your plans.

4.) Keep track of your progress

Before you go to bed each night take a moment to write down your successes. Note what steps you took to achieve your goals and how much progress you’ve made since yesterday.

Somedays you’ll take great leaps, whereas others days it may feel like you’ve only advanced a little. Don’t worry about this. Remain consistent in the process and the results will eventually show.

5.) Celebrate your success

Be sure to enjoy the moment when you accomplish your goals. Fully embrace the feelings you get and let them soak into you. Hold onto that feeling as long as you can. Think about the hard work and dedication it took to get to where you are.

Take a photo to memorialize your accomplishment and let other people know on social media what you’ve done. Don’t worry about coming across as boastful—in general, people want other people to succeed, and if your joy is genuine your friends and family will be supportive. And who knows, you may even inspire someone else to take on their own challenges.

The joy one gains from a hard-earned achievement is addictive, and you’ll naturally want more of it. Ensuring that you take the time to properly celebrate your successes is critical when building the work-reward loop that drives future performance.

6.) Reflect

Throughout the goal-achievement process, remain reflective. Ask yourself how things are going? Are your goals too easy and you’re not feeling challenged? What are you learning about yourself? Use this information to adjust your future plans and goals.

Things to Avoid: What Prevents You From Achieving Your Travel Goals

Don't let your next trip be filled with regret and disappointment due to unmet travel goals.

There are a number of reasons people don’t achieve their travel goals. Some of the biggest road blocks include:

1.) Impatience

You want results right away and get frustrated and quit when you don’t see the results immediately.

2.) Perfectionism

You want everything to be done perfectly the first time and if that’s not the case you get upset and quit.

3.) Failure

You are unable to deal with failure on a first, second, or tenth try. Those who stick with it are those that achieve. 

Even the best fail sometimes.

4.) Focusing on the end results

When you shift your attention from the process to final outcome, you’re more likely to make mistakes, not give it your full effort, and overlook crucial steps. Also, the process is often quite fun—especially in traveling. Imagine not enjoying the hike up a mountain side because you’re focused exclusively on what it will feel like when you get to the top.

5.) Excuses

Sometimes excuses are what prevent us from achieving our goals.Your mind likes to stay in a comfort zone and so it will say and do whatever it can to prevent you from moving out of that. Do you hear yourself saying some of the following? If you do, stop for a moment and think. 

-I’m not good enough.

-It’s not the right time.

-I’m too old/young.

-I don’t have the money.

-People will laugh at me.

-What if I fail?

6.) Overly-large steps

If you bite off more than you can chew in one chunk it can be demoralizing and daunting. This is common. Instead of committing to visiting all the countries in the world when you first start out traveling, perhaps start by visiting one.

Every great journey starts with a single step.

7.) Procrastination

Now is the best time to act. It’s easy to say that you’ll travel one day or achieve XYZ in the future when you feel right. Don’t wait until you feel ready, or when the time is right. If you do that, you risk that time never coming. If you can’t complete the whole goal right now, create a mini-goal that you can finish that when done will help you to achieve your larger goal. Any progress is good progress!

8.) Distractions

People, at home, social pressure. These can all distract you from your goals. Remember why you’re trying to achieve your goals, and this can help you keep on track.

9.) Lack of consistency

Are you not doing the same things every day to help achieve your goals? Do you work hard one day and then slack off another?

Show up everyday with effort and you’ll be rewarded. The more consistent you are, the easier it is to achieve goals as they become habits. Get in the habit of talking to locals when you wake up each morning and you’ll find it second nature after a while.

Keep showing up and you'll eventually catch a ride.

10.) Expectations

More on this next week!

As you've learned, if you're interested in consistently having exceptional travel experiences, you should to set goals. The best travel goals are SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-Based—and are often steps towards fulfilling a greater purpose or Why. Such goals provide travelers with the motivation, vision, and resiliency. By following a few straight-forward steps, anyone can design, develop, and—ultimately—live their travel dreams.

Eager to take the next step towards achieving your travel goals? D ownload my FREE guide   The Traveler’s Mindset: How to Mentally Prepare for Journeys of Adventure and Growth !

You may also enjoy:

Thoughtful thursday – december 15, 2016, thoughtful thursday – december 1, 2016, best travel quotes – 127 inspirational travel quotes for your next trip, 7 of the best things i ate while traveling in 2016 (plus 1 that sucked), leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Food & Drink
• What to pack
• City Guides
• Travel Hacks
• New Zealand
• North America
• Latin America

Share this page

Copied to clipboard!

Real Life Stories

25 travel goals to check off your bucket list

By Danielle Kirk

Published on Dec 10, 2018

I don’t subscribe to the ‘ New Year, New Me ’ motto but I like to go into a new year with a plan –  and, of course, new travel goals! E ven though we now know the year can throw any number of surprises, pandemics (don’t we know it) and life changes our way, a plan’s a great place to set out intentions. And it can always evolve to include next year’s plans too! We’ve all learned how to adapt lately..

So what does my yearly bucket list look like? Well, it’s full of travel, travel and (you guessed it) more travel. I’m dreaming big, and assuming nothing’s off limits! Here are my 25 travel goals for the year.

1. Get to at least one new country

Ticking off that long list of must-see destinations has to start somewhere, and while I’ve made a great start (33 countries and counting!), every year I need to see a new one. Sri Lanka and Japan are at the top of my travel goals list for the year.

2. See an Aurora event

Whether it’s in the Southern hemisphere or the Northern hemisphere, I want to gaze in wonder at the Aurora Borealis (or Southern Lights/Northern Lights). That means a trip to Iceland , Finland or a northern Scandinavian region, or a trip to New Zealand or Tasmania is on the cards.

Image source: Jonatan Pie

3. Try one food that I’ve never tried before

Everyone knows that food is life and every day I see an international morsel I’m yet to taste. I’ve never eaten crickets so my daring side is desperate to hop on a plane to give them a go, but the real point of this travel goal is to say yes to whatever local delicacy is on offer every time I travel. If it involves cheese, all the better.

4. Take advantage of an epic flight sale

Whenever I see an amazing sale on flights like ‘fly return to Hawaii for $500’ I think ‘OMG I MUST HAVE IT’, but then the sensible part of my brain kicks in and I worry that it doesn’t fit into my travel plan for the year and blah blah blah. Not this year. This year I’ll be embracing my inner spontaneous self by booking one random flight deal and see where the wind (ahem, plane) takes me.

Feeling inspired?

Greek Island Hopping

5. head out of town for more long weekends.

I often forget to make the most of a long weekend by booking a trip. One rolls around and I think of the million chores around the house that need to get done instead of thinking where I could go. Whether it’s a short road trip or a three-day getaway to somewhere close by, this year I’ll be making the most of every long weekend. And savouring more of the places right on my doorstep! 

6. Travel with someone new

Last year I was lucky enough to travel with a friend of mine for the first time (before things turned crazy!) and it was AMAZING. This year, I plan to travel with another friend for the first time (or a group of strangers, I’m not picky – whatever we can make happen!) so I can see how they like to satisfy their wanderlust.

10 best places to travel in 2021

7. do something meaningful while travelling.

We would all agree the rise of voluntourism (that’s when you volunteer while travelling) is only a good thing. But alas, I’ve never done it myself. This year, that is all going to change—specifically, finding a way to give back to local communities while on my travels, whether through volunteering, supporting local charities or even doing a beach clean up it’s high on my travel goals list once we get back on the road.

8. Find a view that leaves me breathless

Being awed by the big wide world is why we travel. I crave those quiet moments where I’m looking out over a mountain range, staring up at ancient trees or swimming in an ocean that I’ve never been in before. This year, I want at least one of those unforgettable moments.

Image source: Kalen Emsley

10 of the best Contiki trips for conscious travel

9. go somewhere without wifi.

Getting off the grid is so refreshing, so this year I’m dreaming of a place where my phone has no signal so I can reconnect and just be without the incessant notifications. Sure, I could just turn off my phone right now, but we all know I won’t, and anyway, getting off the grid is more fun in a foreign country.

10. See whales

Seeing animals in their natural habitat is a gift. There are few animals that aren’t on my list, but this year I want to make my dream of seeing whales in the wild come true. They’re majestic, powerful and kind of mysterious, and I have a feeling it will be one of those moments I’ll tell my grandkids about.

Image source: Unsplash

11. Learn to scuba dive

I was never a strong swimmer as a child but I’ve overcome my water phobia in the last few years and now I’m ready to take it up a notch: by learning to scuba dive. I want to see what’s under the waves and let’s be real, diving is the best way to do it. Tropical destinations—I’m coming for you.

12. Pay for an upgrade on a flight

Like any traveller, I am naturally thrifty (how else would I make all of my travel dreams come true?) so I always sniff out the cheapest flights possible. Just once though, I’d love to spend a little extra cash and have a great time in the sky. I’ve heard a lot about the elusive world of bidding on Business Class seats last minute so that’s my plan for the next international flight. At the very least, I’ll splash out for a seat with extra leg room.

13. Finally figure out how to pack like a pro

Learning the art of packing is a skill I’m yet to master. I’m always filling my suitcase with stuff I’m not going to use at the other end, but figuring out what to ditch is so hard. In preparation for the year ahead, I’m going to watch every packing tutorial I can get my hands on until I finally become a pro. Bonus points if I manage to travel with a backpack and nothing else.

14. Sleep in a capsule hotel

I cannot explain why this fascinates me so much but I am dying to sleep in a pod. Japan is famous for space-saving capsule hotels but there’s also the super cool Jucy Snooze pod hostels in New Zealand . I want to sleep in a small pod with just me, myself and I, do not ask me why.

15. Visit a truly epic library

Reading is my second biggest passion after travel and while working at Contiki, I’ve come face to face with images of libraries that are so beautiful they’re basically at Beauty and the Beast library level. I need to see one of these with my own two eyes. There’s one in Austria at Admont Abbey that is beyond magical, but there’s also an epic one in China that holds 1.2 million books that’s on my list. I’ll take both, thankyouverymuch.

All the local Detour accommodation we’re lusting after

16. swim under a waterfall.

I feel most free when I’m swimming so I just know I’ll feel even more free swimming under a waterfall. I swam under a raging waterfall in Costa Rica years ago and absolutely loved it so I’m keen to repeat the experience somewhere new (and hopefully more relaxing). It’s also good for the ‘Gram and I’m only human (sue me).

17. Do a big hike

Granted, this is a leftover from last year’s travel goals list but that just gives me more incentive to do it next year. Machu Picchu is calling my name – right now, I’ll take any chance to stretch my legs and climb a mountain.

18. Eat at a Michelin starred restaurant

Full disclosure—I ate at a Michelin starred restaurant about seven years ago and I’m ashamed to admit I did not appreciate the experience like I would now. The current plan is to head to  Japan first since they have the most Michelin starred restaurants in the world, but also,  Singapore’s hawker markets have some of the cheapest. Maybe I’d better do both just to be sure. Hey, this girl’s gotta eat!

19. Spend New Year’s Eve somewhere that knows how to have a good time

I have such a love/hate relationship with New Year and let’s be honest, the end of last year’s was pretty, well, anticlimactic. This year, I’d love to head somewhere known for its epic New Year celebrations. Times Square in New York , Amsterdam or Paris , I’m looking at you!

20. Up my travel photography game

I can’t tell you how many trips I’ve wasted trying to get the perfect Instagram shot of various bucket-list places. This year, I want to focus on more candid, authentic, storytelling photos – ones I can be proud to hang on my wall.

21. Take a cooking class in another country

As I eat my way around the world, one of my big travel goals is to learn from the locals. I’d love to bring some of their amazing recipes and techniques back home with me. Maybe, just maybe, I’ll then be on my way to becoming a culinary wizard in the kitchen…

22. Find a souvenir with some real meaning

For me, souvenirs should be more than dust collectors. My goal is to start collecting pieces that I’ll cherish forever. I love the idea of decorating my home with beautiful handmade items that I’ve collected from local artists all over the world. Plus, I’d love to support more local businesses as I travel.

23. Order an entire meal in another language

Technology is amazing, but I find I’ve become so reliant on it that I don’t take the time to really challenge myself with new languages. Instead of scanning the menu for translations or pointing and nodding, I want to be able to eat a local meal and communicate in the native language. Beyond ‘please’ and ‘thank you’, I want to learn how to do it all; from asking for a table to departing with a satisfied and full belly.

24. Keep a travel journal

Travel can be a blur of amazing moments, but this year I want to take the time to document those feelings and experiences at the end of every day. Journaling every day will be my way of making every day count, and never forgetting the little things along the way. The past year has reiterated that sentiment more than ever.

Big Indochina Adventure

25. do something that really terrifies me.

The more terrifying the better. For that reason, I don’t want to narrow it down to something specific. This year I challenge myself to be more spontaneous – to say ‘yes’ to one of those crazy adventurous moments that I’d normally dismiss out of fear. Bungee? Skydiving? Swimming with sharks? Only the travel gods know what’s in store for me… Whatever the case, I want to make every travel moment count, and never take any of them for granted. Roll on 2021!

12 of the cheapest countries in Europe you can travel to

17 of the most beautiful places to visit in new zealand, 15 best things to do in costa rica on your next trip, 22 best things to do in iceland, stop dreaming and make sh*t happen.

8 countries, 12 days

European Discovery

1 country, 9 days

Viva Costa Rica

1 country, 6 days

Ultimate Inca Trail

Our website uses cookies to ensure you have the best experience, showing content and offers that are most relevant to you. To learn more about this, see our Cookie Policy.

Travel Goals

Almost 70 percent of Americans have a bucket list, with travel goals at the top of the majority of those lists. It’s easy to make grand statements about your travel goals, but will you ever reach them?

Approximately 56 percent of American adults say that money is an obstacle to achieving their bucket list goals. But people are willing to spend up to $12,888 on their bucket list on average.

How can you create and organize your travel goals so that you can fund them and accomplish them?

Why Should You Set Travel Goals?

Traveling helps you expand your worldview. Even if you’re content sitting on your couch, taking in the sights on Netflix, you can gain a lot by getting out of your comfort zone. It’s not always easy to take time away from your daily obligations. But doing so has several benefits for your physical and mental health.

Traveling Improves Your Interpersonal Skills

When you travel, especially to a country where they don’t speak your native language, you need to use more than speaking skills. You must communicate using facial expressions and body language. You learn to “listen” using all of your senses instead of just your ears.

You have to keep an open mind when you travel. The fact that you are exposed to cultural norms that may be different than your own can alter your perspective.

Traveling enhances your social skills . If you travel alone, you’ll have a chance to meet more people than you typically do on a day-to-day basis at home. When you’re sharing the same experience with others, you probably have similar mindsets. By engaging in conversation, you’ll learn what you have in common and what you don’t.

Even if you don’t usually spark up conversations with people, you’ll get some practice while you’re traveling. You may not have to be the initiator. People will often initiate conversations with you.

Traveling Builds Character

Mark Twain said, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.”

Traveling gives you the chance to try something new. Even if you stay within your comfort zone at home, you’re likely to embrace novel experiences while traveling.

For example, you might try a type of food although you order the same thing off of the menu at your favorite restaurant. You may attempt an adventure sport even though going to a Zumba class is the most adventurous that you are at home. You’re likely to expand your horizons while traveling because you know that the opportunity might not present itself again.

Traveling Builds Trust

Studies show that people who travel increase their level of trust in others. The key is having varied experience. Most researchers have found that more time spent in different countries doesn’t necessarily help you build trust. However, the breadth of travel, or the number of countries visited, correlates with increased generalized trust.

Traveling Enhances Your Creativity

Traveling may help you think outside the box. Travel experiences may not always go according to plan. Planes get delayed, people get lost and challenges come up. Sometimes, you have to think creatively to manage stressful situations.

Research shows that people who have worked abroad are more imaginative than those who have always worked close to home. Immersing yourself in a new culture allows you to integrate new beliefs, values and customs into your own identity. As you do that, you become more well-rounded.

You have to think in different ways. You have to decide how you feel about different philosophies and ideas. As you become a more flexible thinker, you also become more creative.

Traveling Helps You Solve Problems

The same study that looked at creativity revealed that students who lived in different countries were 20 percent more apt to decipher a computer task than those who remained near their hometowns. When you think creatively, you come up with new ways to perform the same old task.

When you’re exposed to different cultures, you learn that there is more than one way of doing things. You become more likely to integrate ideas in new ways.

Traveling Improves Your Focus and Productivity

Even though your boss might not want to let you take time off for that much-needed vacation, getting away can boost your productivity when you return. That’s especially true if you get some outdoor time while you’re there.

Just looking at nature improves your attention. Moreover, exposing yourself to new experiences keeps your mind sharp.

Even if you don’t go somewhere green, just taking all of your vacation days can make you more refreshed when you return to work. If you can’t detach from your job , you’ll likely experience burnout, which gets in the way of your productivity.

Make some travel goals so that you don’t neglect your vacation time this year.

Traveling Makes You Happy

In 2012, Expedia reported that 89 percent of people who took vacations experienced significant stress relief within two days of departing. Even just planning a trip can make you happier.

The anticipation of your vacation can reduce stress up to eight weeks before you leave. Plus, waiting for an experience, like a trip, makes you happier than anticipating making a material purchase.

These Are the Most Popular Travel Goals

Of the top bucket list goals , 12 out of 20 have to do with travel. The most popular lifetime travel goals include:

• See the Northern Lights
• Go on an African Safari
• Walk the Great Wall of China
• Swim at the Great Barrier Reef
• See Egypt’s pyramids
• Ride on a Gondola in Venice
• Go on a cross-country road trip
• Climb the Eiffel Tower
• Walk the Pacific Crest Trail
• Take a cruise in Alaska
• Visit Stonehenge
• Climb a major mountain

You may have similar goals. However, your travel dreams don’t have to be this grand. When you’re setting travel goals, start small. Think about all of the nearby places that you want to visit. It helps if you can drive to them within three hours.

Then, you can schedule them on the weekends and begin to cross them off your list. As you accomplish your smaller travel goals, you’ll gain confidence and become a more flexible traveler.

You’ll likely want to take your newfound skills to more exotic destinations once you’re an avid trip-taker. If making a list of travel goals seems daunting, think of it as a wish list. You can refresh it at any time, and it’s not a binding plan for your future.

Other Examples of Travel Goals

Here are some other popular destination goals.

• Explore Thailand
• Trek to Machu Picchu
• Visit the Cave of Swallows in Mexico
• Stay at an eco-resort in Costa Rica
• Go to the tallest building in the world
• Visit China
• Visit Japan
• Go to the top tourist destinations in London
• Dine at local pubs in Ireland
• Go to Disney World
• Hike in Patagonia

You don’t have to base your travel goals on a specific destination. You can set goals that encourage you to go exploring without a particular location in mind. Some examples of these include:

• Visit one new location every month
• Jump on a great flight or hotel deal once a year
• Go to one tourist attraction in your town every month
• Drive somewhere within a two-hour radius by yourself
• Volunteer in another country within the next five years
• Make a pilgrimage within the next ten years
• Take a road trip with the family this year
• Go snorkeling next year
• Take a foodie tour of your town this weekend

Create Action Steps

Writing down a list of goals and transforming your excuses helps you get to where you want to go. However, that’s not always enough to give you a clear plan to reach your travel goals.

You’ll start seeing a difference once you develop action steps that move you toward your objectives. To do this, work backward from your larger aim.

For example, perhaps one of your goals is to visit the southern coast of Spain. Once you’ve written that down, you’ll need to break it down into smaller steps. These might include the following:

• Decide which cities you want to visit.
• When is the best/least expensive time to go?
• Look up flights.
• Do some research on online forums and ask other travelers about their experiences.
• Get yourself a travel book to learn more about the region.
• Decide what types of accommodations you want to stay in.

Establish a Timeline

Once you have clarified those steps, you can move on to the next crucial part of goal-setting—establishing a timeline. If you’re traveling to one place, find out the ideal time to visit. The answer may depend on the weather or the busy season.

You’ll have some decisions to make. For example, you’ll have to choose whether you want to go when the area is packed with other tourists or during the off-season.

Visiting when everyone else does can help you feel like part of the crowd, which may be important to you if you’re traveling solo. If you’re doing a work exchange program, however, you may prefer to immerse yourself in the local culture when everyone else isn’t gawking at the famous landmarks.

Budget for Your Trip

By this time, you’ll likely have a good idea of how much you’ll need to spend on your trip. You haven’t worked out the ins and outs of your daily life on your journey, but you should have a sense of how much the flights and accommodations will be. Allot a certain amount of spending money per day.

Many guidebooks and blogs can help you with this step. Some tell you how much the average traveler spends per day in a particular city.

Decide how you’re going to save money for your trip. You could do one or more of the following:

• Open a travel bank account and put aside a small portion of each paycheck
• Cut down on extra expenses and deposit the extra money into the vacation fund
• Put extra income, such as bonuses, into the fund
• Take on a part-time job or a side hustle to earn vacation money
• Hold a yard sale to raise funds for your trip

Then, you’ll have to come up with a budget to stick to while you’re traveling. Estimating the costs ahead of time can help you with this. Once you’ve done that, you can calculate your total spending for the larger expenses, like flights and accommodations, and give yourself a daily budget for activities and miscellaneous expenses.

Make a Vision Board

Feeling the emotions that will come when you reach your goals is an important part of the planning process. Visualization helps you realize why you set these goals in the first place. Keeping your objectives at the forefront of your mind can help you stay motivated when money becomes tight or you become so busy that you might otherwise neglect your dreams.

Making a vision board is one way to do this. Gather photos of the destination that you’re planning to go to. Imagine how excited you’ll feel when you make your dreams come true.

Post your vision board where you’ll see it every day as a reminder that your travel goals are attainable.

Plan Your Time

You’ll likely have to shift your schedule to make room for your vacation plans. Do you need to request time off from work? Will you have to train someone to do your job in the meantime?

Write down all of the steps that you have to take before you hit the road (or the air). These may include:

• Purchasing flights
• Asking for time off
• Getting someone to care for your pets or water your plants while you’re gone
• Purchasing luggage or special equipment that you might need for your travel
• Giving yourself time to pack

Give yourself a deadline for completing each of these steps. If you spread them out throughout the month or year, you’ll stay motivated because you’ll get a boost of enthusiasm every time you cross something off of your list.

Why Aren’t You Achieving Your Travel Goals?

If you’re not rolling in the dough at the present moment, you might avoid setting travel goals altogether. After all, it might not seem realistic to plan to visit distant cities when your car needs work and your rent payment is looming.

Money may not be the only obstacle that’s preventing you from traveling the way that you want to. We’re often ruled by limiting beliefs that we don’t even know we have.

You may think that you can’t travel because:

• You have children
• You don’t have enough money
• You don’t have the time
• You don’t have a travel partner
• You don’t speak a foreign language
• You’re afraid of flying
• You can’t get time off of work

Shifting your mindset can help you set realistic travel goals. Perhaps you have a desire to take a transatlantic cruise. If you can’t take more than a week off at a time, you won’t be able to book that trip. But it doesn’t mean that you can’t take a cruise at all. Quick getaways can be just as rejuvenating and life-changing as longer journeys.

Write down all of the excuses that you give yourself for avoiding travel. If you aren’t making travel a priority, maybe it’s not that important to you. If you decide that it is, you might need to drop another activity to make room for a vacation.

Here are some suggestions for busting through your excuses so that you can achieve your travel goals.

I Can’t Travel Because I Have Children

Kids don’t automatically ruin your travel opportunities. In fact, there are many reasons why traveling with kids is good for you , including:

• You move more slowly and notice more
• You’re more likely to go to bed early and get enough rest
• You’ll often wake up early and hit the sights before the crowds do
• You might do all of those childish things that you wouldn’t do alone
• You may get privileged access to behind-the-scenes experience or fast lanes
• Children often travel for free

If you have children, you might need to adjust your travel goals so that you can take your kids into account. You might not be able to ride the biggest roller coaster at the theme park with a toddler, but you could get behind-the-scenes access at the zoo.

Consider these factors, and work them into your travel goals. Also, remember that your children won’t be young forever. You can make travel goals that are appropriate for them at any age. Then, you can go on solo vacations once your kids have left the nest.

I Don’t Have Enough Money to Travel

A trip around the world will cost approximately $2,000 a month . However, a backpacker can make it around the world for a total of $6,000.

There are so many variables that affect the cost of travel. If you telecommute, you may even be able to work during your trip, making enough money to fund the journey because being abroad can be cheaper than being at home as long as you don’t have to pay the mortgage while you’re gone.

In some cases, longer trips can be cheaper, relatively, than short trips because you give yourself more downtime. You don’t try to stuff so many activities into a brief timeframe.

But even if you don’t have the money for a round-the-world trip, you can make the most out of whatever situation you’re in.

Some suggestions for affording at least one trip a year even if your budget is tight include:

• Taking weekend trips by car
• Saving and investing your spare change
• Tighten up your spending
• Make money on the side
• Be flexible with your travel dates
• Use a credit card that earns travel points

You can also avoid paying for accommodations by taking part in a work exchange program . These offer so many opportunities for you to use your skills. Hostels, farms, restaurants and small villages may host you in exchange for a few hours of help each day.

If you’re setting travel goals, consider creating financial goals to go along with them. As your bank account grows, you can adapt your travel goals accordingly.

I Don’t Have the Time to Travel

If you’re not working 24/7, you have time to travel. However, your travel lifestyle has to suit your daily lifestyle. If you practice setting goals consistently, you can make sure that your travel objectives align with your work goals.

People who want to travel extensively can set career goals that allow them this kind of freedom. On the other hand, if you prefer to stick with the 9-to-5, adjust your travel goals so that they fit your schedule.

Let’s say that you get two weeks of paid time off per year. Add that to all of your weekends, and you have more than 100 travel days. That’s almost four months. You won’t be able to take those days consecutively, but you can do a lot with all of that freedom.

Nomadic Matt says that most people think that they don’t have the time to travel because they associate vacations with expensive, complicated trips. The travel industry has contributed to this way of thinking. Their marketing makes us think that we have to spend a lot of money and time on our vacations.

But there are so many resources to learn more about traveling on a time and financial budget. Setting goals can help you maximize your time so that you don’t have to make this excuse anymore.

I Don’t Have a Travel Partner

It’s completely understandable if you are afraid to travel alone. If your friends don’t have the same level of passionate about your vacation plans, you might want to find a travel buddy.

Your friends may not have the same dreams and goals as you do, and that’s ok.

But if you want to grow, you might want to consider traveling solo. MeanderWithMeg explains that she chooses to travel by herself because it’s in line with her goals. She finds travel buddies along the way instead of prepping for her trips with friends.

That way, she doesn’t have to wait for anyone else to come up with the funds or agree on an itinerary. She gains confidence from traveling solo.

If you set travel goals that align with your values, you’ll probably find the motivation to get away even if no one can go with you.

Some ways to travel alone and meet people along the way include:

• Start with a solid plan
• Tell others about your itinerary (with no expectations)
• Join a local day tour on your trip
• Travel to backpacker-friendly places
• Stay in hostels
• Travel with a small group
• Go on a themed retreat
• Network using social media
• Use Airbnb and choose a shared rental

I Don’t Speak the Language

Most people aren’t equipped to learn the language of every country to which they wish to travel. The thought that you might not be able to communicate with people easily brings up a lot of fear and discomfort.

But many tourist locations are used to dealing with foreign travelers. English is the universal travel language, and you’ll often find people who understand you if you speak simply and clearly.

If you’re journeying off the beaten path, finding someone who speaks your language can be more difficult. But it’s not impossible to communicate in a foreign country.

You can learn a few key words in a different language when you’re traveling. Write them down if you think that you won’t be able to remember them. Some of the most important words that will help you get what you need on your next vacation include:

You might also want to write down the names of cities that you will be traveling to. Put the name of your accommodations in writing so that you can ask for directions easily. Carry a translator or travel phrase book with you, and pack a pad of paper and pen in your bag just in case you need to communicate using the rules of Pictionary.

I’m Afraid of Flying

According to statistics, you’re more likely to be in a fatal car accident than an airplane crash. Still, those numbers don’t always quell your sense of dread when you step on an airplane.

Facts don’t make a difference if you have a flying phobia. Some tips that could help you combat your fear of flying are:

• Get to the airport with plenty of time – If you move slowly as you pack, arrive at the airport and board the plane, you’ll help avoid triggering your body’s alarm response.
• Remember the endpoint – Remind yourself of the purpose of your trip so that you can rely on excitement, which is extremely similar to fear.
• Distract yourself – Keep yourself occupied during the flight so that you don’t have mental space to worry. Chatting with a seatmate can distract you from invasive thoughts.

You can achieve your travel goals even if they seem overwhelming. If you put your mind to it and create a strategy, you’ll be able to go wherever you want with a little dedication and discipline.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Our mission, vision and values

Our vision is the future we want to achieve. Our mission is what we do every day to bring that vision to life.

Helping people and companies travel smart and achieve more

Solve it together

Act with purpose, do what’s right, give your best, feed the future.

When we give others the tools, skills and opportunities to succeed, they flourish. When we give ourselves the same, we’re unstoppable.

Our commitment to  diversity and inclusion

A message from our global executive team.

As a travel company, we exist to bring people together. When people come together, they create opportunities for shared experience, dialogue, and growth.

Around the world, civil protests against ongoing social injustices continue to highlight the stark inequalities that prevent some people from being empowered participants in these opportunities.

As a company, we’ve traditionally stayed out of public debate on social issues; our focus has been on the work of providing a safe, respectful and inclusive work environment for all our people. However, in an atmosphere of heightened awareness and involvement, we believe it’s important to add our voices to the discussion and share our perspective with you.

We can’t all personally understand the experiences of those who are affected by social injustice—but we can all have the empathy to understand that these inequalities can’t be tolerated. We wholeheartedly support all those who press for justice, and we are saddened by those few whose violent and destructive actions distract from the importance of the issues at hand. And we stand with the individual members of our BCD family around the world who have been directly or indirectly affected by far-reaching legacies of inequality.

BCD’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is longstanding. We recognize that we must always strive to do better by our people and our communities, and that our work in this area can never be “done.” As part of that discussion, we’re challenging ourselves to further listen and strengthen our approach to a diverse and inclusive workplace. From offering our people additional training and resources to re-evaluating the impact of our initiatives, we’re committed to moving forward in the spirit of humanity and humility.

Our commitment is rooted in our core values. In tackling tough challenges as a team (Solve it together), driving change (Act with purpose), advocating for justice (Do what’s right), making things happen (Give your best) and empowering ourselves and others (Feed the future), we move toward a better tomorrow.

We truly believe that social injustice and the COVID pandemic are linked by what they represent: Both reveal an infection we have yet to overcome. We all have a role to play in fighting the infection. And it’s only by embracing that role that we—and our communities—will flourish.

About BCD Travel

BCD Travel helps companies travel smart and achieve more. We drive program adoption, cost savings and talent retention through digital experiences that simplify business travel. Our 13,000 dedicated team members service clients in 170+ countries as we shape a sustainable future for business travel. For more information, visit www.bcdtravel.com .

About BCD Group

BCD Group is a market leader in the travel industry. The privately owned company was founded in 1975 by John Fentener van Vlissingen and consists of BCD Travel, its subsidiaries BCD Meetings & Events and Advito, and Park ‘N Fly. For more information, visit www.bcdgroup.com .  

Travel smart. Achieve more.

Get solutions for business travel that help you save time, money and stress.

The goal setting mentor

Travel goals: the simple 4 step method for achieving them. Plus 32 examples.

Travel goals are different than all other types of goals. They require a different system for setting and achieving them.

I love to travel, but if I don’t set travel goals I always end up on my couch at home.

So here is a simple system for setting travel goals which can help you visit the places you always dreamed of visiting.

The nice thing is that at this stage, you don’t have to worry if you have enough money or time. You just enjoy the enthusiasm of knowing that one day you will go there.

Here are the steps (warning: they are kinda fun)

Step1: Create a travel goals wishlist

First, you would like to create a wishlist . It’s like a list of your dream places to visit.

This is very similar to a “someday-maybe” places to visit list. You don’t have to set deadlines or make SMART travel goals (yet).

You just set an intention to visit this place someday.

You can constantly “refill” your travel goals wishlist when you encounter a place you may want to visit.

If you don’t have a wishlist, brainstorm based on continents. Think about travel goals for Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, South America, etc.

Then record the list in your favorite note taking app (like Evernote or OneNote) or in your Moleskine notebook.

2. Create a vision board for all places. This is how you do it with your computer

What the mind can conceive, it can achieve. So, you need to “feed your mind” with the images of the places you want to visit.

If you like the old fashion way, you just print out the places you want to visit, cut them and put them on a large sheet of paper.

To find images, you just search for the place in Google Images:

If you want to get only high-quality images, click on “Search tools” and choose Large size images.

Here is how you can create a digital travel goals vision board.

Second, set up a slideshow for this folder. Here is how you do it with Windows 10. Every OS has similar settings, no matter if it’s a Mac or Linux.

Third, when you happen to find a great picture, just put it in the folder. It will start to show automatically on your desktop.

Step 3: Create a separate bank account and put 3% of your income in your new travel goals account

There is a famous money managing system by Harv Eker, which is called “money jars system”.

The idea is to set a “jar” or nowadays a bank account 🙂 and put a certain amount there after you get paid.

It follows the rule “pay myself first” and you don’t wait until some money is left. You have to put money aside when you are paid (e.g. get salary) and live with the rest.

So, decide how much money you are going to set aside – it may be 1%, 3%, up to 10%. But you have to put this money in your bank account each month regularly no matter what.

It will seem like magic , but after just a few months or perhaps a year you will have a bank account with money for dream holidays you never dreamed you could afford to visit.

In this regard, don’t let your limiting beliefs stop you from traveling

The biggest obstacle from achieving the dream life you desire is … You!

We all have some limiting beliefs. I hope you are at least not in denial and say “I don’t have limiting beliefs”.

I’ve heard it all: I don’t have the time. I don’t have the money. I can’t travel with kids. I have someone I have to take care of and can’t leave them…

These are all excuses and I just showed you how to eliminate the biggest one – money. Deal with all of them in the same manner.

Step 4: Review your travel goals wishlist during the yearly goal setting process

No matter if you use the “Goal buddy” goal setting system or not, if you regularly set goals, you would have something like a “yearly goals review”.

Take out your wishlist and consider choosing one of the travel goals as a goal you would like to achieve during the next year.

You would need to make this goal a SMART goal. It’s not anymore a wish, it’s more concrete now.

Create projects that can help you achieve these goals

Break down the goal in detailed projects with exact action steps.

Here are just a few examples:

• Research time to visit / local places to visit
• Research and book hotels
• Research and buy tickets for travel
• Trip preparation

That’s it. Repeat year after year and check off your travel goals wishlist

By just doing this each year, step by step you can visit all the places you want to visit.

Need an example? Here is my list of 32 travel goals

I know people love examples, that’s why I will share my travel goals wishlist. Remember, this is my list. It will be completely different than yours.

Visit the “Lost City of the Incas” aka Machu Picchu

I don’t know why, but I am so attracted to this place. I have no idea why I want to visit Machu Picchu, but this one is on top of my list.

I am not a huge Gloria Estefan fan, but I often watch this video, because it has great pictures from Machu Pichu.

Explore Singapore and Thailand – accomplished

This one is accomplished. Me, my wife and two friends spent two weeks in Singapore, Phuket and Bangkok. It was amazing – very different culture.

Climb the highest building in the world – Burj al Arab in Dubai -accomplished

My education is in civil engineering and I am always interested in high buildings. What about the highest building in the world?

Here is a picture I took from the top of Burj al Arab in Dubai.

Visit the most beautiful beach in Greece – Porto Katsiki in Lefkada

Ok, I still can’t agree that someone will just label a single beach in Greece to be the “most beautiful”. There are so many great beaches in Greece.

But this beach in Lefkada is for sure one of the best beaches in Greece. I was there because my goal buddy Nikolay “forced” me to visit the beautiful island of Lefkada and I am happy he did.

Visit China

Great culture, great places to visit. Someday I will go there.

Thasos, Greece – accomplished

Maybe not on top of everybody’s list, but because of the location, which is near to where I live, I could visit this place.

Early in the mornings, while the kids were sleeping,  my wife and I traveled around the island. Here’s a picture I took one morning.

Visit Madame Tussauds in London with my son – accomplished

I had a business trip to London and took my son with me to have what we call “dad & son time”.

He was just so impressed. This time together was priceless.

Explore Cappadocia by … balloon

Another very interesting place to visit.

Visit the beaches of Chalkidiki, Greece – accomplished

I love Chalkidiki. It has amazing beaches and very nice weather. I go there almost every year and can’t get enough of it.

It’s more or less a “recurring goal” for me…

Saint Petersburg

This is perhaps the most beautiful city in Russia. I will be there one day.

Snorkeling in Egypt – accomplished

I am not attracted to the pyramids, but the underwater beauty of Red sea is incomparable. I have visited Egypt 3 times and would like to go back again.

A lot of friends told me that Berlin is great. I will have to check it out.

Holiday in Antalya – accomplished

Just like Egypt, Antalya in Turkey is great for holidays. I was there and I had the feeling I was in paradise.

San Francisco

Looks like a place I want to visit someday.

Visit Paris – accomplished

Explore rome – accomplished.

Great city, amazing food. Here is a picture I took outside of St Peter’s Basilica.

I want to visit this place.

Prague at Christmas time – accomplished

I felt as if I was in a fairy tale. Prague, especially at Christmas time was great. The atmosphere is unbelievable.

Check out the city that never sleeps, New York

I’ve heard, listened to and read so much about this place, It would be a shame if it’s not on my list.

Istanbul – accomplished

The city is spread over two continents. It’s partially in Europe, partially in Asia.

It was a strange mix of cultures there.

Maybe not so far in the future…

I am somehow attracted to this place and I would like to explore it more.

Vienna at Christmas time

After promoting Prague at Christmas time to so many people, some of them recommended Vienna. It should be also great during this time of the year.

Italy is warm and their food and wine are great. Time to check out Venice.

Visit the Cologne cathedral – accomplished

Disney land.

Looks perfect for a family holiday. I still haven’t been there.

Gaudi’s work in Barcelona

Immediately after I visited Cologne, I knew one day I will visit Barcelona. I wanted to check the work of Gaudi.

It’s a city that one could easily fall in love with.

I love the beaches and the sea. Someday I have to check one of the most famous places on earth in this regard.

Beer fest at Munich – accomplished

Wow – what and experience. I am sorry I can’t find my pictures from it…

Walk trough Budapest

After visiting Prague, I wanted to visit similar cities and Budapest seems like a good choice.

Sicily, Italy

Looks like an interesting destination.

A friend recommended me this place and it looks enough exotic to be on my list.

Do you like this method?

Share it on Facebook, so more people can learn about it.

Subscribe to our Newsletter!

Get free updates and goal setting tips.

• ← Are you wasting your time not launching your ideas?
• 10 tips how to free your mind and be successful →

One thought on “ Travel goals: the simple 4 step method for achieving them. Plus 32 examples. ”

The Burj Khalfia, not the small ‘older’ hotel on the beach as Burj Al Arab. He says looking at the tall one whilst reading your stuff. Nice by the way, keep going. : )))))

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Hey! Sign up for our newsletter and get The FREE Goal Setting Guide

We will send the PDF directly to your email inbox.

We've detected unusual activity from your computer network

To continue, please click the box below to let us know you're not a robot.

Why did this happen?

Please make sure your browser supports JavaScript and cookies and that you are not blocking them from loading. For more information you can review our Terms of Service and Cookie Policy .

For inquiries related to this message please contact our support team and provide the reference ID below.

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

• Explore sell to government
• Ways you can sell to government
• How to access contract opportunities
• Conduct market research
• Register your business
• Certify as a small business
• Become a schedule holder
• Market your business
• Research active solicitations
• Respond to a solicitation
• What to expect during the award process
• Comply with contractual requirements
• Handle contract modifications
• Monitor past performance evaluations
• Explore real estate
• 3D-4D building information modeling
• Art in architecture | Fine arts
• Computer-aided design standards
• Commissioning
• Design excellence
• Engineering
• Project management information system
• Spatial data management
• Facilities operations
• Smart buildings
• Tenant services
• Utility services
• Explore historic buildings
• Heritage tourism
• Historic preservation policy, tools and resources
• Historic building stewardship
• Videos, pictures, posters and more
• NEPA implementation
• Courthouse program
• Land ports of entry
• Prospectus library
• Regional buildings
• Renting property
• Visiting public buildings
• Real property disposal
• Reimbursable services (RWA)
• Rental policy and procedures
• Site selection and relocation
• For businesses seeking opportunities
• For federal customers
• For workers in federal buildings
• Workplace innovation
• Explore policy and regulations
• Acquisition management policy
• Aviation management policy
• Information technology policy
• Real property management policy
• Relocation management policy
• Travel management policy
• Vehicle management policy
• Federal acquisition regulations
• Federal management regulations
• Federal travel regulations
• GSA acquisition manual
• Managing the federal rulemaking process
• Explore small business
• Explore business models
• Research the federal market
• Forecast of contracting opportunities
• Events and contacts
• Explore travel
• Per diem rates
• Transportation (airfare rates, POV rates, etc.)
• State tax exemption
• Travel charge card
• Conferences and meetings
• E-gov travel service (ETS)
• Travel category schedule
• Federal travel regulation
• Travel policy
• Explore technology
• Cloud computing services
• Cybersecurity products and services
• Data center services
• Hardware products and services
• Professional IT services
• Software products and services
• Telecommunications and network services
• Work with small businesses
• Governmentwide acquisition contracts
• MAS information technology
• Software purchase agreements
• Cybersecurity
• Digital strategy
• Emerging citizen technology
• Federal identity, credentials, and access management
• Mobile government
• Technology modernization fund
• Explore about us
• Annual reports
• Mission and strategic goals
• Role in presidential transitions
• Why work at GSA
• Who we are seeking
• Where our jobs are
• How to apply
• Hiring process
• Events and training
• Agency blog
• Congressional testimony
• GSA does that podcast
• News releases
• Leadership directory
• Staff directory
• Office of the administrator
• Federal Acquisition Service
• Public Buildings Service
• Staff offices
• Board of Contract Appeals
• Office of Inspector General
• Region 1 | New England
• Region 2 | Northeast and Caribbean
• Region 3 | Mid-Atlantic
• Region 4 | Southeast Sunbelt
• Region 5 | Great Lakes
• Region 6 | Heartland
• Region 7 | Greater Southwest
• Region 8 | Rocky Mountain
• Region 9 | Pacific Rim
• Region 10 | Northwest/Arctic
• Region 11 | National Capital Region
• Per Diem Lookup

Privately owned vehicle (POV) mileage reimbursement rates

GSA has adjusted all POV mileage reimbursement rates effective January 1, 2023.

Airplane nautical miles (NMs) should be converted into statute miles (SMs) or regular miles when submitting a voucher using the formula (1 NM equals 1.15077945 SMs).

For calculating the mileage difference between airports, please visit the U.S. Department of Transportation's Inter-Airport Distance website.

QUESTIONS: For all travel policy questions, email [email protected]

The shortcut to this page is gsa.gov/mileage.

Have travel policy questions? Use our ' Have a Question? ' site

PER DIEM LOOK-UP

1 choose a location.

Error, The Per Diem API is not responding. Please try again later.

No results could be found for the location you've entered.

Rates for Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. Territories and Possessions are set by the Department of Defense .

Rates for foreign countries are set by the State Department .

2 Choose a date

Rates are available between 10/1/2021 and 09/30/2024.

The End Date of your trip can not occur before the Start Date.

Traveler reimbursement is based on the location of the work activities and not the accommodations, unless lodging is not available at the work activity, then the agency may authorize the rate where lodging is obtained.

Unless otherwise specified, the per diem locality is defined as "all locations within, or entirely surrounded by, the corporate limits of the key city, including independent entities located within those boundaries."

Per diem localities with county definitions shall include "all locations within, or entirely surrounded by, the corporate limits of the key city as well as the boundaries of the listed counties, including independent entities located within the boundaries of the key city and the listed counties (unless otherwise listed separately)."

When a military installation or Government - related facility(whether or not specifically named) is located partially within more than one city or county boundary, the applicable per diem rate for the entire installation or facility is the higher of the rates which apply to the cities and / or counties, even though part(s) of such activities may be located outside the defined per diem locality.