Some people are already working on their New Year’s resolutionsperhaps setting goals related to wellness, health or finances. Meanwhile, others are likely using the last stretches of 2025 to start planning where to take their first 2026 trip.
For those who can’t resist planning their next vacation (even while they’re currently on vacation), there’s no time like the present to start gathering inspiration and guidance for the year ahead.
In that spirit, we have created 12 travel resolutions for the new year. Here are a dozen ways to mix it up, get out of your comfort zone, savor new experiences, discover places that spark joy, and generally make 2026 your best year for travel.
Use all your allotted vacation days
First things first: In 2026, make a resolution to use all of your paid time off. Nearly a quarter of American workers did not take a single vacation day over the past year, according to a recent report from FlexJobs. Don’t be one of them.
Dedicate yourself to flying on an airline enough to earn elite status
Vow to be super loyal in 2026 by sticking to one airline as much as humanly possible. This way you can earn elite status for the first time or a level higher than last year. As a result of this effort, you will be able to unlock many more benefits to enjoy in 2027.
Related: The best credit cards to achieve elite status
Book a weekend getaway (or two) specifically to use your premium travel card hotel credit
As annual fees for premium travel credit cards continue to rise, you need to plan very intentional travel to maximize your card benefits. This ensures that you don’t waste any statement credits.
For example, when you pay in advance for a American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts either The hotel collection reservation made through American Express® Travel with your American Express Platinum® Cardyou can receive up to one $600 annual hotel credit per calendar year in the form of statement credits (allocated up to $300 semi-annually). Hotel Collection stays require a two-night minimum and enrollment is required for select benefits.
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Chase Sapphire Reserve® Cardholders receive two credits of up to $250 (up to $500 per year) for stays of two nights or more at The editionthe hotel booking platform selected by Chase (see rates and fees). Starting in 2026, you will have the flexibility to use these two credits at any time.
Extra kudos to anyone who simultaneously takes advantage of additional statement credits, such as the up to $300 annual Reserve StubHub credit (split into two $150 semi-annual statement credits on purchases made through December 31, 2027), on tickets to a sports game or concert on the same trip. Activation required.
Related: How to Make the Most of 5 Chase Sapphire Reserve Lifestyle Credits
Try the most interesting treatment on the hotel spa menu
Everyone wants to relax on vacation. But to spice things up a bit, skip the standard massage at the hotel spa and instead opt for the most exclusive-sounding treatment on the menu. Maybe it’s the floating water massage at Retreat at the Blue Lagoon (bookable through Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts) or a root chakra ceremony that includes a cleansing ceremony with Kemenyan smoke and tuning forks at the Four Seasons Bali Resort in Sayan (bookable through The Edit).
Also note that if you book through Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Edit by Chase, you may be able to use your $100 resort credit toward the treatment.
Explore a new place within your home state
Often, we’re so preoccupied with big moves (jumping continents, exploring different countries, returning to beloved destinations) that we forget that there are also beautiful places in our relative backyards. Next year, take a long weekend to sightsee in your own state and visit places you’ve never had time to before or even just to unwind in a cool environment.
Related: The best state park in every US state
Dive into a new hobby with a skill.
“Skillcation” may be a buzzword, but it has great merit. The idea is to take a thematic trip around a certain activity or skill that you want to learn or improve. Maybe it’s the surfing, in which case Hawaii, Morocco and Bali are worth checking out. Or maybe it’s paddle tennis, painting, cycling or cooking. Choose a passion, whether new or old, and then book a trip to the ideal destination for it.
Spin the globe and go there.
Maybe go around three times to be safe. And if that seems too extreme (or you don’t have a globe), get out of your comfort zone by traveling to a destination you never imagined visiting, one that’s not even on your bucket list. Giving a surprising place a chance could open the door to parts of the world you may not have known would resonate and also diversify your future travels.
Related: 12 Amazing Winter Vacation Ideas for a Warm Weather Getaway
Choose a means of transportation that you have never tried before
Trains, hot air balloons and cable cars. There are many idiosyncratic ways to move beyond our two feet, four wheels and two wings. The novelty of trying a new style of movement, whether it’s a funicular to the top of a mountain, a sleigh pulled by reindeer or huskies, a trishaw or rickshaw or a tuk-tuk, guarantees that you will have a great time.
Try not to plan anything during a whole day of vacation
This one is for all those who plan too much and put too much into each day of their trip. Try this experiment: don’t make plans, don’t make reservations, or book an entire day of your vacation and see where you end up. Follow your whims, the wind or the advice of a local and fight the temptation to rush. Instead, take things slow and savor the little surprises that will inevitably arise.
Download Duolingo and learn the language of your next destination
You’ll be surprised by the reception you’ll receive from the locals when you can greet them in their language and maybe even utter a few words and phrases. Duolingo offers virtually every language and even dialect imaginable, and the app is effective at reminding and motivating you to keep up your streak. So, there are no excuses. Make your daily practice part of a morning or evening ritual and, in the process, you’ll probably get even more excited about your next trip.
Let your travel companion order for you at restaurants on your next trip
Take a leap of faith with your meals. On your next trip, hand the reins to your travel companion and let them choose your food (and, of course, you make yours). Giving up power could take your taste buds on a journey they would never have taken. It’s a fun way to get to know someone better while making meals more exciting. And give yourself a big pat on the back if, in the process, you use a Resy Statement Credit from one of the American Express credit cards that offer it.
Related: The 10 Best Restaurants to Use Your New Amex Platinum Resy Credit
Find an immersive opportunity to support a locally owned business
Wherever you go next, try to be more aware of who owns the businesses you patronize or book with. This helps ensure your travel dollars benefit real locals as much as possible. If your hotel doesn’t partner with local small businesses for tours, consider getting off property to experience something that will really expose you to the local culture and community. Visiting national parks works too.
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