Travel is such a major priority in so many people’s lives, so it’s no surprise that a lot of us are already considering how we’ll make travel a priority in 2026.
And with New Year’s Resolutions in full swing (at least until late January when most of us decide to quit them), let’s take a look at some New Year’s travel resolutions that some of the experts—our writing team here at TravelPulse—are hoping to experience or focus on more in 2026.
Traveling for Quality Family Time in 2026
(Photo Credit: Adobe Stock)
Traveling with family is a joy, with opportunities to create memories that last a lifetime, craft a fun collection of inside jokes and enjoy some hilarious precious moments (I remember several precious travel moments involving my older sister and several wild animals that are still famous in my family to this very day…).
One of the most meaningful ways we can travel is with our families, so it’s no surprise that this is top-of-mind for three of our writers.
“This year, my New Year’s travel resolution is to see more of the United States with my family while I still have the chance, since my kids are almost officially too cool to hang out with dad,” said our Managing Editor, Donald Wood. “From road trips to national parks to small towns, I want to create memories that last longer than souvenirs. I want to laugh in the car, get lost together, and experience the country as a family while everyone is still willing to squeeze into the same photo.”
Janeen Christoff, our Managing Editor, Custom Content, is also choosing to prioritize traveling with loved ones this year: “My milestone birthday deserves a milestone resolution: more travel with friends and family. Whether discovering new places or returning to old favorites, I'm dedicating this year to the experiences and connections that bring genuine joy to my life.”
Journalist Noreen Kompanik also echoes this sentiment: “We get so busy with our day-to-day lives and travels that we don't place a priority on catching up with family and friends we may not have seen for a while. I'm trying to do that this year, even if it means adding on some extra time to a trip or taking extra time off to visit those important to me—past and present. It's so much better than the alternative of ‘I wish I had…’”
Whether you’re a grown-up without kids or in the midst of creating a family of your own, take some time to reconnect with your loved ones by traveling with them this year. Who knows? Your next family trip might just surprise you.
Make 2026 the Year You Visit a National Park
The author enjoying the South Dakota Badlands. (photo by Kim Banocy)
Senior Editor Patrick Clarke’s got one big recommendation for travelers this year: visiting a national park. After all, the U.S. was the first country to create a national park, and that’s a legacy we can be proud of!
“Whether you're committed to experiencing a new destination in 2026, spending more time in nature, or venturing outside of your comfort zone, visiting a U.S. national park is an ideal travel resolution,” Pat said. “After all, there are dozens of breathtaking protected lands from coast to coast to choose from, each with its own unique appeal.”
“Following through on this New Year's travel resolution will be even more worthwhile in 2026 as the National Park Service will celebrate its 110th anniversary in August. Plus, travelers can take advantage of multiple fee-free entry days this year from February's Presidents' Day to Veterans Day in November.”
Add More Micro-Cations Throughout the Year
A young traveler arriving at her destination. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/Nina L/peopleimages.com)
Some of us struggle to even plan and take time off to travel.
That’s why Eric Bowman, our Editor-in-Chief, thinks micro-cations might be a great resolution to incorporate into the New Year.
“Far too often do Americans waste their paid time off (PTO) days from work,” he said. “Make 2026 the year you travel more by adding more weekend getaways throughout the year. The Micro-cation trend continues to surge as more and more Americans are realizing the importance of maximizing their vacation time. Join the movement, target the days that will work best for your schedule and just go!”
“It also doesn’t have to be a weekend either (those are just helpful in using regular off days packaged with PTO time). But if you see a cheap flight deal in the middle of the week? Just book it! Use the PTO you have earned and add more micro-cations in your life,” said Bowman. “Take that road trip for a weekend trip, book that short flight, take that short cruise, etc. etc. Take more 3- and 4-day trips and watch how it transforms your happiness throughout the year.”
Who knows? You might just end up really enjoying some bite-sized travel, rest and adventure—and use up your well-deserved breaks! That sounds like a win-win for many of us.
Vow to Keep Your Cool and Be Kind
(Photo Credit: Deboraht)
Some of us are simply hoping that kindness reigns in the New Year, especially during the often-arduous travel process.
“It sounds like common sense but, sadly, many travelers still need to be reminded to keep their cool and be kind to fellow passengers and employees,” said writer Sarah Kuta. “Bad behavior won’t get you anywhere—except, maybe, kicked off your flight.”
“Aside from being the right thing to do, genuine kindness can go a long way during your travels, often leading to perks like better service, seat upgrades, late checkouts, extra snacks and more,” Kuta explains. “Plus, shocker, when you approach locals with politeness and respect, they’re more likely to open up about their life experiences and culture—and isn’t that what travel is really all about?”
Slowing Travel Down in 2026
Woman at a wellness retreat in Bali, Indonesia. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/puhhha)
As for me, I’m hoping to slow down and take the road less traveled this year. Beyond simply taking a break from the hustle and bustle of a major destination, I’d like to prioritize slow travel in at least one trip.
That means a trip without cruising, without multi-destination stops, without massive road trips and without a two or three-night short stay somewhere. I don’t want to spend twelve hours in a place and consider it known, as I have many times before.
I’d like this vacation to be an in-depth exploration of a single place. I want to see if this practice could help me feel less like I’m checking off a list of places to see and more like I’m visiting to truly embrace a place—you know? I want to make some new friends, visit a few museums, take a hike in a local park, try out some cool restaurants or pop into a public library and a bookstore.
When I find a charming hole-in-the-wall tea house, I want to have the time to sit there and enjoy it, not just pop in and leave sad that I didn’t have enough time to actually patronize it the way it deserves.
I guess I’d like to feel more at home in a new place, before I have to return home.
What’s Your New Year’s Travel Resolution?
I hope we inspired you to consider all the amazing travel experiences you might have in 2026—and to value the opportunities we’ve all been given to explore this incredible world of ours. Travel remains a privilege and a priority, and it’s up to us to remember not to take it for granted.
So…what’s your New Year’s travel resolution?
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