New Year's resolutions often don’t work—not because you don’t want them to, but because they lack key elements for success. Let’s compare resolutions to systems so we’re all on the same page:

Resolutions vs. Systems

Resolutions: “I want to travel more” is vague and lacks a clear plan.
Systems: A system sets specific goals, like visiting three destinations or saving a set amount, and breaks them down into actionable steps.

Resolutions: They rely on fading willpower.
Systems: Systems build habits—like automated savings and flexible planning—that integrate into everyday life.

Resolutions: Obstacles, like unexpected expenses, often derail them.
Systems: Systems adapt with flexibility and support from professionals like a travel advisor.

Resolutions: Once broken, they’re abandoned.
Systems: Each completed step builds momentum, making the next one easier.

Forget resolutions—let's build a system that works for you! Here's how!

**Decide That You Want to Travel More**

The most important step is committing to prioritize travel. This isn’t just about wishful thinking; it’s about telling yourself, "I’m going to make this happen." Whether it’s taking a long-awaited international trip or exploring nearby cities, deciding to prioritize travel sets everything else into motion. Seeing travel as a priority will help you focus your time and resources on achieving this goal.
Write down your travel goals in a journal or vision board. Seeing your intentions in front of you creates accountability and excitement. Add motivational quotes like, "Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer," to keep your energy high. If you are a visual person, get a picture of your dream location or adventure and save it to your phone's screen saver! To take it up a notch, put a future date on the picture—every time you see it, it's a reminder that this will happen for you.
**Action:** Write down your top 3-5 travel goals for 2025+.
**Example:** “Visit 3 international destinations, take 2 weekend getaways, and save $3,000 for travel.”
**Habit:** Schedule a 15-minute monthly review to assess progress.
**Measurement:** Keep a visual tracker, such as a spreadsheet or vision board, to monitor completed trips and planned ones.

Create a Planning Habit (Research and Logistics)

Dedicate one day a month to travel planning. Research flights, accommodations, and activities for your next trip. This will help you stay on top of your travel plans and ensure you don’t miss out on great deals.

Action: Block this time on your calendar as a recurring “Travel Planning Day.”
Habit: Use this day to research and plan upcoming trips.
Measurement: Track planned trips and milestones (e.g., flights booked, accommodations secured) in a planning tool like TripIt or Google Sheets.

**Create and Stick to a Travel Budget**

Money often appears to be the biggest obstacle to travel, but creating a dedicated travel fund can make it manageable and obtainable. Open a separate savings account or use apps that help you save incrementally.
**Action:** Open a separate savings account for travel expenses. Automate monthly transfers (e.g., $200/month).
**Habit:** Evaluate your spending weekly to find areas to save (e.g., cutting out unused subscriptions).
**Measurement:** Use budgeting apps to track your savings. Aim for a monthly progress report.
**Example:** Automate a $100 monthly transfer into your travel account. By December 2025, you’ll have $1,200 ready for your next adventure. Use tools like Mint or YNAB to track your savings progress and adjust your budget as needed.

Stay Flexible to Maximize Opportunities

Traveling during off-peak seasons or midweek can save you hundreds of dollars and give you a more relaxed experience. Flexibility is key to finding the best deals.

Example: Plan a European getaway in late September rather than mid-July to avoid peak pricing and large crowds.
Action: Research alternative destinations and off-peak travel periods to keep options open.
Habit: Set alerts on tools like Google Flights for multiple destinations. Check deals once a week.
Measurement: Track how much money you save by being flexible with dates or locations.

Leverage Travel Rewards

Use travel credit cards or loyalty programs to earn points that can cover flights, hotels, and other travel expenses. It’s one of the smartest ways to travel without overspending.

Example: Use a card like Chase Sapphire Preferred for everyday purchases, and redeem the points for free flights or upgrades. Sign up for airline loyalty programs to maximize your benefits.

Action: Use a travel credit card and loyalty programs for everyday purchases.
Habit: Check your reward balances monthly and set goals for how you’ll redeem them.
Measurement: Track points earned and redeemed quarterly. Celebrate when you reach a milestone, like covering the cost of a flight.

Side Note: You can still use your travel rewards when working with a travel planner! Many people don’t realize this! Compounding your rewards with your travel advisor’s insider knowledge can lead to great savings and value.

**Master Weekend Getaways**

You don’t need to fly halfway around the world to travel more. Short weekend trips to nearby destinations can be just as rewarding.
**Example:** Take a Friday off and spend a long weekend exploring a charming town within driving distance, like Asheville, NC, or Santa Fe, NM. Plan your activities in advance to make the most of your time.
**Action:** Plan at least one weekend trip every quarter to nearby destinations.
**Habit:** Schedule these dates at the start of each year to ensure they’re a priority.
**Measurement:** Create a checklist of weekend getaways completed. Aim for at least four by the end of the year.

Consider Group Travel

Traveling with friends, family, or organized groups can save costs on accommodations and transportation. Plus, it adds fun and shared experiences to your adventures.

Example: Split the cost of a beachfront villa in Mexico with a group of friends. You’ll enjoy a luxury stay for a fraction of the cost. Look into joining travel groups like our hosted groups to various destination, or join Facebook groups for travel meetups.

Action: Organize or join at least one group trip in 2025.
Habit: Stay in touch with travel companions regularly to keep the trip on track.
Measurement: Document shared expenses and evaluate how much you saved by traveling as a group.

Side Note: In addition to our already curated travel groups like Soul of Tanzania, we love creating seamless itineraries for groups! Our years of experience ensure stress-free planning, every step of the way! Plan now!

Use a Travel Advisor

Let a professional handle the research and logistics so you can focus on enjoying your trip. Travel advisors often have access to exclusive deals, provide you with more value and insights that you might miss on your own.

Example: Work with a travel advisor to plan a dream trip to Tanzania. They’ll take care of the itinerary, accommodations, and activities so you can simply show up and enjoy. Advisors can also help with unexpected challenges, ensuring a smooth trip.

Action: Schedule a consultation with a travel advisor for big trips.
Habit: Build a habit of reaching out for help when planning becomes overwhelming.
Measurement: Compare the ease and savings of trips planned with professional help versus doing it alone.

**Evaluate and Celebrate (Accountability)**

Reflect on your travel experiences monthly. What worked? What didn’t? What do you want to improve next time?
**Action:** Share your experiences with friends, family, or a travel community to stay motivated.
**Habit:** Regularly review your progress and stay motivated by connecting with others.
**Measurement:** At the end of 2025, review your completed trips against your original goals. Reward yourself for milestones achieved (e.g., a special dinner or a staycation).

The key to traveling more is treating it as a priority. Block dates on your calendar, save consistently, and stick to your plans. With clear goals and a reliable system, 2025 and beyond can be your most adventure-filled years yet.

If this still seems a bit overwhelming, then I invite you to work with one of our team members. This is what we are passionate about and always like to give our clients insider information that will save you time, money and overall stress. We want you to focus on the adventure vs the planning, research and logistics. If you are ready to start, click here!

Remember that any adventure is possible with a plan and a great travel advisor😉

Create a System vs. a Resolution to Travel More!

Decide That You Want to Travel More

Create a Planning Habit (Research and Logistics)