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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!

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

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

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

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 !

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Home » Wanderlust » 50+ AMAZING Travel Goals to add to your Bucket List! ✈️

50+ AMAZING Travel Goals to add to your Bucket List! ✈️

This list of creative, lofty, wholesome & outrageous(!) travel goals from travel lovers may be all the inspo you need to get your bucket list in order!

Whether you are a natural traveler, a wannabe traveler, an armchair traveler or simply new to the whole travel community, you probably know what you like when it comes to seeing the world. You may even already have your own set of ‘travel goals’ that keep you working, saving, planning and enjoying every moment of your well-earned adventures; or you might be in the market to start setting some of your own.

Popular travel goals range from the lofty heights of seeing every country in the world to simply taking more weekend trips; or from learning a new language to seeing a white Christmas. Everyone is different and not all travel goals are a good ‘fit’ for everyone, but hopefully at least one of the goals listed below (contributed by a whole heap of travel bloggers who know a thing about travel!) will speak to you – either to add it to your own travel bucket list or inspire you to get creative and come up with your own unique travel goal.

In This Post

• 1.1 Hop on a random flight
• 1.2 Lean another language
• 1.3 Visit One New Country Each Year
• 1.4 Go on an Epic Road Trip
• 1.5 See Wildlife in the Wild (Ethically)
• 1.6 Go on a Cruise
• 1.7 Volunteer Abroad
• 1.8 See (and photograph) an Aurora Event
• 1.9 Learn to Surf
• 1.10 Visit ALL the UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• 1.11 Get off the Beaten Path
• 1.12 Travel Full Time for 1 Year (or More)
• 2.1 Visit Every Country in the World
• 2.2 Circumnavigate Cape Horn in a Sail Boat
• 2.3 Walk/Hike the Most Beautiful Treks in the World
• 2.4 Circumnavigate the Globe without taking a flight
• 2.5 Experience an Epic Train Journey
• 2.6 Visit Every Country in Europe
• 2.7 Drive 1 Full Lap of Australia
• 2.8 Kayak Around Madagascar
• 2.9 Sail Across the Pacific & The Atlantic
• 3.1 50 States before 50
• 3.2 Visit all the National Parks in the USA
• 3.3 Take an Epic US Road Trip
• 4.1 To Get to the Heart of a Different Country
• 4.2 Visit every Spanish speaking country in the World
• 4.3 Visit the Holy Land of Israel
• 5.1 To Show our Kids the World
• 5.2 To Let Our Child Attend a Green School in Bali
• 5.3 To Encourage Our Kids to Get Outside
• 5.4 To Go on a Family Road Trip
• 6.1 Live on Each Continent
• 6.2 Visit Every Island in The Mediterranean
• 6.3 Watch a game at every home stadium in the USA
• 6.4 To Trace the Wives of Genghis Khan
• 6.5 To Travel Every 6 Weeks
• 6.6 To have a Destination Wedding (with a difference)

‘Traditional’ Travel Goals

Whilst everyone’s travel goal is unique and driven by their own motives, the aspirations listed in this section are what could be considered as ‘traditional’. I don’t really want to use the word ‘common’ as some of these goals are lofty and worthy of being called a goal in their own right, but I have put them in this section as I believe they are probably goals held by many, and are no stranger to the typical travel bucket list.

Hop on a random flight

Lean another language

“My goal for 2020 is to learn conversational Spanish by studying at a Spanish school in Colombia while living with a local host family. Once I am confident in Spanish I would like to backpack around Colombia and many other South American countries, including going hiking in Patagonia.” ~ Erika from Erika’s Travelventures

Visit One New Country Each Year

“In addition to my lofty bucket list goals, I have an annual goal to visit at least one new country and one new U.S. state every year. This goal allows me to experience new cultures and lands every year while also exploring more of home.” ~ Tyra at The Traveling Esquire

Go on an Epic Road Trip

SOUTH AFRICA: The Garden Route between Cape Town & Johannesburg is one of the most incredible road trips on the planet, and a fantastic way to discover South Africa. From the wine regions, to the wildlife; amazing coastlines to great towns and even greater cities. It is an absolute must if you find yourself in South Africa.

SPAIN: “My favorite destination is Spain so my goal is to take a road trip in each one of Spain’s regions including its islands. I’d love for each road trip to be at least 10-day long so I could see as much as possible of each region” ~ Or from My Path in the World  

AUSTRALIA: The Great Ocean Road is an iconic road trip that is at the top of the travel wish-list for anyone that loves the coast and the open road. National parks, Natural wonders, Seaside hospitality and that laid-back Aussie lifestyle . Could anything be more perfect? (Well apart from the 100+ other AMAZING things to do in Australia ! )

See Wildlife in the Wild (Ethically)

On a safari in africa.

Dive (or Swim) with Whale Sharks

“My goal is to see a whale shark while diving . Obviously not in a tourist trap kind of place where they feed them but I just hope to be lucky enough that one day I see one during a dive. They are such majestic creatures and it must be amazing (and a little scary) to swim close to one! So I’ll just keep keeping my fingers crossed and my eyes peeled on every scuba dive.”

Go on a Cruise

Take a world cruise.

“My biggest travel goal is to go on a World Cruise. Since our first cruise to the Caribbean 15 years ago, we have been in love with this way of travel and truly love “cruise life”. Over 20 cruises later, our destination goals have broadened. The idea of living life on a cruise ship for about 100 days and having the opportunity to visit so many places in the world, we probably wouldn’t see otherwise, is in our future plans and big dreams!” ~ Ilana from Life Well Cruised

Sail the 3 Longest Rivers in the World

“One of my many travel goals is to sail or cruise down the 3 longest rivers -the Nile, Amazon and Mississippi Rivers I love being on boats and I think rivers are a fascinating glimpse into history, culture and nature These three rivers are iconic for different reasons and travel on them is also very different So far I have sailed on a felucca down the Nile, but I still have the other two to go.” ~ James from Travel Collecting

Volunteer Abroad

“During my last year at high school, my classmates and I traveled to Malawi for 3 weeks to assist in the development of a school for girls with hearing impairments. It is our goal at highlands2hammocks to return to Malawi and once again help in the communities by building and teaching.” ~ Campbell from highlands2hammocks

See (and photograph) an Aurora Event

Learn to Surf

Visit ALL the UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Petra, Jordan: A UNESCO World Heritage Site & one of the New 7 Wonders of the World

“My wife and I are aiming to visit all 1121 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This journey has so far taken us to three continents, 50+ countries and to around 450 World Heritage Sites. We both really love the variety that World Heritage Sites offer: it’s not just old buildings! We’ve also seen beautiful national parks, factories, mines, war memorials, observatories and botanic gardens.” ~ Joel from World Heritage Journey

Get off the Beaten Path

Samoa is one of the most off the beaten path travel destinations you can visit!

“I’ve spent much of 2019 traveling through US and Canadian National Parks. There’s no denying they’re some of the most beautiful places on earth, but overcrowding are having a devastating impact on these places. My travel goal for the rest of the year is to spend time in and bring awareness to alternatives to these major destinations. I’ll be seeking out less-known national parks, national monuments, state parks, and national forests throughout North America that are just as spectacular but have more capacity for foot traffic, and writing about them to help encourage other travelers to experience them firsthand.” ~ Taylor from Travel Outlandish

Travel Full Time for 1 Year (or More)

“My goal is to be able to travel for 1 full year in either Asia or Europe visiting multiple countries without taking any breaks.” ~ Esther from The Adventurous Feet

Adventure Travel Goals

Think big or go home. Go crazy with creativity. Put yourself out there. These travel goals are for the adventure seekers, the brave or the downright insane (depending on how you look at it!)

Visit Every Country in the World

Circumnavigate Cape Horn in a Sail Boat

“One of my most craziest travel goals is to circumnavigate Cape Horn in South America on a sailing boat. Feel the wind on my face, watch the waves hindering the task. And in the end join the group of people who lived through this one of its kind sailing adventure. And finally understand the real sense of marine stories (hopefully!)” ~ Dominika from Sunday in Wonderland

Walk/Hike the Most Beautiful Treks in the World

ENGLAND: My travel goal is to do the multi-day walk across northern England on the 84 mile long Hadrian’s Wall Path. The Roman Emperor Hadrian built the wall to protect Roman era England from people he considered to be barbarians in what is now Scotland. ~ Suzanne from Boomeresque

SPAIN: One of my main travel goals is to complete the 6-week long journey of “El Camino de Santiago de Compostela”. It’s a famous pilgrimage that I think deserves to be on everyone’s bucket list, and everyone who has told me about it has said nothing but incredible experiences. I’d love to do this before I turn 35, as it’s quite a challenging adventure, and requires walking over 20 kilometers every day! I recently did a road trip through Northern Spain, and we encountered a few people in the smaller towns who were just beginning it, and it really inspired me! Spain is one of my favorite countries, and I think this is one of the best ways to explore it properly. ~ Dave from Jones Around The World

PATAGONIA: My personal travel goal is to go back to Patagonia and rehike the granite Torres to the top, but this time I want to make it. Last time I stubbornly brought too much equipment and was too winded to make it in our guide’s timeframe. Next time I will go on my own, with limited equipment, and make the entire hike to the top. ~ Lori from Travelinmad

Circumnavigate the Globe without taking a flight

We have a longstanding travel goal to journey entirely around the world without using any flights, yet sticking to a budget of $60 a day. There’s great romanticism of traveling slowly overland and across the world’s oceans. Taking a grand world cruise would be a dream but that would be too costly to accomplish this goal affordably. So we plan to form our own cheap world cruise by piecing together inexpensive repositioning cruises, while using a series of trains and buses to take us overland in between the overseas voyages. ~ John & Heather from Roaming Around the World

Experience an Epic Train Journey

Ride the longest train journey in the world inc. the trans-siberian.

Our goal is to do the longest train route in the world. We are Portuguese and this would start here and end in Vietnam, going through Russia, and encompassing the legendary Trans-Siberian railroad. In total this would be more than 11 000 miles. ~ Jorge at TravelDrafts

Coast to Coast across the USA on AmTrak

My goal is to travel coast to coast in the USA on Amtrak. Firstly, for the actual travel experience: I love the old-fashioned romance of train travel and the opportunity it provides to strike up conversation with random people! There are few greater joys than watching a landscape unfolding and changing, a country slowly revealing itself. And train travel provides a sense of scale you don’t get from air travel. This journey takes in so many great cities that are on my bucket list. In fact, I view this train journey as fulfilling more than one travel goal and isn’t that great? ~ Bridget from The Flashpacker

Visit Every Country in Europe

A dream of mine is to see every country in Europe before I turn 40. That gives me 7.5 years to go from 25 countries to 44. It would be great to see as many as possible by train, there is just something about trains that gets under my skin, but I know a few will have to be cheap, weekend breaks on a budget airline. My travels have been so focused on far-flung destinations, that I have somewhat neglected my neighbors and Europe is amazing! ~ Rosie from Flying Fluskey

Drive 1 Full Lap of Australia

Kayak Around Madagascar

“A huge personal and travel goal for me is to circumnavigate one of the world’s largest islands by kayak. Madagascar is home to some of the largest coral reef systems in the world, wildlife find nowhere else, and an interesting Malagasy culture. I can think of no better way of testing personal limits and connecting with nature than exploring this tropical paradise lost in time.” ~ Rai from A Rai of Light

Sail Across the Pacific & The Atlantic

“My goal is to take a boat/ship across both the Atlantic and Pacific. Traveling on the ocean can be a bit daunting for many as it is an endless horizon with perhaps not too much to see or do. Weather, nature and its elements are put to the test when traveling in such a vulnerable way and it is a goal of mine to be able to brave the oceans this way.” ~ Diana from The Elusive Family

USA Based Travel Goals

The United States of America is huge and has a lot to offer any traveler. As such, there are a whole heap of travel goals which can be achieved without leaving it’s fair shores.

50 States before 50

Visit all the National Parks in the USA

“Our travel goal is to build a campervan (for the second time!) and travel in it to national parks around the United States.” ~ Katie from Two Wandering Soles

Take an Epic US Road Trip

“I would love to do a classic American road trip specifically following the path of historic Route 66 from my hometown of Chicago to Santa Monica. I’ve always lived in a large city so it would be a great opportunity to see places in the USA that are completely different to where I live, including smaller towns and rural destinations.” ~ Matilda from The Travel Sisters

California to Alaska

“It’s our goal to drive from tip of Baja California to Alaska in a camper van on a six-month road trip. Starting in Baja for the winter and reaching Alaska for the midnight sun. Along the way, we want to swim with whale sharks, kiss baby grey whales, hike in the redwoods, drink wine in Napa, and see glaciers in the arctic. Heading west and hitting the open road always represented freedom. This trip represents our journey from the corporate world into the great unknown.” ~ Jenn and Ed from Coleman Concierge

Lighthouse Loop (Florida)

“My biggest goal right now is to drive the Lighthouse Loop in Florida. Overall, I try to show others the beauty of unknown Florida , and many people don’t realize how many lighthouses we have. A lot of those lighthouses are located in out-of-the-way places so it’s quite special to visit, photograph, and learn about the history of both the lighthouse and the surrounding region.” ~ Cris from Wander Florida

Cultural Travel Goals

To get to the heart of a different country.

BRAZIL: “My travel goal is to visit all Brazilian states while eating lots and lots of delicious dishes along the way. I would get a car somewhere in the south, stop by the biggest cities there and drive north towards all parasitic beaches and national parks in the Northeast of the country. Brazil is so massive and full of undiscovered gems that it would take quite some time to visit all 26 states, but I’m not in a hurry. Also, I have the best guide someone could ask: a well-traveled Brazilian wife. She is my inspiration to discover such a beautiful country.” ~ Frank at Maps ‘N Bags

TIBET: “Our next travel goal is to visit the forbidden land of Tibet. Although it is no longer forbidden, but the aura about the land still remains. One of the first travel books that I had read way back in my teens was a book about Tibet written in Bengali, our mother tongue. And the interest kept growing since then. Different parts of India have Tibetan influence and these places attract both of us. So both of us have decided to visit Tibet and explore the country within the next 2 years. We want to stand in awe in front of the Potala Palace, visit the village where his Holiness Dalai Lama was born and finally trek to the sacred Kailash and Mansarovar.” ~ Amrita & Agni from Tale of 2 Backpackers

SUNDARABAN: “My goal is to visit Sundarban from India side and explore it. This is low lying delta near the Bay of Bengal and home to rare species of plants. It is also home to endangered species of animals like Royal Bengal Tiger, Water monitor lizard, Gangetic dolphin and some rare species of turtles. It is a UNESCO world heritage site spread in 10,000 sq km in India and Bangladesh. Other than visiting the mangrove forests of Sundarban, I wanted to explore the small villages of this area and understand how people live in difficult situations.” ~ Sapna at My Simple Sojourn

Visit every Spanish speaking country in the World

“Our travel goal is to visit every Spanish-speaking country in the world. Together, we’ve been to 14 so far and have 4 in the pipeline for the rest of the year. However, we’re not going to rush to finish the list as we’ve decided to settle in Colombia and use it as a homebase while we plan how to see the rest.” ~ Lozzy & Andy from Cuppa to Copa Travels

Visit the Holy Land of Israel

Family Travel Goals

To show our kids the world.

“Our goal for the next years is to explore Europe as much as we can with our kids in our RV. Epic road trips, hiking with toddlers and yummy dishes are ahead of us.” ~ Katalin from Our Life, Our Travel

“Our goal has always been to maximize the time that we are able to spend as a family. My husband is active duty military and we are often separated by my husbands work, so travel has always been one of the ways that we can spend time together as a family. In a few years my husband will retire for active duty and we want to take our young son on a trip around the world to see 6 out of the 7 continents.” ~ Chelsea from Pack More Into Life

To Let Our Child Attend a Green School in Bali

“My husband and I lived in Bali for six months and we’d love to return one day with our son, Otis, so that he can go to the Green School for a year or so. It’s the most amazing school I’ve ever seen – it’s all made out of bamboo, they have a creative curriculum, and the jungle setting is unreal. I would have loved to go there myself.” ~ Victoria from Bridges & Balloons

To Encourage Our Kids to Get Outside

“Our aim is to hike up to Mt Ollivier in Mt Cook National Park, New Zealand , the first summit that Sir Edmund Hillary ever climbed, and to take my 5 year old with me to do it. This hike takes an adult 4-5 hours to the summit, includes over 2000 stairs, narrow cliff top tracks and climbing through scree. We aim to overnight at Mueller Hut and see marvel at some of the darkest skies in the world in the Aoraki Dark Sky Reserve. Seeing Mt Cook, New Zealands highest mountain at such an altitude would be an absolute dream . We hope to inspire our 5 year old and help him realize that he can do anything if he just tries his best.” ~ Jennifer from Backyard Travel Family

To Go on a Family Road Trip

“Our goal is to go on a road trip in Canada with our kids and visit some of the big national parks. We think it is really important to show our kids the planet they live on, and we are hoping it will make them think about how they treat it in the future. We hope seeing the world with their own eyes will make them appreciate how big, wild and diverse our planet is.” ~ Line from Nordic Travellers

Unusual, Ambitious, Weird & Wonderful Travel Goals

These are the highly personal travel goals, the creative ideas and will more than likely include some one-of-a-kind aspirations that you would never have thought of in a million years!

Live on Each Continent

“My goal is to live on each continent (except Antartica) and to learn one of the languages spoken. I’m currently missing Africa (where I’m in the process of learning Arabic) and Asia where I’d love to one day learn Mandarin.” ~ Ahlan from Ahlan Monica

Visit Every Island in The Mediterranean

Watch a game at every home stadium in the USA

To Trace the Wives of Genghis Khan

As a long time horse rider and lover of history my travel goal is to ride across Mongolia, tracing the wives of Genghis Khan. chronicling the work that these wives completed whilst the men folk were away conquering. Taking the time to dive into to the culture of the nomadic communities is still impacted today by the decisions that these women made when in positions of power. ~ Jean from Traveling Honeybird

To Travel Every 6 Weeks

My goal is to travel a minimum of every 6 weeks of my life for at least 30 years. I have already done this for over 25 years and would like to continue doing it for at least another 5 years as a lifetime goal. I didn’t start out having this goal in mind, but a trainer I once hired for my Chiropractic business told me that it is good to have travel goals every six weeks to keep things fresh. He told me that it was like a dangling fruit in front of your face and would keep you motivated to keep your head down and build your business. It worked for me and my family and so now, of course, as a travel writer and digital content creator, I travel more than that. But I would like to continue this goal for at least another five years. ~ Cacinda from PointsandTravel

To have a Destination Wedding (with a difference)

And that’s a wrap folks! We hope these epic travel goals have inspired you to get your travel priorities in order and to get out there and travel the world. Or, alternatively, have helped you start to plan how to put your own travel dreams into reality. (And remember, you can never have to too many travel goals to accomplish!)

If you liked this post of know of someone that needs a little travel inspiration, please share this post on social media (Twitter, Facebook, Flipboard or Pinterest!) y using the icons in the sharebar to the left!

READY MORE TRAVEL INSPIRATION? YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN THESE TRAVEL TIPS, TRAVEL ARTICLES, DESTINATION GUIDES, TRAVELER RESOURCES AND RELATED STORIES:

• HOT TRAVEL DESTINATIONS: Las Vegas, New York City or Hong Kong – which would you choose?
• TRAVEL GEAR: How to Pack your Carry On Like A Pro – full of travel tips to make the most of those pesky weight and space restrictions ( packing cubes are a must!)
• Choose your weapon: The Best Carry on Luggage for Frequent Travelers or The Best Hardside Luggage for Travel
• GIFT LISTS: Ultimate Travel Gifts List for Everyone (men, women, kids, couples etc); Eco-Friendly Travel Gifts; The Best Budget Secret Santa Gifts & The Best White Elephant Gifts for Travel Lovers

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Monday 4th of May 2020

Excellent tips! These are great bucket list ideas!

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Live the Life of Your Dreams

Travel Goals: 20 Ultimate List to Inspire You on Your Next Adventure 

October 29, 2020 //  by  Clarisse //   Leave a Comment

Sharing is caring ♥

Updated October 29, 2020 by Clarisse

Travel goals are a big part of my life. Setting achievable goals has allowed me to take on long-term world exploration one step at a time. 

I know that many of you dream of traveling the world and adventuring to new places you have yet to see. 

Well, I am here for you. 

First things first, I want to let you know that you’re incredible for taking the first step in dreaming big! This is what it will take to manifest the things you want to accomplish in your life. 

So yes, start by creating the list of things you want to do!

These are your set list of intentions that you should write down and work towards every day of your life. 

I know that there are many things that could be holding you back from living the travel lifestyle. But hear me out, if traveling the world is your passion, then don’t let life get in the way. 

You’ll find that as you read below, some of these goals are a bit up there. But, that’s what dreams are for. 

Remember always to aim high! 

If you shoot for the moon and miss, you’ll land among the stars, which is still a super awesome place to be.

Plus, if you learn to break big goals down into tiny chunks, they are likely to become much more achievable. 

So here we go. 

Set your travel goals for yourself and manifest the things that you truly want in life. 

Below are the goals on my list that I’ve continued to live by to get you started. I hope this will help inspire you on your next adventure.

1. Travel to a Different Country Every Year

Traveling to a different country every year was one of the initial goals I set for myself in my journey.  It started when I flew to Germany and left the United States for the first time after high school. 

I have since kept this promise to myself and traveling as much as I could. 

I admit I want to level up this travel goal to visit 100 different countries before I’m 50. If you are as determined to explore the world, I suggest taking on this dream as well. 

PS. Check out my story if you’d like to learn more about what got me started on this incredible adventure.

2. Travel During Off-Season

Off-season travel gives you the chance to see the world from a local’s perspective. There are fewer tourists, and you’ll gain experiences you normally otherwise wouldn’t be able to have. 

As a big plus, flight and accommodation prices will be at its lowest, so take advantage of this.

3. Take an Epic Road Trip

Take a minimum of 2-weeks, pack your bags, grab your best buds, and take an epic road trip. 

See the world at a slower pace and camp along the way. These experiences will become some of the best moments of your life. 

4. Live Like a Local

There’s nothing better than immersing yourself in the culture of the country you’re traveling to. 

Stay for at least one month, eat the local foods, go to the local bars, joints, and hang out spots. Venture to the farmers market weekly to get your daily dose of fresh vegetables. 

Oh, and skip the hotels and stay at an Airbnb to capture the way the locals truly live. Airbnb’s are houses offered by the locals in the area. This way you can have the household experience, even if it’s just for a short month.

5. Befriend a Couple of Locals

Talk to the locals, whether it’s a random stranger on the street or the local store’s shop owner. 

Get to know them on a deeper level. Be brave and ask if they would have time to meet you for coffee. 

6. Take a Bike Tour 

I love taking bike tours of the countries I go to. You can explore more areas and feel the wind and breathe in the fresh air all at the same time. 

This is incredibly fun in Europe where they have designated bike paths and rentals are easy to come by. 

7. Start a Travel Journal

Journal your thoughts, experiences, and the awesome things you did during your trip. 

I have many travel journals that friends have given me over the years. I love that I can carry a piece of the people closest to me everywhere I go. 

More than that, I cherish the moments I’ve put down on paper in the pages of those books.

8. Collect Unique Souvenirs

Collect the most unique souvenirs you can find and take home one-of-a-kind memorabilia. As a backpacker, I will usually go for something smaller. 

Either way, find the hand-drawn maps or local glassmaker of the city you’re in. You could even leave with something unconventional. 

I’ve been known to have taken home a Harry Potter wand from the Warner Bros studio in London. 

(Yes, I’m a Harry Potter nerd)

Make it a personal mission to find keepsakes that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

9. Attend a Local Festival

Immerse yourself in the local culture and attend a festival. These are so much fun and they allow you to become a part of the festivities in the country you’re traveling to.

10. Volunteer in a Different Country

Volunteering is one of the ultimate travel goals I have set for myself. 

I want to make a difference in the world. 

One of the ways I want to implement this is by volunteering in a country that needs help. 

My biggest goal in life is to be a part of something bigger while keeping the travel goals I promised to myself. I hope that you will consider this when you start your world exploration.

11. Experience Solo Travel

Ahh, solo travel, the scariest thing for some people. Don’t be afraid to venture into a different place that you’ve never been to before and explore it all on your own.

To be honest, it’s one of the best things I have ever done for my physical, mental, and emotional health.

I learned a lot from traveling the world solo. 

Nothing can rival or substitute the experiences you will encounter when traveling the world on your own. 

Try it at least once and see where it leads you!

12. Travel with your Best Buds

Yes, I just finished talking about solo travel. But traveling with your best friend is in a whole new world (yes, Aladdin). 

You’ll have the best of times with the person closest to you and you will have the memories of a lifetime. 

So, yes, travel the world solo, but if given the right chance, timing, and opportunity, travel with your best bud too!

13. Learn 5 Useful Phrases in a Different Language

“Thank you” is the top phrase I learn when I’m in a country that speaks a different language. Learn four more and you’ll see that it makes a world of difference. 

This will help you in understanding the essential everyday words that locals are saying. Plus, they’ll be happy that you took an initiative to know more about their country. 

Yes, this means even if it’s as simple as learning a few key phrases in their language.

14.  Travel the Best Spots in Your Own Backyard

Take a small step and start traveling to the best spots in your hometown. 

Many places in the world have yet to be discovered. 

Take the initiative and explore new areas you haven’t been to yet, even if it’s in your own backyard. You never know, you might find a new favorite spot before the day is over.

15. Find the Best Places to Hike

Spending time in nature is a fantastic travel goal. 

There are plenty of countries in the world that have spectacular hiking trails. 

Find out where they are, either through a quick search or asking a local. I definitely prefer the second option, but either way, this is a great point to have on your travel goals list.

16. Eat at a McDonald’s Restaurant in Every Country

This one is a bit of an unconventional travel goal but one that I have set for myself successfully. 

Hear me out, every single McDonalds in the world is unique from each other. The menu items in the restaurants I’ve visited are there to represent each country’s food culture. 

Personally, I always try to order the one thing that you won’t be able to find anywhere else in the world. 

PS. My top favorites include: 

Philippines – Spaghetti

Thailand – Congee

17. Learn their History

There is nothing better than learning the history of a country through its people. 

Talk to the locals and strike up a conversation with them about their country’s culture and history. 

You never know what you might discover. 

At the very least you could come across a very interesting story that you could later tell the world. 

PS. You could also take advantage of the museums. Most of them are either super cheap or free.

18. Start a Travel Budget so You Can Travel the World

Yes, the dreaded travel budget. But incredibly essential to those who want the freedom to go on the super epic adventure of a lifetime. 

Budgeting before and during your trip is a must if you want your funds to last the entire duration of your journey. 

Make it a goal to decide what you’re willing to give up in the short term to gain what you truly want to have in life long-term.

19. Buy a One-Way Ticket

A one-way ticket halfway across the world is one of the scariest but most rewarding things you can do. 

It is the ultimate travel goal in a person’s lifetime. 

The thrill of not having any plans but only the sense of adventure you carry with you is a crazy but unique experience to have at least once.

But, to be honest, once you’ve done this, the travel bug could end up being in your system for quite some time.

20. Travel to Off the Beaten Path Places

Travel to remote areas in the world and you’ll discover places that only a few have been to. 

This is another incredible travel goal because it means that you are willing to take risks. Enjoy the thrill of searching for off the beaten path adventures.

Live Life and Explore the World

What are you waiting for? 

I know that this is a big leap, but remember you have taken the first step by simply reading this article. 

You know that deep down, there’s something more. You want to live a life of freedom and explore the world. 

Keep working on your travel goals, one day and one step at a time. Before you know it, you’ll be slowly ticking everything off on your goals list. 

You’ll then realize that you are living life and there’s not a better feeling in the world. 

Good luck on your adventure and if you need any advice or a listening ear, I’m here for you. 

As always, thank you for being a super amazing reader of LiveLifeOTBP. 

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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/

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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.

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• 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!

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• Uncategorized

100 Ultimate Travel Goals to Set in 2024

• 2 years ago
• Read Time: 3 minutes
• by beblissfultravel

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just starting out, there’s something for everyone on this list. We’ve got destinations both near and far, and adventurous activities to try. So what are you waiting for? Start dreaming and planning now so that you can check off every item on this list by the end of 2023.

• Visit at least one new country
• Go to the airport without a plan and book a flight out
• Stay in a luxury hotel
• Visit all seven continents (if you haven’t already)
• Make time for some R&R with a beach vacation
• Take a road trip across the United States
• See the Northern Lights in Iceland, Norway, Sweden, or Finland
• Climb to the top of a famous landmark or mountain
• Explore a new city by foot, bike, or public transportation
• Visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Dive into another culture with a homestay or volunteering experience
• Step out of your comfort zone with an extreme adventure activity
• Document your travels with a travel journal or blog
• Make new friends while you’re exploring
• Ride horses on the beach
• Attend a comedy show in a new city
• Attend Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade
• Spend the new year’s eve counting down in a new country and in a new language
• Attend the yearly wine festival in Moldova
• Attend the patio festival in Cordoba Spain
• Campout at a music festival
• Visit the island of Mykonos
• Take a cooking class in Italy
• Bike through wine country(anywhere!)
• Rent a villa for a month in Tuscany
• Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
• Explore the Amazon rainforest
• Visit Djuma Game Reserve in South Africa
• Take a gondola ride in Venice
• Stay in an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora
• See the cherry blossoms blooming in Japan
• Attend Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany
• Take your picture in front of the Taj Mahal in Agra
• Float in the Dead Sea
• Climb to the top of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Watch the sunrise over Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia
• Parasail over Phi Phi islands in Thailand
• Get a bird’s eye view of Victoria Falls from a helicopter
• Have a picnic under the Eiffel Tower in Paris
• Take a ride on the London Eye in London
• Explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii, Italy
• Visit Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England
• View the Mona Lisa up close at the Louvre Museum in Paris
• See the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City
• Walk along the Great Wall of China
• Explore the lost city of Petra in Jordan
• Float down an underground river in Puerto Princesa, Philippines
• Hike to the top of Table Mountain in Cape Town
• Take a cable car ride up Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Visit the Blue Lagoon in Iceland
• Take a dip in the Devil’s Pool at Victoria Falls in Zambia/Zimbabwe
• Explore Antelope Canyon in Arizona, USA
• Visit Glacier National Park in Montana, USA
• See the Grand Canyon from the sky
• Attend a Broadway show in New York City
• Take a walk through Central Park in New York City
• Visit the top of the Empire State Building in New York City
• Ride a mechanical bull in Nashville, Tennessee
• Visit the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas
• Explore the French Quarter in New Orleans, Louisiana
• Visit Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee
• See the Hollywood Sign up close in LA
• Go sandboarding in the Sahara desert
• Visit Mount Etna in Sicily
• Explore the Royal Palace in Madrid
• See the La Tomatina Festival in Buñol
• Attend a flamenco show in Seville
• Visit Gaudi’s Park Guell in Barcelona
• Sleep in the desert in Morocco
• Visit the ancient city of Marrakech
• Take a ride in a hot air balloon over Cappadocia
• Explore the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul
• See the Blue Mosque in Istanbul
• Boat through the canals of Venice, Italy
• Gondola ride through Vembanad Lake in Kerala, India
• Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Bhutan
• Explore the Floating Villages of Inle Lake in Myanmar
• Visit Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia
• Take a picture with Big Ben in London
• See the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace in London
• See the Colosseum in Rome
• Explore the Acropolis in Athens
• Visit the penguins at Boulders Beach in Cape Town
• Explore the Cinque Terre villages
• Hike the Via Francigena from Florence to Rome
• Visit Hobbiton in Matamata
• Explore the ancient ruins of Mystras in Greece
• Visit the Okavango Delta in Botswana
• Climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania
• Take a safari in Kruger National Park in South Africa
• Visit the Perito Moreno glacier in Argentina
• Explore Torres del Paine National Park in Chile
• Boat through Milford Sound
• Visit Fiordland National Park
• Visit Frieda Kahlo’s house
• Take a walk through the Chapultepec forest
• See the Monarch butterfly Migration in Mexico
• Explore Chichen Itza
• Climb to the top of El Castillo at Xunantunich in Belize
• Visit Tikal in Guatemala

Final Thoughts

We hope this list has inspired you to start planning your travels for 2023! What are some of your travel goals? Let us know in the comments below!

Happy Travels! 🙂

beblissfultravel

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100+ SMART Travel Goals

This page features a curated list of travel goals. I created it as a source of inspiration for my 100 life goals project and wanted to share it with others in hopes of inspiring them to create their own goal list.

There is an overabundance of bucket list ideas circulating online that lack the necessary specificity, measurability, and time-bound nature to make them actionable goals. Therefore, I curated a list of SMART goals that are more specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.

Whether you're young or old, there's something on this list for everyone. So, read on to discover some of the best travel goals that can help you transform your life and achieve your travel dreams.

An important note before scrolling down:

The list below includes 100+ travel goal ideas, but if you're looking for a bigger list then download my book, The SMART Bucket List .

It includes a list of 1000+ SMART goal ideas from various categories, such as fitness, travel, personal growth, and more. Each goal is crafted to meet the SMART criteria, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to create a truly actionable goal list.

Click here to download it for FREE . Additionally, you’ll get my Design Your Dream Year workbook, containing a proven step-by-step action plan to check off those big goals on your list.

* One more thing, if you decide to take part in any of the goals listed below, you do so entirely at your own risk. Some of the goal ideas listed here can be risky, so seek out guidance if you decide to try them out, especially the challenging ones.

With this in mind, let's rock and roll!!

SMART Landmark Travel Goals

Here are a few specific examples of SMART goals that you can set for this type of travel:

• Visit Machu Picchu within the next 2 years
• Visit the Great Wall of China within the next year
• Visit the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam within the next year
• Visit the Colosseum in Rome within the next year
• Visit the Petra archaeological site in Jordan within the next 3 years
• Visit the Alhambra palace in Granada, Spain within the next year
• Visit the Acropolis in Athens within the next year
• Visit the Palace of Versailles in France within the next year
• Visit the Great Pyramids of Giza in Egypt within the next year
• Visit the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona within the next year
• Visit the Taj Mahal in Agra, India within the next year
• Visit the Forbidden City in Beijing within the next year
• Visit the Palace of Westminster in London within the next year
• Visit the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes within the next year
• Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris within the next year
• Visit the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro within the next year
• Visit the Acropolis in Athens, Greece within the next year
• Visit the ancient city of Pompeii in Italy within the next year
• Visit the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco within the next year
• Visit the Tower of London within the next year
• Visit the Vatican City in Rome within the next year
• Visit Machu Picchu in Peru within the next year
• Visit the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul within the next year
• Visit the temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia within the next two years
• Travel to Australia to see the Great Barrier Reef within the next three years
• Visit the Galapagos Islands within the next three years
• Visit Iceland to see the Northern Lights within the next two years
• Visit the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam within the next year
• Travel to Australia to see the Great Barrier Reef within the next three years, booking the trip by the end of this year

SMART Luxury/Alternative Travel Goals

• Stay in a houseboat in Amsterdam within the next year
• Stay in a yurt in Mongolia within the next 3 years
• Stay in an igloo hotel in Lapland within the next 2 years
• Spend a week on a houseboat on the backwaters of Kerala within the next 2 years
• Stay in a castle hotel in Scotland within the next 2 years
• Stay in an eco-lodge in the Amazon Rainforest within the next 3 years
• Spend a week in a treehouse in Costa Rica within the next 3 years
• Spend a week in a yurt in Mongolia within the next 3 years
• Stay in a traditional ryokan in Japan within the next 3 years
• Spend a week on a houseboat on Lake Powell within the next 3 years
• Stay in an ice hotel in Sweden within the next 4 years
• Stay in an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora within the next 2 years
• Spend a week in a beachfront villa in Bali within the next 2 years

SMART Epic Journeys Goals

Here are a few examples of SMART goals in this specific area of travel:

• Take a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to San Diego within the next year
• Take a road trip through the Scottish Highlands within the next 3 years
• Go on a road trip through the Australian Outback within the next 2 years
• Take a road trip along the California coast with the family during the kids' spring break
• Take a roadtrip trip to explore national parks in Utah next year
• Take a road trip to Yellowstone National Park during the summer of next year
• Take a road trip to explore the Grand Canyon in Arizona within the next 2 years
• Take a train journey on the Trans-Siberian Railway within the next 5 years
• Take a cross-country rail trip across the United States within the next 2 years
• Take a family trip to Hawaii to learn about Hawaiian culture within the next 3 years
• Go on a backpacking trip in the Andes Mountains within the next 4 years
• Spend a week exploring the ancient ruins of Athens within the next 2 years
• Spend a month exploring the Galapagos Islands within the next 4 years
• Explore the European countryside via rail, taking a scenic route from Amsterdam to Vienna and visiting at least 5 other countries along the way, within the next 3 years
• Take a cruise to Alaska within the next three years
• Cruise down the Nile River within the next 5 years
• Take a river cruise down the Danube within the next 2 years
• Spend a week on a cultural immersion program in Morocco within the next 3 years
• Take a luxury rail journey on the Eastern and Oriental Express from Singapore to Bangkok, including a private cabin, fine dining, and sightseeing, within the next 2 years
• Take a solo rail trip to Japan, visiting Tokyo, Kyoto, and other cities on the Shinkansen bullet train network within the next 18 months
• Take a solo road trip to Australia, exploring the vast countryside from Perth to Sydney on the Indian Pacific, within the next 2 years
• Take a road trip to New Orleans during Mardi Gras, joining in the festivities and experiencing the city's rich culture and history, within the next 2 years
• Take a scenic cruise through the Norwegian fjords, stopping at picturesque towns and villages along the way, within the next 2 years
• Complete a multi-day trek to Everest Base Camp in Nepal, reaching an altitude of at least 17,500 feet, within the next 3 years

SMART Travel Experiences Goals

Here are some examples of SMART goals that you can set for this type of travel:

• Go on a wine-tasting tour of Napa Valley within the next year
• Go on a safari in Kenya within the next 3 years
• Go on a whale watching tour in Alaska within the next year
• Spend a week on a meditation retreat in Bali within the next 3 years
• Spend a week on a yoga retreat in India within the next 3 years
• Spend a week volunteering in a rural village in Tanzania within the next 4 years
• Go on a Disney Land vacation with the family within the next 2 years
• Go on a surf trip in Hawaii within the next 2 years
• Visit the Blue Lagoon in Iceland within the next year
• Spend a week skiing in the Swiss Alps within the next 2 years
• Take a photography tour of Iceland within the next 3 years
• Take a language immersion course in a foreign country within the next year
• Go on a food tour of Italy within the next 2 years
• Go on a culinary tour of Japan within the next 2 years
• Go on a glacier hiking tour in Iceland within the next 2 years
• Attend a traditional tea ceremony in Japan, learning about the history and cultural significance of the practice, within the next year

SMART Festivals & Celebration Goals

Here are a few examples of SMART goals that you can set for this type of travel:

• Attend the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro within the next 3 years
• Attend the Dia de los Muertos celebrations in Mexico within the next 2 years
• Attend the Holi Festival in India within the next 2 years
• Attend the Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans within the next year
• Attend the Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, experiencing the food, music, and beer culture of this iconic event, within the next 2 years
• Attend the Full Moon Party in Thailand within the next 3 years
• Attend the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona within the next 2 years
• Attend the next Summer Olympics
• Attend the Burning Man Festival in Nevada, USA, within the next 3 years, experiencing the art, music, and community of this unique event
• Visit Rio de Janeiro during Carnival, watching the parade and experiencing the vibrant atmosphere, within the next 18 months
• Explore the colorful and elaborate Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico City, visiting museums, markets, and cemeteries, within the next year
• Attend the Coachella music festival in California, USA, watching live performances by my favorite artists and discovering new ones, within the next 12 months
• Visit the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival in China, admiring the incredible ice sculptures and enjoying winter sports, within the next 3 years
• Take a trip to India during Diwali, experiencing the vibrant lights, music, and food of the country's biggest festival, within the next 2 years
• Attend the La Tomatina festival in Bunol, Spain, participating in the tomato fight and experiencing the local culture, within the next 18 months
• Take a trip to Thailand during Songkran, experiencing the traditional water festival and learning about the country's culture and history, within the next year
• Attend the Sundance Film Festival in Utah, USA, watching independent films and meeting filmmakers and actors, within the next 12 months
• Visit Edinburgh, Scotland, during the Fringe Festival, experiencing the world's largest arts festival and enjoying the city's history and architecture, within the next 2 years
• Attend the Holi Festival of Colors in India, experiencing the colorful powders and music of this joyous celebration, within the next 18 months
• Take a trip to Japan during the Cherry Blossom Festival, admiring the stunning blooms and experiencing the country's unique culture and food, within the next 3 years
• Attend the Rioja Wine Harvest Festival in Spain, experiencing the wine-making process and enjoying the food, music, and culture of the region, within the next year
• Attend a major international music festival, such as Coachella or Glastonbury, within the next 2 years, seeing at least 10 different artists perform live

SMART Romance Travel Goals

• Take a honeymoon trip to Bora Bora and stay in an overwater bungalow for at least a week within the next year
• Renew our vows on a secluded beach in the Caribbean, with a private ceremony and a romantic dinner on the sand within the next 2 years
• Plan a surprise weekend getaway to a cozy cabin in the woods, complete with a fireplace and hot tub, within the next 6 months
• Book a romantic river cruise in Europe, visiting at least 4 different countries and enjoying gourmet dining and entertainment along the way within the next 3 years
• Take a couples' cooking class in Tuscany, Italy, learning to make authentic pasta and enjoying local wine and cheese within the next 18 months
• Spend a week in Bali, Indonesia, indulging in spa treatments and enjoying the beautiful beaches and temples within the next 2 year
• Take a road trip along the California coast, stopping at romantic destinations such as Big Sur and Napa Valley within the next year
• Plan a surprise date night in Paris, France, including a private boat ride on the Seine and a romantic dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant within the next 6 months
• Attend a destination wedding in Mexico and extend the trip to enjoy a romantic beach getaway, with activities such as snorkeling and horseback riding within the next year
• Book a luxury safari in Tanzania, staying in a private tented camp and seeing the Big Five animals in their natural habitat within the next 3 years
• Take a romantic hot air balloon ride over the Napa Valley, followed by a private wine tasting and gourmet lunch within the next 2 years
• Plan a surprise weekend trip to New York City, including tickets to a Broadway show and a carriage ride through Central Park within the next 6 months
• Take a couples' yoga retreat in Costa Rica, practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques in a beautiful natural setting within the next 18 months
• Visit the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru, hiking the Inca Trail and enjoying a romantic dinner with a view of the mountains within the next 3 years
• Book a private yacht charter in the Greek Islands, exploring the crystal clear waters and enjoying sunset dinners on deck within the next 2 years

Other Travel Goals

Here are a few more examples of SMART goals that you can set in the area of travel:

• Visit at least 10 countries in the next 5 years
• Visit three new countries within the next two years, spending at least two weeks in each country
• Visit all seven continents before turning 40, completing the goal within the next 10 years
• Achieve status as a top-tier frequent traveler with a major rail company by logging at least 50,000 miles in the next 12 months
• Visit every single station on the New York City Subway system by the end of next year, taking a picture at each stop as evidence
• Plan and book a multi-generational family vacation by rail, including grandparents, parents, and children, to a scenic destination in the next 2 years
• Visit the Seven Wonders of the World, including the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal, and the Colosseum, within the next 10 years

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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.

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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. : )))))

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Raising a glass to Portugal’s best wine regions

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

Frommer’s deems momondo best airfare search site for 2024

Travel Goals: 100 Things to Do Before You Die!

If you love to travel you probably have an endless travel bucket list of places you want to visit and things you want to see and do before you die. Sometimes it can be hard to narrow down where to go so to help you decide on your travel goals I’ve put together the ultimate travel bucket list with the top 100 things to do before you die . Why 100? Partly because 100 is a goal worthy (but feasible) number to aim for – not too few destinations that you will check off the list in a few years but not so many things that would make the list impossible.

Travel Goals: 100 Things to Do Before You Die

• Visit all 7 continents.
• Visit Antarctica.
• Step foot on the North Pole.
• Travel to over 100 countries. Some people want to visit every country but I think 100 is a more feasible goal.
• Visit all 50 states in the United States.
• Take a great American road trip.
• See Niagara Falls.
• View the beautiful Northern Lights. Even better if you can see them from inside a glass igloo hotel.
• Stay in an overwater villa.

• Watch the sunrise at Machu Picchu, Peru, a must on any South America bucket list .
• See the Taj Mahal in India.
• Hike the Great Wall of China.
• Soak in the iconic Blue Lagoon in Iceland .
• See the fjords in Norway.
• Ride a gondola in Venice, Italy.

• Go island hopping in Greece. Read: Most Beautiful Greek Islands You Need to Visit
• See the Acropolis in Athens, Greece.
• Take part in the La Tomatina festival in Spain where locals and tourists throw tomatoes at each other.
• Visit Munich, Germany during Oktoberfest , the world’s largest beer festival.
• Visit one of the many Christmas markets in Europe .
• Visit one or more of Europe’s fairytale towns .
• Admire the beautiful Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica  at the Vatican.
• See Michelangelo’s David and other great art in Florence, Italy.

• Explore the Cinque Terre, Italy, made up of five colorful seaside villages.
• See the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy.
• Visit the Colosseum in Rome, Italy.
• See the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France.
• Visit the beautiful and famous Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany.
• Explore London , England, visiting some of its must-see sights like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Tower of London and Westminster Abbey.
• See Stonehenge in England.
• Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland.
• Ride in a hot air balloon over Cappadocia, Turkey.
• Admire the view from the top of Burj Khalifa  (the world’s tallest building) in Dubai .
• Float in the Dead Sea, Jordan.
• Explore the ancient city of Petra, Jordan.
• Travel the Silk Road .
• Take an epic train journey on the Trans-Siberian Railway .
• Swim with thousands of stingless jellyfish in Jellyfish Lake, Palau .

• Watch the sunrise at Angkor Wat, Cambodia.
• Take a junk boat cruise in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.
• Spot a Komodo dragon (the largest lizard in the world) at Komodo Island, Indonesia.
• Party on the beach at a Full Moon Party at Koh Phangan, Thailand.
• Celebrate  Yi Peng and Loy Krathong (Lantern Festival) in Thailand.
• Volunteer with elephants at a responsible and ethical sanctuary like Elephant Nature Park in Thailand.
• Walk through beautiful green rice terraces in Asia. You can find them in several countries including Bali, China, Vietnam and the Philippines .

• Take a hot air balloon ride over the temples at sunrise in Bagan, Myanmar.
• Swim in the world’s largest rooftop infinity pool at the Marina Bay Sands hotel in Singapore .
• Admire the Hong Kong skyline from the top of Victoria’s Peak.
• See giant pandas in Chengdu, China.
• Enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms in Japan .
• Visit Tokyo , Japan one of the most unique cities in the world.
• Stay in a ryokan in Japan.
• Stay at an ice hotel.
• Eat at an undersea restaurant like this one in the Maldives.
• Visit North Korea.
• Trek to Mount Everest Base Camp in Nepal.
• Explore spectacular glow worms caves in New Zealand.
• Visit the Sydney Opera House, in Sydney , Australia.
• See Uluru, Australia (also known as Ayer’s Rock) a must on any Australia bucket list .
• Scuba dive or snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, Australia.
• Hike or take a cable car to the top of Table Mountain, which overlooks Cape Town, South Africa.
• Visit the pyramids in Egypt.
• Wander around the colorful souks (open air markets) in Marrakesh, Morocco.
• Go on an African safari.
• See the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti, Africa.
• Eat breakfast with giraffes at Giraffe Manor , a bucket list worthy hotel in Kenya.
• Trek mountain gorillas in Africa. You can mountain gorillas in 3 African countries ( Rwanda,   Uganda or the Democratic Republic of the Congo ).
• Climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa.
• Climb the beautiful red-sand dunes of Sossusvlei  in Namibia.
• See Victoria Falls (from both Zambia and Zimbabwe).
• Visit Iguazu Falls in South America.
• See unique wildlife in the Galapagos Islands.
• Hike to the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and enjoy spectacular views.
• Celebrate Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
• Dance the tango in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
• Visit the photogenic Salar de Uyuni salt flats in Bolivia.
• Road trip across the  Atacama Desert , Chile, the driest desert in the world.
• Hike in Patagonia.
• Explore the Amazon jungle and river in South America.

• Marvel at the famous monumental statues on Easter Island .
• Admire the enormous penguin population in the Falkland Islands.
• See Chichen Itza, Mexico voted as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
• Visit Cuba.

• Photograph Antelope Canyon in the American Southwest which is one of the most instagrammable places in the United States.
• Celebrate Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
• Gamble, party, eat and have fun in Las Vegas .
• Celebrate New Year’s Eve in New York City’s Times Square.
• See the Statue of Liberty, USA.
• Enjoy beautiful NYC views from the top of the Empire State Building.   Read : Weekend In New York City Itinerary
• Visit the Grand Canyon – a must on any USA bucket list !

• Cross the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.
• See the Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles , California.
• Take an architecture river cruise in Chicago (my hometown).
• Visit Albuquerque, New Mexico during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta , the largest hot air balloon festival in the world.
• Explore Yellowstone National Park , America’s first national park and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Explore beautiful Banff National Park in Canada.
• See polar bears in the wild in Churchill, Canada or Svalbard in the Arctic.

• Take a river cruise.
• Spend a night in a desert camp.
• Fly in first or business class. (Find out how I do it for almost free here ).

So there you have it – the ultimate travel bucket list of 100 things to do before you die.  If there is an experience or place I should include let me know in the comments below!

Need more travel inspiration? Check out some of my other travel bucket lists below:

• USA Travel Bucket List: 100+ Best Places to Visit in the United States
• European Bucket List: 100+ Things to Do in Europe
• Africa Bucket List: 50 Things to Do and Places to Visit
• South America Bucket List: 50+ Things to Do and Places to Visit
• Southeast Asia Bucket List: 100+ Things to Do
• Australia Bucket List: 50 Best Places to Visit in Australia

Related Posts

savvyglobetrotter

I’ve done nine of those so far. Hoping for more this year!

9 is really good for one year! Enjoy your travels this year.

20 down, 80 to go! I love this list. ?

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• Apr 13, 2023

101 Super Bucket List Goals - Goals that Fuel Your Passion and Interests Not One and Done

Updated: Jun 29, 2023

What are you passionate about? Do you have any hobbies or overarching travel goals that are not a “one and done” item? Places or experiences that belong to a category of things?

Some people wish to see all 50 United States or 63 National Parks. Perhaps you want to see every major wine region in the world. Each of these are what I call “super bucket list goals”.

I have a few of these types of goals.

I’d like to see 100 countries. There are 197 countries that the United Nations recognize. Why 100? 100 is an arbitrary number. It’s true. I’ve been to 45 so far, and I feel like I need a stretch goal, so 100 is it.

Another goal that I have is to see all seven continents. I have been to 6 so far, but I am still missing Antarctica. I’ve set a deadline to do that by the time I am 50 because (1) I need time to save for such an expensive goal, and (2) I want to do it when I should still be physically and mentally able to do it.

Maybe you have some things like this on your list. Maybe you have never thought about it before.

Read on for a list of ideas for Super Bucket List Goals.

Table of Contents:

Travel goals by geography, bucket list adventures, major religion travel goals, literature, art, music, and culture bucket list places, gastronomy super goals, major travel transportation goals, major military sites to visit, most amazing resorts and accommodations to see in your lifetime, government sites to visit, nature travel goals, sports and sporting event travel goals, miscellaneous super travel goals.

Visit 50 United States

Visiting X number of countries (to be defined by you)

Visit every Continent

Visit all 10 Canadian Provinces

See the 32 Mexican States

Visiting all 7 continents

Visiting all 63 National Parks in the contiguous U.S.

Visit a certain number of UNESCO World Heritage sites

Visit all Francophone countries

Visit all Spanish-speaking countries

Set foot on all landforms/countries where the equator crosses

Sister Islands: Tahiti (mother), Hawaii, Phillipines, New Zealand

Spend time in each country along the Silk Road

Climb the highest peak on each continent

Complete 10 animal safaris across the globe

Hike the world’s top hikes

Travel from North America to South America overland

See the new Wonders of the World

Visit the 58 14ers in Colorado

Highest Peak in Every State

Do 5 Things that Really Scare You (e.g., Bungee jump, Skydive, learn to scuba, kite sail, etc)

Tour the main countries and cities associated with the world’s largest religions: (Jerusalem, Vatican City, Mecca, Varanasi, Bodh Gaya

Follow the paths of the apostles

Follow in the footsteps of the Saints

Visit important places in the Bible

Visit the most impressive temples across the world (e.g., Angkor Wat, Chichen Itza, Forbidden Palace, etc.)

Literature, Art, Music and Culture Bucket List Places

Visit the World’s Top Landmarks (e.g., Statue of Liberty, Eiffel Tower, Angor Wat, Christ the Redeemer, etc.)

Most Unusual / Kitschy place in each State (e.g., Corn Palace, Largest Ball of Twine)

Visit all Carnegie Libraries

Visit all Walt Disney Parks Across the World

See 10 Major Events in Different Countries (e.g., St. Patrick’s Day in U.S., Diwali in India, Carnival in Brazil, etc.)

All the Major Travels of Mark Twain

All the Major Travels of Ernest Hemingway

Visit the world’s Top art museums

Visit the Birthplaces of All Major Forms of U.S. Music (Tupelo, Michigan, Detroit, Chicago, Dallas, New Orleans)

Visit the top Ivy League universities across the country

See the world’s major opera houses

Biggest Film Studios in the World (Bollywood, Hollywood, China, etc.)

Try all major forms of massage in their home country

See your top 5 favorite artists or bands in their hometown

See a concert at the world's largest and/or best concert venues

Eat at the top Michelin-starred restaurants

Visit All Major Wine Regions

Try olive oil in all of the world's leading olive oil producing areas

Go on a worldwide coffee tour

Learn about chocolate from the world's leading producers

Learn to cook your favorite cuisine by taking classes in different regions of the country

Learn to cook the Mediterranean diet by taking classes in various countries around the Mediterranean

Visit the Blue Zone countries and learn about what makes them live so long

Boat on all major U.S. Rivers

Boat on the world’s most major rivers

Drive the country’s best road trips

Drive the world's best road trips

Drive all of the major U.S. Interstates East to West and north to South

Try 50 types of transportation. See my article on the 54 M ost Romantic Ways to Travel

Do the Best Train Rides in the U.S.

Do the Top X Best Train Rides in the World

Ride the World’s Best Airlines

Fly the world’s longest and/or best flights

Ride on 10 forms of aircraft

All major WWII sites

All major Civil War sites

All major WWI sites

All major Vietnam War sites

All major Korean War sites

All War of 1812 sites

Stay at the Best Resorts According to Condé Nast

Stay at the Best Resorts According to Robb Report

Stay at the Top 100 Hotels from Travel + Leisure

Pick your favorite hotel chain and see their top properties (e.g., St. Regis, Four Seasons, Sandal's Resorts)

Vist all Disney World locations and stay on property

Visit all U.S. State Capitols

Go to all Presidential Libraries

See the center of ancient and modern civilizations

Go to Washington DC and visit the White House and all of the monuments around the Mall and beyond

See the World’s Best Waterfalls

See the greatest animal migrations (e.g., monarchs, the Great Migration, etc.)

See 50 different types of animals in nature (Here are my favorite Wildlife trips that I've taken )

Complete the Best U.S. Hikes

Hike the great trails of the U.S. (or beyond?)…ex. Appalachian trail, Pacific Coast Highway

Best Botanical Gardens in Major International or U.S. Cities

All the Great Lakes

Visit the World's Largest Rivers (Amazon, Nile, Yangtze, Mississippi)

Go to the world's largest zoos

Touch every ocean

Sail every sea

See all major geological events (e.g., iceberg, mountain, volcano, canyon, crater, etc.)

Sports and Major Sporting Events

Visit all Major U.S. Ballparks (Baseball)

See all Major U.S. Football Stadiums

Go to the top NCAA Football Rivalry match-ups

See a game at all Major Soccer Stadiums Across the World

See all the Major Car Races (Formula 1, Nascar)

Golf at the most beautiful golf courses in the U.S. (or most challenging)

Attend every major golf tournament worldwide

Visit every major sports championship match (World Cup, Superbowl, NBA Finals, Grand Prix, Tour de France, World Series, Cricket World Cup, Wimbledon)

Ski at the World's Top Ski Destinations

Visit existing Olympic villages

Miscellaneous

See 10 celestial events (e.g., meteor, solar eclipse, lunar eclipse, comet, etc.)

See an example of all major natural phenomenon – aurora borealis, solar eclipse, lunar eclipse, asteroids, meteoroids, tornado / cyclone, hurricane, tsunami, volcanic eruption, glacier calving…

See the World’s Most Beautiful and/or Haunting Cemeteries

Please comment below with any other ideas that I'm missing and share this article with a friend!

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What is a Travel Goal? Discover the Power of Setting Travel Goals

Table of Contents

What is travel goals ?

The Importance of Setting Travel Goals

Setting travel goals is a crucial step in experiencing the true joy and fulfillment that travel can bring. By identifying and articulating what you hope to achieve or gain from your travels, you give yourself a clear direction and purpose. Travel becomes more than just a series of destinations; it becomes a transformative journey.

Travel is not just about visiting famous landmarks or ticking items off a bucket list. It is about immersing yourself in new cultures, expanding your horizons, and challenging yourself to step outside of your comfort zone. Setting travel goals helps you focus on the experiences that truly matter to you.

When you set travel goals, you create a roadmap for your journey. Whether your goal is to learn a new language, try local cuisine, or engage in adventure activities, having a plan gives you something to work towards and look forward to. It adds excitement and anticipation to the process of planning and undertaking your travels.

Furthermore, setting travel goals allows you to measure your progress and celebrate your achievements. As you work towards each goal, you gain a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. Each new milestone becomes a testament to your determination and growth as a traveler.

Finally, setting travel goals empowers you to make the most of your time and resources. With a clear vision of what you want to achieve, you can prioritize your activities and make informed decisions about how to allocate your time, energy, and money. This ensures that every moment of your travel journey is meaningful and fulfilling.

In conclusion, setting travel goals is essential for maximizing the benefits of your travels. It gives you a sense of direction, focus, and purpose, allowing you to create a transformative journey filled with memorable experiences and personal growth.

Benefits of Having Clear Travel Goals

Setting clear travel goals is an essential step towards creating memorable and fulfilling travel experiences. When you have a clear understanding of what you want to achieve or experience during your travels, you are more likely to have a successful and rewarding trip. Here are some of the key benefits of having clear travel goals:

1. Clarity and Focus

Having clear travel goals provides you with a sense of clarity and focus. It helps you narrow down your options and prioritize what is important to you. When you have a clear vision of what you want to achieve, you can better plan your itinerary, choose destinations that align with your goals, and make the most out of your time and resources.

2. Motivation and Inspiration

Setting travel goals can inspire and motivate you to take action. When you have a specific goal in mind, it creates a sense of purpose and excitement. Whether it’s learning a new skill, visiting a famous landmark, or immersing yourself in a different culture, having a clear travel goal gives you something to look forward to and helps you stay motivated throughout your journey.

Additionally, achieving a goal can boost your confidence and self-esteem, proving to yourself that you are capable of setting your mind to something and accomplishing it.

What Makes Clear Travel Goals Different?

Clear travel goals are not just about ticking off popular tourist attractions or visiting as many countries as possible. They are about setting meaningful and personal objectives that resonate with you. It’s about creating experiences that are aligned with your values, interests, and desires.

Instead of simply going with the flow or following someone else’s itinerary, clear travel goals allow you to design your own journey and make choices that align with your vision. They give you the power to shape your travel experiences and create memories that are truly unique to you.

So, what are your travel goals? Take the first step towards turning your dreams into reality and embark on a journey of discovery and personal growth. Set clear travel goals, plan your adventures, and unlock the incredible power of intentional travel.

How to Set Realistic Travel Goals

Setting travel goals can be an exciting and rewarding process. It gives you something to look forward to, motivates you to save money, and allows you to explore new places and cultures. However, it’s essential to set realistic goals that align with your budget, time constraints, and personal preferences. Here are some steps to help you set realistic travel goals:

1. Define Your Travel Vision

Start by clarifying what travel means to you. Is it about relaxation, adventure, cultural immersion, or all of the above? Determining your travel vision will help you focus on destinations and experiences that align with your interests.

2. Assess Your Resources

Take stock of your financial situation, available vacation days, and other resources that will impact your travel plans. Be honest with yourself about what you can realistically afford and how much time you can allocate to travel.

Pro tip: Consider creating a travel savings plan to help you stay on track with your financial goals.

3. Research Destinations

Explore different travel destinations that match your vision and resources. Look for places that offer the experiences you desire within your budget and time frame.

Pro tip: Take advantage of travel websites and blogs, which can provide valuable information and inspiration for your travel goals.

4. Break it Down

Break down your travel goals into smaller, manageable steps. For example, if you want to save a certain amount of money for a trip, set monthly saving targets that will help you reach your overall goal.

Remember: Setting realistic and achievable milestones will keep you motivated along the way.

5. Be Flexible

While it’s important to set specific goals, be open to adjusting them as needed. Unexpected opportunities or changes in your circumstances may require you to adapt your travel plans. Embrace the possibility of exploring new horizons.

By following these steps, you can set realistic travel goals that align with your interests, budget, and personal circumstances. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your next adventure today!

Creating Your Personal Travel Guide

Travel is an exhilarating experience that allows you to explore new cultures, visit stunning landmarks, and create lasting memories. But what is travel without a plan? This is where your personal travel guide comes in.

Your personal travel guide is a customized itinerary that helps you make the most out of your trips. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a novice, having a tailored guide ensures that you don’t miss out on any must-see attractions or hidden gems along the way.

Must-See Destinations and Activities for Your Travel Guide

When it comes to travel, having goals is essential. Setting travel goals not only gives you something to look forward to, but it also helps you prioritize your time and make the most of your trip. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just starting out, here are some must-see destinations and activities that should be on your travel guide:

1. Explore the Ancient Wonders

One of the most incredible experiences you can have while traveling is to visit the ancient wonders of the world. From the majestic pyramids of Egypt to the iconic ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru , these sites are not only breathtakingly beautiful but also offer a glimpse into the ancient civilizations that once thrived.

Make sure to immerse yourself in the history and culture of these destinations. Take a guided tour, learn about the myths and legends surrounding these ancient wonders, and marvel at the architectural marvels that have withstood the test of time.

2. Embrace Nature’s Beauty

Traveling is not just about visiting cities and landmarks, but also about connecting with nature. When setting travel goals, make sure to include destinations that showcase the beauty of the natural world.

Whether it’s hiking in the majestic Rocky Mountains, snorkeling in the vibrant coral reefs of the Great Barrier Reef, or witnessing the breathtaking Northern Lights in Iceland, there are countless natural wonders waiting to be explored.

Take the time to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, immerse yourself in the peacefulness of nature, and let it inspire and rejuvenate you.

3. Immerse Yourself in Local Culture

One of the most rewarding aspects of travel is immersing yourself in the local culture of your destination. When setting travel goals, make sure to include activities that allow you to interact with the locals, learn about their customs and traditions, and get a taste of the authentic local cuisine.

From participating in cooking classes and traditional dance workshops to visiting local markets and festivals, there are endless opportunities to engage with the local culture and create lasting memories.

• Try the traditional street food in Thailand
• Learn to dance the tango in Argentina
• Attend a traditional tea ceremony in Japan
• Visit a local vineyard in Italy

Remember, travel is not just about ticking off a list of destinations, but about creating meaningful experiences and memories that will last a lifetime. So, set your travel goals, embark on your journey, and discover the power of travel to inspire, educate, and transform.

Keeping Track of Your Travel Goals and Progress

Setting travel goals is an exciting way to plan your future adventures. It gives you something to look forward to and motivates you to explore new destinations. However, once you have defined your travel goals, it is important to keep track of them and monitor your progress. This will help you stay on track and ensure that you are making the most of your travel experiences.

One of the best ways to keep track of your travel goals is to create a travel journal. This can be a physical notebook or an online platform where you can document your travel plans, experiences, and achievements. In your journal, write down your travel goals and the steps you need to take to achieve them.

As you start ticking off your travel goals, make sure to document your progress. Describe the destinations you have visited, the activities you have done, and the experiences you have had. Include details such as the dates of your trips, the people you have met, and the lessons you have learned along the way.

Another effective way to keep track of your travel goals is to create a vision board. This can be a physical board where you pin images, quotes, and mementos related to your travel goals. It serves as a visual reminder of what you want to achieve and can inspire you to take action.

What’s more, don’t forget to celebrate your achievements along the way. When you reach a milestone or accomplish a travel goal, take a moment to acknowledge your success. Treat yourself to a special experience or simply reflect on how far you have come.

Remember, keeping track of your travel goals and progress is essential to stay focused and motivated. It allows you to reflect on your journey and make adjustments if needed. By documenting your experiences and celebrating your achievements, you will enhance your overall travel experience and create memories that last a lifetime.

What is “Discover the Power of Setting Travel Goals My Travel Guide”?

“Discover the Power of Setting Travel Goals My Travel Guide” is a guidebook that helps you set travel goals and achieve them.

Why should I set travel goals?

Setting travel goals can give you something to look forward to and motivate you to save money and plan your trips in advance. It can also help you prioritize your travel experiences and make the most out of your trips.

How can this guide help me set and achieve travel goals?

This guide provides practical tips and advice on setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) travel goals. It also offers strategies for overcoming obstacles and staying motivated throughout your travel journey.

Can I use this guide for any type of travel goals?

Yes, this guide is designed to help you set and achieve any type of travel goal, whether it’s visiting a specific destination, completing a travel bucket list, or traveling for a certain duration.

Is this guide suitable for both experienced and novice travelers?

Yes, this guide can be helpful for both experienced and novice travelers. It provides valuable insights and strategies that can be applied to any level of travel experience.

“Discover the Power of Setting Travel Goals My Travel Guide” is a travel guide that helps you set and achieve your travel goals.

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SMART Goals for Travelers: Setting 2021 Travel Goals

As I have learned more about goals, I’ve noticed that making my goals SMART pushes me to actually accomplish them. Thus, that’s why it’s essential for there to be SMART goals for travelers. I remember growing up and spending every New Years’ Eve at my dad’s house. We would do some traditional activities, but my dad would always sit us down to go over our goals for the next year and review our ones from last year. My goals were somewhat simplistic as a kid; they have adapted as I have grown and have included what travel I’d like to do in the coming year. I’d like to take you through my travel goal writing process.

SMART Goals for Travelers don’t include “Travel More”

I feel like we’ve all been there (or at least I have), we talk about what we want to do in the next year and we all say something along the lines of “travel more.” Don’t get me wrong, I think this is a great way to get started, but it shouldn’t be your endpoint when it comes to travel for the next year. I remember being at student council camp one summer when I first heard of SMART Goals. If you haven’t heard of SMART Goals or need a refresher, here is a breakdown, SMART stands for: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-Bound.

Let’s Brainstorm

I like to start things off with brainstorming, writing everything that comes to my mind. In this phase, there isn’t any wrong answer. No trip is too long or location too far. With that, I also start thinking of some smaller things and travel I would like to do. I think writing everything down allows you to often see how many goals can intertwine and fit into one another.

Subgoals are great

Goals can be large, especially travel-related goals. To make larger goals more feasible, I break them down into smaller subgoals, so I can see that I am making progress toward the big goal.

Let’s Make them SMART Goals

S – specific.

What are you looking to accomplish? Is there a place you’d like to travel to? Do you have a dollar amount that you need to save for an upcoming trip? Take a look at what you have brainstormed and start from there. Make your goal make it concise and clear, include details and numbers as necessary. 

M – Measurable

This one might be easy for travel as you can check it off by saying that you measure it once you complete the trip. However, I suggest using the subgoals that I previously mentioned to show that you are making progress along the way to your big goal.

A – Attainable

The next step is to look and make sure that it is going to be something that you can do. Do you have enough vacation days? Are there other financial obligations that would be in the way? Setting subgoals will help make bigger goals more on the track to be more attainable.

R – Realistic

You’ll need to be sure that your travel goals are even possible and reachable. That is to say, just because a goal is not possible now, that it won’t be possible in a few months or a couple years. Having subgoals while planning will allow you to see the steps to reach your big goal and see if it is realistic.

T – Time-Based

Have your travel goal meet a deadline. What good is a goal if you never set a time to have it done by, right? If you are a person that struggles with procrastination or dealing with big picture concepts, creating subgoals that are also time-based might help. They will allow you to make sure you are meeting deadlines along the way to that big travel goal.

SMART Goals for Travelers Example

Let’s take a look at one of my goals: to visit every National Park in the United States. Realistically, I know that I am unlikely to visit every National Park within the next year and probably not within the next five years either. 

So let’s break it down. I believe that regardless of the state of travel, it’s realistic and attainable that I’ll be able to visit one new National Park in the coming year. To make this happen, I need to do some research on the park I want to visit. From there, I’ll need to decide to fly or drive, determine if I’m going to camp or not, set aside money for the trip, and request time off work.

Brainstorm: Visit every National Park SMART Goal: Visit one new National Park in 2021 1. Determine National Park by the end of March 2. Determine rough dates for travel by the end of April 3. Plan transportation method and accommodation by the end of May 4. Set aside $600 for the trip by the end of May 5. Request time off at least 2 months in advance of the trip

Didn’t think you’d get another goal out of me did you?

Well, as mentioned in a previous post , I wanted to work more on this website. To keep myself on track for year it’s my intention post 12 times total by the end of 2021.

Setting your Travel Goals

What travel goals are you setting? Let me know with a comment below! When doing research for other goals I found MindTool’s SMART Goal’s article super helpful.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

Ultimate South East Asia

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!

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19 Travel Goals to Accomplish Before 35

Back in June, as I was reflecting on another birthday, I looked at a very, very old version of my website and spotted a list of travel goals I’d written that I had forgotten. As I’ve made changes to this site over the year, I moved the list around, removed it, put it back up, and, then, put it aside until I could figure out what to do with it.

And, then like so many lists I write, I had forgotten it in the dust bin of my mind.

But seeing that list again made me think about how five years ago, when I created this list, I had all these lofty travel goals — and barely reached any of then.

To be fair, I’ve done some amazing things in the last five years! Galápagos Islands? Check! La Tomatina? Check ! Learn to scuba dive? Check ! Oktoberfest? Double steins of beer? Double check!

Now, I hate bucket lists – as if there’s some set number of activities to enjoy in the world in order to die happy. I think that’s crap. Life changes and so do your goals and desires. The bucket list you write when you’re 20 is not the same one you write at 40. If I wrote a bucket list 10 years ago, it wouldn’t include 90% of the things I’ve done with my life.

But, as I reflect on that long lost list, I think after five years, it’s time for a new list. Mostly because I love lists (I make at least one a day) but also because it would be good to collect and refocus my thoughts on where I want to go in the next few years.

As a nomad, there’s nowhere in the world I don’t want to see at some point, but there are definite things I want to do and places I want to see sooner rather than later.

So, instead of writing a bucket list, I’m writing my travel priorities for the next three years in order to better focus and have some goals to strive for. ( Updated 11/2019: Here’s what I ended up doing!)

Spend 4–5 months backpacking South America (DID 2 MONTHS!) I’ll be tying my World Cup goal into what will be my next major trip. I don’t like piecemeal travel, and I’d rather explore this entire region in one go, so despite my attempts at slowing down and becoming more settled, New York City will take a brief backseat to South America next spring while I roam the continent.

Climb to Everest base camp (DIDN’T DO!) Given my general out-of-shapeness, this is going to be a real challenge, but one I will prepare for and embrace.

Sail along the Amazon and explore the heart of the rainforest (DIDN’T DO!) Because ever since I saw photos of this river, I’ve felt the need to satiate my inner Indiana Jones and explore this vast, wild, sometimes uncharted, out-of-the-way region.

Take the Trans-Siberian Railway (DIDN’T DO!) I’ve always dreamed of this long train journey, and my desire has only increased since Katie wrote about her trip . This long, rustic train ride also appeals to me, because in the age of the Internet, travel has gotten too easy and there’s no Internet here to rely on. It’s just you and your travel skills.

Cruise around the Pacific Islands (DIDN’T DO!) Because Torre made me jealous , and I think it would be pretty fun to pretend I’m Robinson Crusoe. Sailing the islands is difficult to accomplish, but nothing worthwhile is ever easy.

Walk the Camino de Santiago (DIDN’T DO!) Can I walk across Spain? I don’t know, but it will be fun to try. I’ve heard so many good stories about this trip that even if I only make it halfway, I think I’ll enjoy it.

Travel to the Arctic and see polar bears (DIDN’T DO!)

I can’t see one pole without seeing the other. It’s only fair, right? Plus, I want to see these amazing animals before they go extinct.

Sail around the Caribbean(DID DO!) Just call me Captain Nomadic Jack Sparrow.

Visit Morocco (DID DO!) This country has been on my must-see list for far too long. I love Moroccan food, the kasbahs seem amazing, and a camel ride in the desert is just what the doctor ordered.

UPDATE: Well, while I might not have gotten to a lot these goals over the last few years, I did a lot. But I also did a lot in my life – starting a blogging school, moving to Austin, writing two books, and doing a lot of other personal things that filled some of my travel time.

But, during this time, I also learned to end all my goals. Rather let some list determine my future plans, I’ll just go where I can, when I can. I’ll never get to see the entire world. And I’m finally OK with that.

When you travel, less is more anyways!  

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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How to Achieve Your Travel Goals

In addition, your bucket list almost certainly contains a lot of travel goals. If that’s the case, you’ve come to the right place. This post will show you how to achieve your travel goals.

The steps that you need to take in order to achieve your travel goals are the following:

Turn Your Excuses Into Tasks

Work through your limiting beliefs about travel.

• Set a Specific Goal that You’re Going to Work On
• Obsess Over Your Goal

Each of these steps is explained, in detail, below.

We all make excuses when it comes time to doing the work that must be done in order to achieve our goals. Sometimes we’re not even aware of the excuses that we’re making. These excuses hide out in the deep recesses of our minds, sapping away at our energy and our motivation.

The first step that you need to take in order to achieve your travel goals is to identify the excuses that you’re making, and then transform those excuses into tasks. What do I mean by this? Let me explain.

The reasons most people set forth as to why they can’t achieve their travel goals are the following:

• I can’t travel because I have kids.
• I can’t travel because I don’t have the money.
• I can’t travel because I’m too busy and I just don’t have the time.
• I can’t travel because I don’t have anyone to travel with.

Do any of these sound familiar? Be honest.

Now, you’re going to take each of these excuses and turn them into a task. For example, you would turn the four excuses set forth above into the following four tasks:

• Research how others have managed to travel with kids. As part of this research, find a travel blog written by a couple with kids.
• Come up with an estimate of how much money I’ll need to travel, and then create a plan on how I’m going to make that amount of money.
• Set aside some time to travel. If you can’t find the time to travel, no matter how hard you try, you need to reassess your priorities. In order to make travel a priority, something with a lower priority has to go.
• Find someone to travel with or identify a travel company that caters to solo-travelers.

Basically, you’re transforming excuses–which makes you feel powerless–into action steps, which is empowering.

Since “I don’t have the money” is one of the most common excuses that people make in order to explain why they don’t travel more–even though they want to–here are four strategies I’ve come up with for financing life goals:

• Three Strategies For Financing Your Life Goals
• How to Make $1374 to Finance Your Life Goals

A lot of people don’t really think that it’s feasible for them to travel. These people tend to hold beliefs that make it difficult for them to seriously entertain the idea of making travel a regular part of their lifestyle. Some of these limiting beliefs could be the following:

• Traveling is prohibitively expensive.
• Traveling is selfish and self-indulgent.
• Traveling is very complicated.

You need to break down these limiting beliefs and replace them with more accurate ways of thinking. Here’s how you could break down the three limiting beliefs indicated above:

• Traveling is expensive, but not prohibitively so. There are many ways to travel on a budget. I don’t need to fly first class, stay at five star hotels, or eat at the most expensive restaurants. In fact, there are several travel guides out there that offer lots of ideas on how to travel without breaking the bank.
• It’s not selfish to want to experience other cultures and see other countries. In addition, I work hard and I’m entitled to indulge myself every now and then.
• Traveling can be complicated, but I will break the process down into small steps and take these steps one at a time.

Set a Specific Goal You’re Going to Work On

Take a look at all of the travel items on your bucket list. You’re going to choose one of the places on your bucket list and make a commitment to visiting that place. When deciding which place to visit first, you could use any of the following criteria:

• Which of the places on my bucket list is closest geographically to where I am right now (sometimes it’s psychologically easier to convince yourself that you’re going to visit a place that’s relatively close by)?
• Which trip is the least expensive (if money is tight right now, this may be the way to go for the time being)?
• If I could only visit one of these places before I die, which one would I choose? With this question you’re identifying which trip you’re most passionate about.
• Which trip would be the easiest for me to take at this moment? Maybe you have a friend from college who lives overseas, or you have family in Italy. Having someone to stay with would make the trip much easier. In addition, you could pitch a trip to your boss: go to a conference to hone your skills, or explore a new marketplace for your company to possibly expand into.

Let’s suppose that you’ve decided that your goal is to visit Paris, France. You no longer have a vague goal–such as “travel more”– and you no longer have a long list of possible destinations competing for your attention. In addition, you’re no longer just interested in visiting Paris; you’re now 100% committed.

Obsess Over Your Destination

We’re often told that obsession is bad. However, obsession can also be good. When you’re working toward achieving a goal that’s really important to you, obsessing over that goal can make it more likely that you’ll achieve it. Do all of the following:

• Find someone who’s been to Paris and ask them what their trip was like.
• Use maps.google.com and look up Paris. Zoom in and take a look at the street names. “See” yourself walking down these streets.
• Go on YouTube and look at videos of Paris.
• Get yourself a Paris travel book.
• Find a nice image of  the Eiffel tower online and use it as your screensaver.
• Make a list of the top ten places that you’re going to visit while in Paris.
• Watch movies which are set in Paris, such as “Amelie”.

By obsessing over Paris you’ll be doing all of the following:

• You’ll be making the idea of visiting Paris more real.
• You’ll be directing your mind to look for ways to achieve the goal of visiting Paris.
• You’ll become more enthusiastic about visiting Paris. Enthusiasm can be the fuel that you need in order to take the necessary steps to achieve your goal of traveling to Paris.

Have you come down with a serious case of Wanderlust? Do you want to see faraway places, have new experiences, taste different cuisines, and so on? Hopefully, this blog post will help you to achieve your travel goals .

Where do you want to go? Please share in the comments section below. I’ll start: I want to visit Machu Picchu in Peru.

Related Posts:

1. 67 Ideas For Your “Just Because” Bucket List 2. Six Videos to Inspire Your Bucket List 3. 525+ Ideas For Your Bucket List 4. 21 Ways to Keep Your Motivation Flying High

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10 Must-See Destinations to Check Off Your Bucket List Travel Goals

Are you looking to fulfill your bucket list travel goals? Whether you’re into adventure activities, cultural experiences, visiting landmarks, or exploring natural wonders, there’s no shortage of incredible destinations around the world that will inspire and challenge you. In this article, we’ll take a look at 10 must-see destinations to help you check off your bucket list travel goals.

What you will learn from this article: Popular bucket list travel goals including famous landmarks, cultural festivals, adventure activities, and natural wonders. Off-the-beaten-path bucket list travel goals such as remote destinations, lesser-known hiking trails, unique cultural practices, and unusual foods and drinks. How to achieve your bucket list travel goals by creating a travel plan, saving money, overcoming fears, and finding the right travel partners or traveling solo. The benefits of achieving your bucket list travel goals, including personal growth, cultural awareness, creation of lifelong memories, and boosting confidence.

Popular Bucket List Travel Goals

A. Visiting famous landmarks

1. the taj mahal.

The Taj Mahal is one of the world’s most iconic landmarks, and for good reason. Located in Agra, India, this white marble mausoleum was built in the 17th century by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. The intricate carvings and beautiful gardens make it a must-see destination for architecture and history buffs.

2. The Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is a man-made wonder of the world that stretches over 13,000 miles across China’s northern border. Originally built to protect China from invasions, the wall is now a popular tourist attraction where visitors can hike along its scenic paths and take in breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

3. The Colosseum in Rome

The Colosseum in Rome is the largest amphitheater in the world and was once the site of gladiator battles, animal hunts, and other public spectacles. Today, visitors can tour the ancient ruins and learn about the history of this iconic Italian landmark.

B. Experiencing unique cultural festivals

1. the rio carnival.

The Rio Carnival is a vibrant celebration of Brazilian culture and music that takes place every year in Rio de Janeiro. With colorful costumes, samba dancing, and lively street parties, it’s a must-see destination for anyone interested in experiencing the energy and excitement of Brazil.

2. The Holi Festival in India

The Holi Festival is a Hindu celebration of spring that’s famous for its colorful powders and water fights. It’s a joyous occasion where people come together to dance, sing, and celebrate the arrival of spring.

3. Oktoberfest in Germany

Oktoberfest is a world-renowned beer festival that takes place every year in Munich, Germany. With traditional Bavarian music, food, and of course, beer, the festival is a great way to experience German culture and traditions.

C. Taking part in adventure activities

1. bungee jumping.

Bungee jumping is an adrenaline-fueled activity that involves jumping off a high platform with a bungee cord attached to your ankles. There are many places around the world where you can experience this thrilling activity, including Queenstown, New Zealand, and Victoria Falls, Zambia.

2. Skydiving

Skydiving is another popular adventure activity that involves jumping out of a plane at high altitude and freefalling before opening a parachute. It’s a great way to overcome your fears and experience the thrill of flight.

3. Surfing in Hawaii

Surfing is a popular water sport that’s enjoyed by people all over the world, but there’s no better place to surf than in Hawaii. With its warm water, consistent waves, and breathtaking scenery, Hawaii is a surfer’s paradise.

D. Exploring natural wonders

1. the grand canyon.

The Grand Canyon is one of America’s most iconic natural wonders, with its breathtaking views, hiking trails, and unique rock formations. It’s a must-see destination for anyone interested in exploring the great outdoors.

2. The Northern Lights

The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are a natural light display that occurs in the polar regions. The best places to see the Northern Lights are in Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland.

3. The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system and is home to an incredible variety of marine life. It’s a must-see destination for anyone interested in snorkeling or scuba diving.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Bucket List Travel Goals

A. visiting remote destinations, 1. antarctica.

Antarctica is one of the most remote and untouched places on earth, with its pristine landscapes and unique wildlife. It’s a must-see destination for anyone interested in adventure and exploration.

2. The Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands are a group of volcanic islands located off the coast of Ecuador that are famous for their unique wildlife, including giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies. It’s a must-see destination for anyone interested in nature and wildlife.

3. Madagascar

Madagascar is an island nation off the coast of Africa that’s famous for its lemurs and other unique wildlife. With its lush rainforests, stunning beaches, and fascinating culture, it’s a must-see destination for anyone interested in off-the-beaten-path travel.

B. Hiking lesser-known trails

1. the inca trail in peru.

The Inca Trail is a 26-mile trek that leads to the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu. With its stunning vistas and historical significance, it’s a must-do hike for anyone interested in hiking and history.

2. The Milford Track in New Zealand

The Milford Track is a scenic hike that takes you through the heart of New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park. With its stunning waterfalls, alpine meadows, and snow-capped peaks, it’s a must-see destination for anyone interested in hiking and nature.

3. The Annapurna Circuit in Nepal

The Annapurna Circuit is a challenging trek that takes you through the Himalayas and offers breathtaking views of the Annapurna mountain range. It’s a must-do hike for anyone interested in adventure and exploration.

C. Experiencing unique cultural practices

1. visiting the himba tribes in namibia.

The Himba people of Namibia are a semi-nomadic tribe that’s famous for their unique customs and traditions, including their distinctive red ochre body paint. It’s a must-see destination for anyone interested in cultural immersion and learning about different ways of life.

2. Staying in a traditional ryokan in Japan

A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn that offers guests a glimpse into Japanese culture and hospitality. With its tatami floors, futon beds, and hot springs baths, staying in a ryokan is a must-do experience for anyone interested in Japanese culture.

3. Participating in a shamanic ceremony in Peru

Shamanic ceremonies are a traditional practice in many South American cultures that involve the use of hallucinogenic plants to achieve altered states of consciousness. It’s a must-do experience for anyone interested in spiritual exploration and personal growth.

D. Trying unusual foods and drinks

1. snake wine in vietnam.

Snake wine is a traditional Vietnamese drink that’s made by infusing rice wine with venomous snakes. It’s a must-try drink for anyone interested in unusual culinary experiences.

2. Haggis in Scotland

Haggis is a traditional Scottish dish that’s made from sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs, mixed with oats and spices and then cooked inside a sheep’s stomach. It’s a must-try dish for anyone interested in Scottish culture and cuisine.

3. Balut in the Philippines

Balut is a fertilized duck egg that’s boiled and eaten with salt and vinegar. It’s a popular street food in the Philippines and is a must-try dish for anyone interested in culinary exploration.

How to Achieve Your Bucket List Travel Goals

Now that you’ve got some ideas for your bucket list travel goals, how do you go about achieving them? Here are some tips for creating a realistic and achievable travel plan:

A. Creating a realistic and achievable travel plan

1. setting a budget.

The first step in planning your travel goals is to set a budget. Determine how much money you’ll need for transportation, accommodation, food, and activities and create a budget that works for you.

2. Researching destinations and activities

Once you have a budget in mind, start researching destinations and activities that fit within your budget. Look for travel deals and discounts to save money on flights and accommodations.

3. Creating a timeline

Create a timeline for your travel goals and make sure to allow enough time for planning, saving, and traveling. Be flexible with your timeline and be prepared to make adjustments as needed.

B. Saving money and budgeting for your trips

1. cutting expenses.

Look for ways to cut expenses in your daily life, such as reducing your entertainment budget or cooking more meals at home. Every penny you save can go towards your travel goals.

2. Saving for travel

Create a separate savings account for your travel goals and make regular contributions. Consider setting up automatic transfers to make saving easier.

3. Using travel rewards programs

Take advantage of travel rewards programs offered by airlines, hotels, and credit cards. These programs can help you save money on flights, accommodations, and other travel-related expenses.

C. Overcoming any fears or obstacles that may be preventing you from achieving your travel goals

1. fear of flying.

If you have a fear of flying, consider taking a course or speaking with a therapist who specializes in this area. There are also many resources available online to help you overcome your fear of flying.

2. Language barriers

If language barriers are preventing you from achieving your travel goals, consider learning a new language or using translation apps to help you communicate.

3. Traveling alone

If you’re afraid of traveling alone, consider joining a travel group or partnering with a friend or family member. There are also many resources available online for solo travelers.

D. Finding the right travel partners or traveling solo

1. joining travel groups.

Joining a travel group is a great way to meet like-minded travelers and make new friends. There are many travel groups available online that cater to different interests and travel styles.

2. Partnering with friends or family

Traveling with friends or family can be a great way to share the experience and make lasting memories. Make sure to choose travel partners who share your interests and travel style.

3. Solo travel tips

If you’re traveling solo, make sure to take proper safety precautions and research your destination thoroughly. Consider staying in hostels or other shared accommodations to meet other travelers and make new friends.

Personal Story: Overcoming Language Barriers to Achieve Your Travel Goals

When I first started planning my bucket list trip to Japan, I was excited about experiencing the rich culture and staying in a traditional ryokan. However, one thing that worried me was the language barrier. I had heard stories of travelers struggling to communicate with locals and feeling lost in translation.

But I didn’t let that fear stop me from pursuing my travel goals. I decided to take a proactive approach and started learning basic Japanese phrases and greetings before my trip. I also downloaded a translation app on my phone, just in case.

When I arrived in Japan, I was pleasantly surprised by the warmth and friendliness of the people I encountered. While there were moments of confusion, I quickly realized that communication is not just about words, but also gestures, facial expressions, and body language.

During my stay in the ryokan, the staff went out of their way to make me feel welcome, despite the language barrier. They used simple English words and hand gestures to guide me through the traditional tea ceremony and explain the etiquette of wearing a yukata.

Through these interactions, I learned that language barriers can actually be opportunities for connection and understanding. It forced me to be more patient, attentive, and open-minded. I discovered that a smile and a genuine attempt to communicate can go a long way in bridging cultural differences.

My experience in Japan taught me that overcoming language barriers is not just about mastering a foreign language, but about embracing the beauty of human connection beyond words. It made me more confident in my ability to navigate unfamiliar situations and motivated me to continue exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations on my bucket list.

So if you’re worried about the language barrier when pursuing your travel goals, remember that it’s not something to be feared, but rather a chance to connect with people in a more meaningful way. Embrace the challenge, learn a few key phrases, and be open to the unexpected connections that can arise from this shared experience.

The Benefits of Achieving Your Bucket List Travel Goals

Achieving your bucket list travel goals can have a profound impact on your life, including:

A. Personal growth and self-discovery

Traveling can help you step outside of your comfort zone and learn about yourself and others. You’ll gain new perspectives and develop empathy and tolerance for different ways of life.

B. Cultural awareness and appreciation

Traveling can help you experience different cultures and learn about history and traditions. You’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the world and its diverse people.

C. Creation of lifelong memories and experiences

Traveling can create lifelong memories and experiences that you’ll cherish for years to come. You’ll capture memories through photography and journaling and share stories with others.

D. Boosting confidence and overcoming fears

Traveling can help you build self-esteem and overcome fears and challenges. You’ll feel empowered and accomplished, knowing that you’ve achieved your travel goals.

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Making Your Goal to Travel

• May 17, 2022
• by The Travel Folk

Posted Date: February 2, 2021

| If your dream is to travel the world, this is how you start achieving your most ambitious goal.

“I want to travel,” is one of the most common desires of the heart, and it makes sense. Travel is exciting, adventurous, and novel. It opens up our minds to new possibilities, experiences,  and cultures. As you travel, you’ll escape the dreaded 9-5 of adulthood, meet new friends, and come to learn more about yourself along the way. 

Traveling is a way to find a new version of freedom in our lives – especially when we are planning to travel long-term.

Yet, for so many people, the obstacle of quitting your job to travel the world seems so immense that the majority of us give up on it before we ever begin.

The pathway to traveling seems riddled with questions that feel impossible to overcome such as “How do I save enough money to travel?”, ‘How do I quit my job to travel”, and “I’ve never traveled before, where do I begin?”

All of these are excellent questions. They are the right questions to ask if you want to make your dream come true. They are the same questions I had to ask myself at different stages of my travel journey. 

If you truly want to travel the world, you’ll have to start goal setting.

Well, that sounds boring. Maybe, but traveling the world for a year is not. And setting a strong goal is where it all begins, even if that sounds a little boring.

In this blog, I’ll show you where most people fail at accomplishing their goals and how to set a goal to travel the world that you will actually achieve. 

How To Not Fail at Your Travel Goals

The number one reason people fail to quit their jobs to travel the world is because they make excuses for not following through on their goals.

Hopefully that didn’t sound too harsh, but I have been so guilty of this myself when setting goals. For example, I set a goal to study and improve my Russian language ability. Sometimes, at the end of a work day, I don’t want to put my brain back to work and study grammar and vocabulary. It sounds like more than my exhausted brain can handle. It’s so much easier to say “I’ll do it tomorrow”, and then put on a tv show or scroll mindlessly through my phone. And that’s when I know I’ve lost.

When it comes to traveling the world, the “I’ll do it tomorrow” excuses may not seem quite as obvious at first, but they definitely exist. 

So before we begin going on about excuses, I think it is important to state a couple of truths about travel goals so we are all starting on the same page.

1. Traveling costs money.

Many of the excuses we make are justifications for how we spend our money when we know that we have a goal we are trying to achieve.

2. Saving money takes time.

We all wish we could win the lottery, quit our jobs, and travel the world tomorrow. But it will take time to get there.

3. Achieving your goals will require some sacrifice.

It’s easy to want everything in life all at once. But if you want to travel the world without the pressure or stress of having a job, you are going to have to make some sacrifices before your trip to save up enough money to get there. This doesn’t mean you will have to sacrifice all of your joy and happiness as you are saving for your trip, but it does mean you’ll have to learn to say no to some things that you want or want to do.

4. Peer pressure exists.

We often think of peer pressure as someone trying to get us to do something that is unhealthy for us. But the truth is, when it comes to saving to travel the world, your friends will invite you to do things that cost money. They aren’t trying to tempt you away from your overall goal of traveling, but they genuinely want to spend time with you because they like you. They are your friends. This type of “peer pressure” can be difficult to navigate, especially if they don’t know about your goal to travel. To get around this, you can tell your friends about your goal. If you tell them your plan, they will be supportive and understanding. You can then find an alternative thing to do that costs a little bit less. 

Now that we have those basic rules set here are the top excuses we hear when people talk themselves out of leaving their jobs to travel long-term.

I spend too much money 

This is the “I’ll do it tomorrow” excuse for long-term travel aspirers. Spending too much of your paycheck and not saving enough is the number one reason people don’t reach their travel goal. 

It’s so easy to pick up dinner tonight instead of cooking at home because you are too tired. Trust me, don’t I know it. You know that you’re digging into your savings, but then tell yourself “I’ll be better at saving tomorrow.”

One of the simple truths of achieving your travel goal, the first commandment so to speak, is that you will need to learn to spend less, extend the lives of the things you already own, and learn to live more minimally. That’s how you save more and how you create opportunities for yourself. Traveling the world will make you so much more fulfilled than surrounding yourself with a bunch of stuff. 

My job doesn’t pay very well 

I’ve been there. I know how it feels to work so hard for so little money, but just because you don’t make a lot of money doesn’t mean you can’t travel. I’ve written another blog about how to maximize your paycheck and decrease your expenses so you can start saving more for your trip. Travel also doesn’t have to be expensive. I share some tips on how to find free/cheap accommodation, so you can travel for cheaper and on a smaller budget. 

I’m worried about leaving my job for an extended period of time 

This is a valid concern. Corporate experts will chirp away saying how pausing your career to travel is a bad idea, but my personal experience has been positive in that I found a job quickly after returning from my trip. In fact, people seemed more eager to interview me when I mentioned that I traveled for a year. 

There will always be jobs available when you return, and if you’re anything like me, you might even find you want a change in your career after your time away. 

You will grow more as a person during your travels than you ever would during that year at work. The freedom you experience will open your mind to new opportunities, and you will be grateful for taking the risk to leave and take time to enjoy life. 

I have too much debt 

I was $11,000 in debt when I graduated college, but made it a priority to pay it off quickly before interest kicked in and that $11,000 turned into $15,000. If you have debt, assess it and create a plan to pay it off as soon as you can. Use the saving resources section on this site to learn better ways to save more so you can pay off your debt. The sooner you pay off your debts, the sooner you will be able to travel.

Debt is an important concern, so you should pay it off as quickly as possible. But having debt doesn’t mean that you will never be able to travel the world. It means that you will have to wait a little longer before you can head off on your adventure. 

All of these excuses are valid concerns. They are apprehensions both Jenoa and I felt as we saved up for our trip. But we were able to lay them aside and stick to our plan by making our goal our top priority. I paid off my debt by living in a spare room in my kind-hearted neighbors basement for free. Jenoa learned that there is more to life than obsessing over her career. We both learned how to maximize our earnings on average salaries, and we became “frugal as frick”, as Jenoa’s sister calls us. We also learned to ignore the calls of consumerism to buy more and to buy only what we needed instead.

You can do this too, and it all starts with setting a goal. Now that we have covered some of the major excuses we use to justify falling short of our big plans, let’s figure out how to set a goal to travel the world.

The Right Way To Set A Big Travel Goal

First things first, you’re going to have to think about your goal. It doesn’t have to be planned down to every detail, but a goal should be a concrete idea that you can hold onto in your mind. You should be able to envision it and imagine what it will feel like to accomplish it.

To get started, I want you to close your eyes (after you finish reading this paragraph), and just imagine what traveling the world looks like to you. Where do you go? What do you do? Who are you with? Okay, close your eyes and imagine this for 3-5 minutes. 

Welcome back! Hopefully you are feeling hopeful and excited after envisioning your trip. While these images and ideas are fresh in your mind, I want you to grab a pen and a piece of paper or open up a note taking app on your computer or phone.

Write down answers to the following:

• What cities or countries did you see yourself in? 
• What were you doing? Were you at a landmark like the Eiffel Tower? Were you hiking through Nepal? Were you sailing through the Caribbean? 
• Who were you with? Were you traveling solo? Were you with your partner? Did you imagine yourself hanging out with new friends? 

This vision that you just will serve as your north star for your travel goals. Whenever you are doubting yourself or feeling like you’re not sure if you’ll be able to accomplish your goal, you can come back to what you wrote down just now and it will spark that same excitement going forward.

Now, let’s actually set your goal. To do this, you’ll need to know how much you make, a general idea of how much you spend, and how much you need to save to travel the world. 

Making Your Goal To Travel

Setting your goal is the first real step you’ll take to turn your dream into a reality. Goal setting is actually much easier than all of the experts out there make it seem. To set achievable goals, you’ll need to follow a few basic guidelines. Achievable goals are:

• Time-Sensitive

Writing vague goals is one of the biggest mistakes people make when setting a goal to travel long-term. You want to travel the world, but that in and of itself is a pretty vague goal. This is where you’ll need to get specific. Your goal isn’t actually to travel the world, as you might think, but the goal you need to set is to save up enough money so you can quit your job to travel the world.

What people really want to do is save up enough money to travel the world for a year so they can take a break from their jobs and experience new places, cuisines, and cultures. 

Do you see the difference there? That is much more specific than “travel the world” and it helps you get to the point where you can travel the world.

While you may not know all of the cities and countries you want to visit during your gap year, the important part is that you have a general idea. You can look back to the exercise we did at the beginning of the section “The Right Way To Set a Big Travel Goal” to get an idea of some of the places you most want to visit. 

When Jenoa and I left on our trip, we had a list of places we wanted to visit, but as the year rolled on our list changed. We added new places to the list and put some on our “For Later” list. Your trip will evolve. But for the sake of setting a goal to travel the world, you don’t need to know all of the details. 

Here’s a good example of what a goal to travel the world will look like.

| By January 2022, Jenoa and I will save up $50,000 so we can quit our jobs to travel through South America and Africa for 12 months. 

That’s all there is to it, but now you can see how this goal is effective. 

What we have written tells us when we will achieve our goal – January 2022. 

Our goal is specific in telling us how much money we need to save up to travel for twelve months – $50,000.

It answers who will be involved – Jenoa and myself.

It tells us where we hope to visit on our travels – South America and Africa. 

As I mentioned before, our goal in this case isn’t just to travel the world. Our goal is to get ourselves in the right position so that we have the opportunity to travel the world long-term.

Now it’s your turn to write out your goal. Answer the following questions as you write your goal to travel. 

Get specific

Answer the following questions:

• What are you trying to accomplish?
• Who is going on this trip with you?
• Where do you want to go?
• How much do you need to save before you go?
• When will you be able to save up enough to quit your job and travel?

Take a moment to work through this and write your goal down on a piece of paper. Remember, it should look something like this:

Follow Through To Accomplish Your Goal

With your goal written down, all that is left is the follow through.

Measure your progress

Now that your goal is written out, you have to make sure you can measure it. For us, we simply made sure to pay ourselves first. Each paycheck, we put money into our travel saving accounts. That way we would stay on track to hit our goal.

Pro Tip: Split your goal into smaller micro goals. Saving up $25,000 can take a bit of time. Split your big goal into smaller ones. Celebrate when you have saved up $5,000, $10,000, $15,000, and $20,000. 

Splitting up your goal will keep you engaged by helping you see actual progress with small wins along the way. 

Can you realistically accomplish it in time?

A word of caution here. Sometimes we can get a bit overambitious when we set goals and then end up burning ourselves out. You see it every February when people’s new year’s resolutions go out the window. 

When you are saving to travel, the idea of saving as much money as you possibly can may sound exciting because you can’t wait to get out on the road. If you need to save $25,000 to hit your goal, but you can only save $1,000 a month, you need to set your goal for 25 months in the future (assuming you are starting at $0). 

Keep on track

Your goal contains a due date. Remember this. This time crunch should give you butterflies in your stomach.

The purpose of adding the deadline in here is to make you feel a bit uncomfortable. It is supposed to challenge you. It is supposed to give you a sense of urgency so that your goal remains top of mind. This will help propel you towards the finish line. 

Make your goal visual 

The next step of setting a goal is making it visual for you. Make a vision board. Write out your goal in big, fine print and print out pictures of the places you want to visit on your trip. Keep it somewhere where you can see it every day – in your bedroom, bathroom, or kitchen. This will help to constantly remind you of what you are working hard for and what you have to look forward to.

Don’t tell people 

Surprise! You probably were not expecting this. This may seem a bit counterintuitive, but according to studies , those who share their goals with others are less likely to achieve them.

Obviously, you should tell whoever is going on this trip with you about your goal, but maybe don’t spread it far and wide for the world to hear. 

This is because when we do tell people, we actually get positive transmissions going back to our brain, which then makes us more likely to quit our goals early. When we don’t tell people our goals, we feel like we are falling behind, so we try even harder to reach them. 

We didn’t tell a soul about our gap year until we had the money saved up. At that point, when we knew in our minds that our trip was going to be a reality, we decided to tell people.

Don’t make excuses 

Don’t let those excuses get to your head. I know how easy it is to get your head and completely doubt everything you have worked for. This is something I battle every single day, but keep pushing forward because the feeling of accomplishing this dream is so worth it. I believe in you and can’t wait to see you on the road soon! 

We would love to see where you are all headed – share your goals on the Facebook group One Year Around The World. 

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5 Travel Goals You Must Put In Your Bucket List

Although the worst of the pandemic seems to be over, new variants and fresh waves continue to be around. Evidently, you cannot let your guard down in the new normal because the virus is still here.

But you need not stay cooped indoors if you are a travel buff. Just pick your holiday bucket list wisely, and you are good to go. There are ways to be safe as you follow travel goals. Here is a list of travel goals that deserve a place on your bucket list.

Table of Contents

Travel Goals For This 2023

Plan a road trip.

If you haven’t taken a road trip during the pandemic, you should do it this year. Besides being the safest way to travel in the new normal , road trips set you free. You need not worry about booking flights or planning itineraries. Just hit the road when you want to and drive to a place you wish to explore. But make sure you check the status of the virus at the destination before embarking.

Explore local destinations

This goal makes sense in the era of travel restrictions for international trips. You will probably not want to get into the hassle of quarantine and testing by traveling overseas. Exploring local destinations nearby is a great idea, whether you want to drive or fly. 

As long as you are vaccinated, you can plan domestic travel to the destination of your choice without worries.

Try a wellness vacation

As stress is rampant, mixing wellness with travel is a great idea. So you must surely have a wellness vacation on your bucket list in 2022. Check the best spas and wellness resorts around.

You can even try a 420-friendly trip to experience the de-stressing benefits of cannabis. Just check a local pipe shop and make sure you are discreet with your gear as you pack. You can try KING’s Pipe as it has a broad collection of portable gear. Choose a legal state and cannabis-friendly accommodation, and you are all set.

Don’t miss an outdoor sojourn

An outdoor trip is another goal worth trying, and there couldn’t be a better time for it than now. Outdoor trips are therapeutic as they give fresh air and mental relaxation. Not to mention, they are far safer than crowded beaches and jam-packed hotels.

Pack your camping gear or rent a recreational vehicle, and have a vacation in the middle of nowhere. Alternatively, you can book a place at an adventure camp.

Taste solo travel

Nothing matches the thrill and joy of solo travel, so make sure it is in your travel goals this New Year. It lets you enjoy the pleasure of your own company and do what you like. This travel trend got bigger during the pandemic as it is practical from the virus-safety perspective. Plan wisely and pick a solo travel-friendly destination according to your preference and budget. 

Travel buffs need to think beyond crowded resorts and exotic destinations this year. Follow this bucket list, and have the best experiences in 2022. 

Last Updated on October 21, 2023

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How to Use a CD to Achieve Your Travel Goals

I f you have wanderlust and a desire to explore the world, saving for travel goals is a vital part of making your dreams a reality. While there are various strategies for saving , one approach that can help you reach your travel goals is utilizing Certificates of Deposit (CDs) .

Find Out: Why Nobody Is Buying Vacation Homes Anymore

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CDs offer a secure and effective way to grow your travel fund over time . In this article, we will explore how you can use CDs to achieve various travel goals and embark on unforgettable adventures.

Set Your Travel Goals

The first step in using a CD to fund your travel dreams is to define your specific travel goals. Whether it’s hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, island-hopping in Greece, or taking a cross-country road trip, determine the destinations and experiences that inspire you.

Research the costs associated with your desired travel experiences to establish a clear savings target.

Align CD Terms with Your Travel Plans

CDs come with different terms, ranging from a few months to several years. Align the CD term with your travel timeline. If you plan to travel in a year, consider a one-year CD.

For longer-term goals, such as a sabbatical or a world tour, opt for CDs with longer terms. Balancing the CD term with your travel plans ensures that your funds will be readily available when you need them.

Research Interest Rates and Institutions

Research interest rates offered by various financial institutions to maximize the growth of your travel fund. Explore rates from traditional banks, online banks, and credit unions.

Look for competitive rates and institutions with a solid reputation. Additionally, consider the institution’s accessibility and convenience for managing your funds while traveling.

Automate Your Savings and Track Progress

To stay on track with your travel savings, automate your contributions to your CD. Set up automatic transfers from your checking account to your CD on a regular basis.

This ensures a consistent and disciplined approach to saving. Additionally, keep track of your progress by monitoring your CD’s performance and maturity dates. Regularly assess your savings strategy and make adjustments as needed.

Consider Travel-Specific CDs or Rewards Programs

Some financial institutions offer travel-specific CDs or rewards programs that can enhance your travel savings. These options may provide additional perks such as travel-related discounts, airline miles, or hotel rewards. Explore these offerings and assess whether they align with your travel goals and financial needs.

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See: Don’t Book a Vacation on This Day of the Week

Utilizing Certificates of Deposit (CDs) is a valuable strategy for achieving your travel goals. Remember to continuously track your progress, adjust your savings strategy when necessary, and explore other investment options that complement your travel savings. With careful planning and the strategic use of CDs, you can turn your travel aspirations into cherished memories and unforgettable adventures.

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com : How to Use a CD to Achieve Your Travel Goals

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As You Age, Is It Time to Rethink Your Bucket List?

For national bucket list day, here’s how to take stock of your life goals.

Jennifer Ortiz,

Maria Leonard Olsen wants to visit all the countries in the world. Sixty-seven down … quite a few to go. Olsen, podcaster and author of 50 After 50: Reframing the Next Chapter of Your Life , started jotting down her bucket list on her phone’s notes app when she turned 50, daring herself to try 50 new things in that decade. Now, at 61, she’s working on a book with the same premise: 60 after 60.

Olsen says bucket lists shouldn’t be static; if she no longer has the ability or the desire to do something, off the list it goes. “I would add to it and take away from it as I had new ideas from either talking to people, reading about things, experiencing life in general,” Olsen says.

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While you’re spring-cleaning your home and garden , you might want to see whether your bucket list could use a little refreshing too. April 24 is National Bucket List Day, and here are tips from experts on revising your life goals.

Accept that a changing bucket list is normal

Your life is made up of many parts — family, work, learning, to name a few — and likely so is your bucket list. According to a 2021 YouGov survey , most bucket lists include at least some of the following: travel, personal goals, life milestones, financial goals and daring or adventurous activities.

While the categories might remain generally the same, what fills them up may change as your life changes, says Katharine Esty, who wrote Eightysomethings: A Practical Guide to Letting Go, Aging Well, and Finding Unexpected Happiness .

“I think what is appropriate at some point, we outgrow. People, as they age, outgrow wanting to do adventures and travel ,” says Esty, 89, who lives in a retirement community and says many of her peers have given up travel.

What sounded like a dream five, 10 or 20 years ago may not any longer. The bucket list items should all be about what you want to do at your current point in life, not attempts to keep up with the Joneses, says Joel Wong, a psychology professor at Indiana University Bloomington. 

Having trouble deciding what should stay and go? Create a pros/cons list

Every bucket list item comes with a cost, and many times, it’s not just monetary. Be prepared for the issues you may encounter while achieving a goal, says Gary Small, professor and chair of psychiatry at Hackensack University Medical Center and behavioral health physician in chief for Hackensack Meridian Health in New Jersey.

He suggests listing the pros and cons next to each item on your bucket list; adding this will help you decide whether a goal is worth it and, if so, how you want to approach it.

“So let’s say you always wanted to take this extravagant vacation , and you can afford it. That may be great, but maybe it’s going to keep you away from home for six months, and you have grandchildren, and you’re going to miss those six months’ time enjoying your grandchildren ,” Small says.

Keep health in mind

Similarly, you might want to consider your health . Do you have ongoing or new conditions that might not fit with your bucket list item?

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Keep the practical in mind, Small suggests. “You have to assess and figure out: Do you really need to bungee jump with the back issues you have?” he says. “Maybe you could watch a documentary in high-def of somebody bungee jumping and get a big thrill that way.”

Whether you need to be near your doctor is another important consideration, Small says. If a trip keeps you away from your medical provider, not being able to check in when you are supposed to could threaten your health.

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Don’t bucket list your way into debt

Wong says many popular bucket list items that immediately come to mind (travel, daring adventures) are typically expensive. Certainly, hiking the Himalayas or jumping off an airplane doesn’t come cheaply. A 2023 survey from online banker Ally Financial revealed that about 75 percent of people with bucket lists say finances are their top hurdle to achieving those goals.

“There’s this unspoken issue of class. Is this notion of a bucket list really for people who are more relatively wealthy?” Wong asks, adding that if you don’t have the means to have all these pricey adventures, it doesn’t mean you’re somehow less of a human being.

Instead, come up with more realistic items that won’t rack up debt, like Olsen did in her 50s.

Olsen (who was in Split, Croatia, when interviewed for this piece) has volunteered at schools in Nepal, ridden camels in Turkey and plans to travel to Poland and Malta. Before her nomading began, she says, some of her travel highlights included more budget-friendly options . 

She visited dozens of free museums and embassies in the Washington area where she lives and adopted the habit of walking everywhere . Olsen saw things she’d never noticed before — a garden labyrinth, an old church, an architecturally quirky home — all within her own surrounding neighborhood. The sights cost her nothing, “but they were, for me, travel,” she says, suggesting people should consider what they haven’t explored in their own vicinity.

Embrace simplicity

Bucket lists dwindle as you age, Esty says. “When we get to that point in life, where we do seek a simpler life … many people see that to get the full meaning of life is to understand and bring meaning to the very ordinary and small events in the day,” she says.

Sometimes, it’s about letting go of the idea of an adventure, travel or buying or attaining something you’ve always wanted, but often, it can be much more profound.

For Olsen, it’s letting go of her adult children and allowing them to make their own mistakes, she says. It’s letting go of negative mindsets, such as taking things personally and caring too much about what others think. An anti-bucket list , Olsen says, is about “dropping the rocks that hold you down.” 

Prioritize meaningful social interaction

Wong says that if you have a bucket list, the social and quality time category may be the most important one to flesh out and accomplish as you age.

Research shows it’s both necessary and good for you. One-third of adults 45 and older feel lonely , and about one-fourth of people 65 and older are considered socially isolated, according to a 2020 report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine. Loneliness and isolation are major risks for premature mortality.

Although there’s nothing wrong with individualistic and achievement-oriented goals (solo travel, skydiving, running a marathon, for example), Wong says, “many of the bucket list goals tend to not align that well with those social needs. I invite people, especially the older adults, to develop goals that are more socially oriented, which may not cost you a dime at all. ”

Consider omitting or shortening your travel plans to spend time with grandchildren , reconcile with a sibling , reconnect with a long lost friend or make a new friend.

Embrace milestones and achievements

Instead of reflecting on what you haven’t done, look carefully into all that you have done, Wong says. He suggests listing the big moments or milestones in your life. Try starting with five, but you may find it hard to limit yourself.

“Bucket lists are about desiring what you don’t have, whereas gratitude is desiring what you already have and appreciating it even more,” Wong says.

Esty says that as people age, they naturally move from achieving and striving to being, savoring and enjoying — but at different stages. As she approaches her 90th birthday in July, she says she has more or less ditched the bucket list and focuses on gratitude, particularly for being able to gather with her family to mark such anniversaries.

Whether you’re in a stage of life full of adventure and achieving, or simplifying your life and savoring the ordinary, Olsen says it’s important to do whatever fills your cup.

“Your life is happening right now. None of us knows when our final moment will be. So don’t waste whatever time you have left,” she says.

Jennifer Ortiz is an associate editor at aarp.org. She previously covered personal finance, careers and other consumer topics as an editor at  U.S. News & World Report  and was a news writer and editor at WTOP News in Washington, D.C.

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4 travel tips to put your mind at ease during your next trip

The season of summer holiday travel is just around the corner. 

You might find yourself heading to one of the U.S.’s many national parks, exploring a historic European city or jetting off somewhere tropical, like the Maldives.  

That all sounds like fun, but unfortunately, travel mishaps may also happen. Luggage gets lost, passports get misplaced and phones may not work at international destinations when they aren't connected to Wi-Fi.  

To avoid the headaches and prepare for whatever may come your way (or what accidentally gets left behind), follow these simple tips.  

Watch this video to see the four things you should do before your next trip.

Learn more: Best credit cards of 2023

Pre-Travel Tips 

All you need to get travel-ready is your smartphone.

• Take pictures. 

Take pictures and screenshots of the important items and documents before you leave for your trip. 

This would include: 

• Your luggage
• The photo page of your passport
• Your ID cards
• Any travel-related confirmations
• Location and contact details for the places you’re staying

Creating an album on your phone or marking the images as favorites will make it easier to find them should you need them. 

It couldn’t hurt to also share these pictures with a trusted loved one, like a significant other or close friend.

• Turn on Notify When Left Behind

Turn on Notify When Left Behind if you use Apple products.  

The feature, available on some iPhones, iPads, Macs, and AirPods, will notify you if you are separated from your items, like if you forget your AirPods in your hotel room. 

To turn Notify When Left Behind on or off, open the “Find My” app, select the device and then toggle the setting on or off.  

• Tell your credit card company about your plans

Have you ever had your card payment declined when paying for something on a trip? That’s probably because your credit card company is picking up unusual activity and flagging it as suspicious. 

Prevent that from happening by informing your credit card company of any upcoming domestic or international travel by setting a travel notification. 

Many credit card companies allow you to set the notification online or via the app, though some companies may not require one at all. 

• Check international phone plans

If you want to use your phone when you're not connected to Wi-Fi while traveling, see what international phone plans your mobile carrier offers that fit your budget. An international plan will allow you to do things like make and receive phone calls, access social media and find directions as long as you have cell service. Without a plan, those functions will only be available when the device is connected to Wi-Fi.

Bonus tip, you can download maps to use offline and easily navigate a new place!

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More From Forbes

7 ways to travel more sustainably.

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Sustainable travel can be fun, rewarding and not at all challenging

Sustainable travel is surging in popularity, but what does it mean? The vague term can refer to traveling in a way that’s conscientious of the environment and local communities, leaving less of an impact on a destination and perhaps even bettering the location in the process. Sustainable tourism, in many ways a reaction to overtourism, helps protect the planet, to ensure destinations are liveable and worth visiting for years to come. And while travel can certainly takes its toll, creating carbon emissions, waste and more, responsible tourism is an essential step in protecting the planet.

Sustainable Travel Tips

Responsible tourism helps the environment by limiting ecological impact, supporting indigenous wildlife, respecting cultural heritage, and not taking away from a destination as a visitor, be it removing a shell from a beach or littering on a hiking trail. Plenty of responsible travel itineraries are easily replicable, but many trips can be adapted to be more sustainable. There are so many ways, big and small, to travel more responsibly and sustainably. Here’s how to start:

1. TSA-Friendly Doesn’t Need To Be Earth Hostile

You can buy single use and tiny versions of pretty much every care product these days, but do you actually need to? Opt for refillable travel bottles to decant your normal products into, and you’ll always have TSA-friendly bottles of shampoo, lotion, whatever you need at the ready. If you prefer to travel without liquids, consider switching to bars of shampoo and conditioner toothpaste powder and other products, which are eco-friendly wherever you are.

Planning ahead can be a major factor in sustainable travel

2. Opt For Public Transit

Public transportation — buses, trains, light rail, etc. — is always more sustainable than a private ride. If possible, use public transit to get to and from your destination and learn your destination’s public transit system to navigate while you explore. Not only will you likely save money as well as lower your carbon footprint, you’ll get a taste of how locals live. If public transit isn’t an option, consider booking shared rides to the airport and excursions, or renting an electric or hybrid vehicle if driving solo is the only option.

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A bit of planning ahead can save considerable landfill waste. Bringing a reusable coffee cup for morning coffee runs and reusable water bottle will hopefully cut down the amount of single-use items you purchase on the go. Other easy to pack items including a reusable travel utensil set, reusable straws and reusable earplugs can help avoid creating more waste on the road. If you’re someone who discards beach reads, consider switching to an e-reader. Pack tote bags to carry souvenirs or other items purchased on the road that won’t require disposable plastic bags.

4. Eat Conscientiously

Eating local is the best way for your diet to support local eco-systems. Not only does dining at independent, small businesses (e.g. not chains), support local business people, but can often have lower environmental impact than major franchised restaurants that ship ingredients and supplies across the country. Making lower impact choices, including eating mostly plant-based, when possible, can also make travel a bit greener. If you don’t have anything to do with leftovers, consider ordering with a bit more restriction so you aren’t creating an excess of food waste.

Local culinary experiences can be healthy, fulfilling and sustainable

5. Book A Sustainable Hotel

Staying at a property dedicated to sustainability can make a big impact, especially by showing the travel industry that this is a priority for hospitality. Hotels are offered various certifications to prove their sustainable status, which can be achieved as a remote eco-lodge or luxury property in a major city. Several hotels are seeking LEED certification , the Green Hotels Association has a collection of vendors who prioritize sustainability, and the Leading Hotels of the World has a sustainability collection of five star properties.

6. Buy Carbon Offsets

While we technically can’t undo the damage we cause to the environment, there are initiatives to at least mitigate it. Carbon offsets allow consumers to compensate for their carbon footprint by funding projects that reduce carbon dioxide pollution. CoolEffect.org can help you decide how much to give, based on trip itinerary and logistics. For example, to offset air travel, a roundtrip, 6-hour flight would add about 1.89 tons of CO2 per passenger, and $31.17 of carbon offsets would help mitigate that.

Some airlines offer the option to purchase carbon offsets alongside airfare

7. Slow Down Your Travel

Slow travel is a buzzword that’s emerged in the 2020s, when work and leisure travel aka bleisure have melded more than ever, and the concept of working and even socializing remotely is totally normalized. Rather than a quick jaunt back and forth, slow travel emphasizes taking your time with tourism, be it living in a rental property for a month and enjoying the sights on the weekends, going backpacking, biking or hiking for an extended off the grid period, or traveling via train instead of air. Slow tourism has been proven to have a positive environmental impact .

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‘Conan O’Brien Must Go’ Is the Best Version of Conan

The comedian’s new travel show proves he’s at his best away from the rigid confines of late night

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After hundreds of episodes of Hot Ones , there’s little a guest can do to shake up the reliable formula of thoughtful questions combined with increasingly spicy chicken wings. But Conan O’Brien isn’t just any guest. Conan is someone who arrives with “Dr. Arroyo,” his personal physician, who, when asked where he went to medical school, answers “1998”; he deposits the remains of each wing into his jacket pocket; seemingly unfazed by the heat, he chugs hot sauces like they’re in tiny liquor bottles from a hotel minibar; he rubs the drumsticks on his hands, mouth, and, yes, nipples. Even as Conan’s pale complexion begins to resemble a ripe tomato, he remains committed to the bit, raising his body temperature by two degrees in a state of delirium. (According to Dr. Arroyo, of course.) Behold, the comedy GOAT:

Aside from being one of the funniest people on the planet, Conan seems to operate at the peak of his powers when surrounded by chaos. He was, for a time, our longest-tenured late-night host: He had a career on the airwaves that spanned nearly three decades, not unlike his icon, Johnny Carson. But while Conan could do the usual late-night beats in his sleep—the opening monologue, the celebrity interviews—he was never better than when things went completely off the rails. Consider: Conan used his last week as the short-lived host of The Tonight Show to waste NBC’s money on bringing a Kentucky Derby–winning horse to set; trolled his interns and staff in remote segments; introduced the world to his associate producer Jordan Schlansky, who gamely played a pretentious foil ; found an actual Tinder date with Dave Franco.

But some of Conan’s best work has been when he’s left the rigid confines of late night altogether. In 2015 Conan began a spinoff travel series, Conan Without Borders , in which he explored other countries armed with little more than his self-deprecating wit. “[Travel shows are] completely outside the realm of anything I do,” he explained to The New York Times in 2019. “They can be frightening because they take away a lot of control. I’m out there, I don’t often know what I’m going to encounter.” More often than not, it’s led to comedy gold. For instance, while he was taking a Japanese etiquette lesson, Conan’s instructor said that he wasn’t her type. The reason: “Face.”

Face . You could never script something so casually brutal; therein lies the magic. Most important, Conan never mocks other cultures to induce laughs—instead, he makes himself the butt of the joke, leaning into the bit of an ignorant tourist. But what truly elevated Conan Without Borders was how he could deftly weave in educational components and approach dark periods of a country’s history with genuine sensitivity. (Conan’s visit to the Armenian Genocide Memorial with his longtime assistant, Sona Movsesian, is among the most emotionally resonant moments of his career.) Thankfully, even though Conan has bowed out of the late-night scene, he’s doubling down on the travelogues.

On Thursday—Conan’s birthday, no less—Max released Conan O’Brien Must Go , a four-part series that takes him to Norway, Argentina, Thailand, and Ireland. These destinations were inspired by his podcast, Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend , which, in addition to celebrity interviews, features conversations with fans from around the globe. (The fans frequently invite Conan to come visit their neck of the woods; few would ever imagine he’d take them up on the offer.) While Conan O’Brien Must Go doesn’t rely on celebrity cameos, every episode opens with Werner Herzog voice-over narration about the grandeur of Mother Earth and how, to fully appreciate its natural wonders, we must sometimes “defile it.” Rest assured, Conan the Defiler is more than up to the task.

What separates Conan O’Brien Must Go from his first travel show is the incorporation of those fans, including a Norwegian fish farmer, an Irish medical student, and an Argentine painter. The fans understandably react to Conan showing up at their front door with a mixture of shock and glee, but before they even get a chance to compose themselves, he playfully roasts their respective living situations. Nobody gets it worse than Jarle, a young Norwegian rapper who still sleeps with soccer-themed bedsheets from childhood and has bread so stale it lands with an audible thud when Conan drops it. “I’ll wipe the floor with you,” Conan tells Jarle, “which actually might be a good idea, because I think you’d pick up a lot of lint.”

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But while it’s enjoyable in its own right to see Conan surprise fans, Conan O’Brien Must Go is never better than when he throws all caution to the wind mingling with the locals. One standout bit in Argentina involves a soccer team that invites Conan to its stadium, where he proceeds to take the sport’s reputation for theatrical diving to another level, with fake blood spurting out of his mouth. Argentina is also where Conan reunites with his archnemesis, Schlansky, who repeatedly corrects him on the proper pronunciation of tango over dinner. (Schlansky insists he’s right, even when the chefs disagree with him.) And while some comedians might have second thoughts if nobody seems entertained by their shenanigans, Conan always doubles down—if only for his own amusement. (The Argentine gauchos did not enjoy his singing talents.)

Despite all the silliness that’s part of the Conan experience, Conan O’Brien Must Go also manages to have moments of real profundity. For one, Conan uses the Ireland episode to explore his own heritage, culminating with a visit to the patch of rural farmland that belonged to his ancestors. It puts everything into perspective: His forebears fled the Irish famine for America, and their descendant returned with a camera crew and decades of fame and success under his belt. Truly, what are the odds? But what really tugs at the heartstrings is a brief video from the Norwegian fish farmer Kai, who explains how Conan’s visit to his small town completely changed his life. It’s genuinely heartwarming stuff, proving that comedy can achieve more than just laughs when it’s approached with curiosity and empathy.

It’s been three years since Conan last graced our screens, and his absence really underlined that he’s one of one. You can’t imagine anyone else showing up to a foreign country and reacting to situations on the fly without everything falling apart at the seams. But as Conan proved time and again during his late-night tenure, that’s where great comedy can be found: among the people, whether it’s in the streets of Harlem or a Civil War reenactment . Conan’s late-night career went through many phases , all of them worthy, but in retrospect, it feels like the format was holding him back. Conan O’Brien Must Go isn’t just a hilarious return to form: It’s one of the best things he’s ever done. Let’s hope the show’s Season 2 renewal will be a matter of when, not if. With Conan at the helm, there are so many more countries worth exploring—and defiling.

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Save on Business Travel with Matt's Flight's Premium, Only $80 for Life This premium plan features customized flight deal alerts and one-on-one planning with Matt himself.

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Fjords, Pharaohs or Koalas? Time to Plan for Your Next Eclipse.

If you can’t get enough of totality, or missed out this time, you’ll have three more chances in the next four years in destinations like Iceland, Spain, Egypt and Australia.

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By Danielle Dowling

Are you still a little giddy from the magical moments of totality during Monday’s solar eclipse? Or did clouds swoop in to block your view? Maybe you just couldn’t make it to the path of totality this time. No matter what, the question now is “ Where and when will it happen again?”

“People who have never seen it before, the first words out of their mouth after the totality ends is ‘I’ve got to see another one, this is incredible, this is unbelievable.’ That is when you become addicted to these things and end up traveling no matter where the next one is,” said Joseph Rao, an eclipse chaser and guest lecturer at the Hayden Planetarium.

So, if like Mr. Rao, you’ve developed a raging case of umbraphilia — the love of eclipses — you’ll have three chances over the next four years to see the moon blot out the sun. The first, on Aug. 12, 2026, will start above Greenland, then strafe the west coast of Iceland and move along the Atlantic Ocean and over Spain. Almost a year later, on Aug. 2, 2027, another will skirt the Mediterranean coast of North Africa then cross Egypt and part of the Arabian Peninsula. The third, on July 22, 2028, will cut across Australia and the southern tip of New Zealand.

Future Eclipses

Eclipse chasers will have several more chances this decade to view a total solar eclipse .

Last week, as Victoria Sahami , the owner of Sirius Travel , was preparing to guide a group of tourists in Mazatlán, Mexico, for Monday’s big event, she was also planning for these other upcoming eclipses. Ms. Sahami joined the ranks of the eclipse-obsessed when she witnessed one in Venezuela in the 1990s. “Like many people, I was hooked. There was no going back,” she said.

Total solar eclipses happen fairly regularly — about every one to two years — in locations scattered around the world. “That’s the great thing about them: You wind up in places that you don’t normally go,” Ms. Sahami said.

A major spoiler is weather, which will be a big variable in the 2026 eclipse — one Greenland, Iceland and Spain will see.

“Iceland normally has a lot of cloud during that time of year,” said Paul Maley , who runs Ring of Fire Expeditions . “The data shows Spain to have the higher good-weather prospects of all three. However, the sun is low in the sky and the eclipse ends as the sun hits the horizon at sunset.”

Because of Iceland’s mercurial meteorology, Ring of Fire Expeditions is going all in on Spain, with a 10-day excursion on the mainland. Sirius Travel is offering not only a five-day trip to Majorca but also an eight-day tour around Iceland. It will be based in Reykjavik, and the itinerary will remain flexible on the day of the eclipse so the tour can easily pivot toward the location with the least cloud cover. Ms. Sahami recommends the trip for those who already have a few eclipses under their belt and would be happy just to take in the sights of Iceland if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

The 2027 eclipse, on the other hand, promises to be truly stellar: Luxor, Egypt — the site of numerous ancient temples as well as the Valleys of the Kings and Queens — sits right in the middle of the path of totality and will be bathed in darkness for a full 6 minutes 23 seconds. Weather-wise, it is what Ms. Sahami called “a slam dunk.” “You know you’re going to see it. You know that you’re not going to get any clouds,” she said.

But for all its potential, those considering Egypt should be aware that the State Department has a Level 3 “Reconsider Travel” warning for the country because of the risk of terrorism.

The 2028 eclipse will darken the skies over Sydney, Australia, for 3 minutes 49 seconds. It will be the first time the city has experienced a total solar eclipse since 1857. Ms. Sahami has her eyes on a trip based out of there, while Mr. Maley has chartered a cruise ship off the northwest coast of Australia. It will be winter there, he said, but that isn’t likely to mean bad eclipse-viewing weather.

If you want to see any (or all) of these eclipses, you should get started on planning and booking now, particularly if you want to sign up for a trip organized by a tour company. One of Sirius Travel’s excursions to Luxor is already full.

Scrutinize refund policies and look into insuring your trip. Several companies will fully refund your deposit if you cancel a year in advance. A lot can happen, Ms. Sahami said, “but if you think you’re going to go, why not?”

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .