10 things to do right now to achieve your travel goals next year
Wait up… it’s already the end of the year again? How are we about to enter a new one already when there’s still so much we were meant to do this year? We definitely missed out on some (or many😖) of our bucket list items in 2025, but there's no need to be upset, because this only means our next year will be filled with even more adventures that you’ve been looking forward to. Here’s how we, and you, can do right now to make sure you get to where you want to be in 2026!
1. Write a list of your travel goals for 2026
A visual list works wonders. You can go old-fashioned and stick a post-it on your laptop so every time you open it you can see your goals and visions for 2026, and use this as motivation to kickstart your travels. Or, you can compile your research on the places you’d like to visit and type it all out, then set it as your phone screensaver. Get inspired by your favourite travel Instagram accounts, check out Workaway host projects in your dream destinations, collect ideas from your group chat that’s long overdue for a trip together… just to name a few. The daily reminder will not only help you manifest your dreams, but act as a planner for you to add in fleshed out details and travel arrangements for your trip.
Not sure what to start with? Some travel list ideas include:
- Dream destinations you’d like to visit in 2026 and what you’d like to do in each of them: see the northern lights in Canada, try volcano boarding in Nicaragua, cook an authentic meal with a local Italian family…
- Skills you’d like to pick up or improve on while travelling: mastering your yoga headstand in India, building an eco house with mud in Portugal, milking cows in New Zealand, practising your rusty Spanish in Mexico…
- Special local dishes you plan to try (and even get recipes of!)
- Top hiking, camping, road trip trails around the world
- Workaway projects you’d like to explore with your loved one
It’s crazy how well this works!
Related blog post: 15 Alternative Travel Goals That Go Beyond The Bucket List
2. Sort through your emails for special travel deals
Don’t be that person who has 2345 emails unread and always misses out on limited time discounts. De-clutter your inbox, and your head will follow. But importantly, airline and travel companies often share special promotions on their newsletters that might just inspire your next trip or come in handy for your existing plans. You especially want to keep an eye out on offers during the holiday season, as that’s usually when you come by the best deals. You never know, there might be just the travel offer that sets your 2026 travel goals in motion ;)
3. Make a travel vision board on Pinterest
Because it seems Pinterest is the master of making us want to quit our jobs and travel the world. Even if we have no money. We can all dream, though, and Pinterest brings our dreams alive. Envision yourself wandering through the cobblestoned streets of Portugal or sailing through the glistening waves of the Caribbean, and remind yourself what and where you’re doing it all for! Remember if you do it right, your travel snapshots in 2026 might well become the inspiration for other aspiring travellers too…
4. Get annual travel insurance
Now we know this isn't very exciting, but getting good travel insurance is an essential expense that can make or break your adventures. Since we’ll definitely be travelling a lot this year (🤞🏼), buying an annual policy works out cheaper, and when you have it you will feel a lot safer booking a spontaneous trip whenever you want. After all, your entire year is already covered, so you might as well start travelling sooner rather than later!
TIP: Consider the types of activities you’ll want to do when travelling: will you be renting a vehicle for your van life trip? Volunteering abroad? Scuba diving, surfing or skiing? Look into travel insurance plans that offer more flexibility for your diverse adventures such as these ones our Workawayers recommend.
5. Start a dedicated savings account
Open it with just $1 and set yourself up a standing order each month with a set amount. Start small and add to it whenever you can. You’ll be surprised how quickly it can add up! There's also many online resources with great budgeting tips on how to afford your travels, from how to save up while you’re at home, ways to save money when travelling, which countries to visit when you’re on a budget… so you'll have all the tips you need to start saving for your trip. AND, if you’re open to remote work opportunities, check out these online side hustle ideas, start saving up the money you’ve earned from your digital nomad and/or house sitting gigs, and see how you can actually make money on your travels, to let your travels take you even further :)
Related blog post: How to travel cheap: 23 TOP money saving tips for budget travellers
6. Get a world map
How hot are you on geography? There’s nothing better than studying a map and learning about new countries you never knew existed. Stick stickers on all the places you want to go and put the map on your fridge. Take a look at countries nearby that could just be a short AND cheap train/plane ride away. Every day you grab your food you’ll also be seeing the world... well, the world map, and reminding yourself that you are many things all at once but a world traveller first😉
7. Sell stuff you don’t need and focus on what makes you happy
You’ve de-cluttered your inbox. Now do it in your home. Get rid of anything that isn’t essential… because as you go through your belongings, you’ll discover experiences are just way more valuable than things! I mean, if you’re reading this article, we know you’re the kind of person who’d rather spend a paycheck on a plane ticket than a fancy bag… so pop it up on Ebay, Depop or even Facebook Marketplace, and put the money straight into your dedicated savings account which you can use to fund your travels and make memories that you’ll love forever! This is all linking in nicely now.
Related blog post: 20 Fun Ways to Make Money for Your Travels
8. Check out what Workaway is, and set up an account
Well, if you haven’t already. Workaway can take you around the world, in a cheaper and more fulfilling way. Take a look at how you can travel meaningfully as a Workawayer, get inspired by thousands of host projects around the world waiting for your email. Sign up online to join the community now, and if you’ve already joined, pimp up your profile to grab everyone’s attention!
- Introduce yourself in a fun and engaging way – what are your hobbies? What unique experiences are you looking for as a Workawayer? What inspires you and what makes you tickle?
- What places do you hope to visit and what do you plan to do in those destinations (your travel bucket list is going to come in handy here too!)?
- Add a good selection of photos (you can upload up to 15!) to your profile to showcase your interests, personality, and favourite activities at home or abroad
- Earn badges from the Workaway team, which will be shown on your public profile: you can do this by verifying your ID, participating in our monthly photo competition, visiting a new host who’s new to the site… just to name a few
- Add a video to show off your personality and skills even more!
- Check out more tips here to make your Workaway profile stand out
Related blog post: Top 7 New Year's resolutions that will turn your 2025 around
9. Don’t disregard countries you are told are dangerous
Hear us out on this one. Not everything you read in the media is 100% accurate. Every country in the world has its problems. If you disregard every country that is portrayed negatively at the moment you really don’t have a lot left to travel. Do research, read travel blogs, and you’ll realise many less-visited destinations have got SO MUCH to offer, from unique cultures to friendly locals who are excited to meet and connect with travellers! Give countries a chance that need your support, and you’ll also be rewarded with some truly special experiences that you wouldn’t have been able to get elsewhere. Volunteer, help spread the word that the world is a beautiful place and let’s start the new year with some positivity.
Related blog post: 9 Underrated Countries to Escape The Crowds
10. Stop making excuses - just start making steps!
One thing we’ve felt more keenly over the years is that we never know what’s going to happen next, so the best thing we can do for ourselves is to live in the moment, and without regrets! Myths like travel is only for the rich are sooo last decade. As a budget traveller myself who’s been to more places than I could’ve ever imagined, I can confidently tell you it’s about prioritising your goals (if you need help with this, we’ve got loads of budgeting tips on how to explore the world, and even tips on how to earn money while travelling!). If you want to travel, MAKE IT HAPPEN. Stop making excuses as to why you can’t and start making steps into HOW you can -- you definitely can!
BONUS: Start local
Get into your wanderlusting groove by exploring locally! By travelling in your home country, you get to save up on transportation costs and ease into shorter, closer trips that don’t require as much commitment. You’ll be surprised how many incredible places you’ve missed while going about your day-to-day life, and getting a taste of adventure by going on excursions or just wandering around like a tourist will undoubtedly leave you wanting more…
Related blog post: 10 Reasons To Travel In Your Own Country & Why You’ll Love Every Minute
So where will we bump into each other this year? Let’s rock 2026 together!
About Sarah
Sarah helps with the Workaway blog. She left her secure job and daily routine in the UK 5 years ago to pursue a life of volunteering and travel. Throughout her work as a freelance writer and scuba ins
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