10 Travel Resolutions That Will Actually Change Your Life in 2026
New year, same broken travel promises? Not this time.
I sat down with my friend Rachel Trapani for this week's podcast episode, and, if anyone can convince you that transforming your travel life is possible, it's her. Rachel's an elementary school teacher from Michigan who went from taking one trip in 2019 that she couldn't afford to taking five international trips per year by 2023. She's been on five of my group trips—Vancouver, Morocco, Cuba, Greece, and Camp Lola Whiskey—plus she came along on scouting trips to Puerto Rico and Kenya.
What I love about Rachel's story is that she didn't win the lottery or suddenly start making six figures. She just stopped making excuses and built a system that actually works. And that's what we're breaking down today—the exact 10 resolutions that transformed her travel life and can transform yours too.
Here's what actually works.
1. Figure Out What's REALLY Holding You Back
We all have limiting beliefs about travel, and most of them are just stories we tell ourselves.
Is it money? We're going to address that in the next resolution, but I promise it's more manageable than you think. Are you waiting for the "perfect" travel companion? Spoiler alert: they're not coming. Your friends will keep saying "yeah, we should totally do that!" and then never actually commit. I've seen it a thousand times.
Maybe you're worried about what people will think if you go on a group trip. I used to think group travel was for people who couldn't plan their own trips or didn't have friends. But I've had so many people tell me after traveling with me, "I didn't think I was the type of person who would like group travel, and this was one of the coolest trips of my life."
Here's the hard truth: a lot of us are waiting for our lives to look a certain way before we give ourselves permission to travel. Rachel gets this. She never pictured herself traveling solo or joining group trips either. But letting go of that fantasy of what she thought her life would look like opened up a whole new world.
Action Step: Write down the real reason you haven't booked that trip. Be brutally honest with yourself. Then ask: is this actually true, or is this just a story I'm telling myself? Once you identify what's really holding you back, you can actually work on fixing it instead of just making excuses.
2. Save, Sell, and Side Hustle
This resolution is all Rachel. These are literally the three steps that got her from one unaffordable trip to multiple international adventures per year, and I think they're brilliant.
Save: Build a System That Actually Works
Rachel started a separate travel savings account (with SoFi ) and set up automatic transfers every single paycheck. She started small—like really small. But here's the thing: it's not about the amount, it's about the habit. Whether you're transferring $25 or $200, what matters is that you're consistently putting money aside.
When I had a nine-to-five job, I did the exact same thing. Every other Friday when I got paid, $200 would automatically transfer into my travel savings account (I use Charles Schwab Checking Account). My only rule? I couldn't touch that money unless it was for travel. And let me tell you, that money adds up so fast, especially if you're not staring at it every day.
Here's the math: if you save $100 a month for 18 months, you'll have $1,800. That's a flight to Europe or a solid chunk of a group trip. That money didn't come from nowhere—it came from making travel a priority.
Sell: Turn Your Closet Into Cash
We all have stuff we don't need. Rachel sold clothes on Poshmark, kitchen items on Marketplace—whatever she wasn't using. Even if it's just $20 here or $30 there, it all goes straight into the travel fund. Those small amounts add up faster than you think.
Side Hustle: Make Extra Money
Rachel got creative here. She cooked healthy meals for friends. She took on extra teaching work at a local college (which she still does, and a lot of that money goes directly into her travel account). The point is, whatever your skill set is, there's probably a way to monetize it for a few extra hours a week.
Her nephew asked her once, "How are you able to go on all these trips?" And she told him, "I prioritize it because it's one of the most important things to me right now. Every spare dollar I get, I'm putting it toward that goal."
The Mindset Shift
I think the biggest thing people need to hear is this: you don't have to go on your dream trip next month. Maybe it's not feasible for you to go to Greece in June 2026. But maybe it IS feasible to go in June 2027. Start saving now. The trip will still be there, and you'll actually be able to enjoy it without the financial stress.
Also, go through your bank statements right now and find subscriptions you're not using. Cancel one today and redirect that money to your travel fund every single month. You won't even miss it.
Action Step: Open a high-yield savings account this week. Set up automatic transfers—even if it's just $25 per paycheck. Cancel one subscription you don't use and put that money toward travel instead.
3. Pack Light
I used to be really good at packing light. Then my job made it harder because I have to bring everything for my groups—first aid supplies, backup chargers, you name it. But Rachel? She's a master at this.
Here's her system: she plans her outfits by day before she even starts packing. I know it sounds extra, but it's actually genius. She'll lay out what she's wearing on Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, and so on. Then—and this is the key—she removes about a third of what she laid out.
The benefits of packing light are massive. You're not waiting at baggage claim. You're not paying checked bag fees (which means more money for experiences). You can move easily through airports, train stations, and cobblestone streets. And you have room to bring souvenirs home without rearranging your entire life.
Pack Bags Inside Your Bags
This is something both Rachel and I do religiously. Bring a foldable backpack for day trips. Pack a collapsible duffel that you can use on the way home if you buy a lot of stuff. These bags take up almost no space but give you so many options later.
You Can Do Laundry
Both of us do laundry when we travel. I do sink laundry way more often than I actually have someone do my laundry for me. I have a travel clothesline and laundry sheets that dissolve in the sink, and I'll just wash whatever I need every few days. It's so much easier than lugging around three weeks' worth of clothes.
The Luggage Scale Story
Let me tell you why you need a luggage scale. I was on a trip to Greece—actually, I think it was Rachel's Greece trip—and I'd brought too much wine home. I knew I was overweight, but I thought, "Oh well, I'll just pay the fee."
The fee was 200 euros.
Two hundred euros to bring an extra 10 pounds of stuff. I was exhausted, didn't have the mental bandwidth to rip apart my bags in the airport, so I just paid it. And I was like, never again. Now I don't travel without a luggage scale, and I always know exactly what my bag weighs before I get to the airport.
The AirTag Rule
Put AirTags in every single bag. Not just your checked luggage—your carry-ons too. You never know when the airline is going to gate-check your bag at the last minute, and that's when bags get lost. I had someone walk off with my luggage at O'Hare once. The only reason I got it back was because I had an AirTag in it.
Want the full packing list with all our product recommendations? Make sure you grab our free PDF guide at the end of this post—it has everything we mentioned and more.
Action Step: For your next trip, challenge yourself to pack carry-on only. Lay everything out, then remove a third of it. And seriously, buy an AirTag today.
4. Dress for Your Destination
A lot of people look at Rachel's and my travel photos and think we just magically look put-together all the time. The truth? We think about it ahead of time. That's literally it.
Rachel's approach is all about color theory. When she went to Chefchaouen—the blue city in Morocco—she wore a yellow dress. Yellow isn't even a great color on her, but it popped against all that blue. When she went to Izamal in Mexico (the yellow city), she wore blue.
It sounds simple, but so many people don't think about this. I can't tell you how many people show up to Chefchaouen wearing blue because they think, "It's the blue city, so I should wear blue!" No. If you want to disappear into your photos entirely, then yes, wear blue. If you want to stand out, wear literally anything else.
Create a Color Palette
Rachel picks 3-4 colors that all work together and only packs items in those colors. Everything coordinates, which means she can mix and match without overthinking it. A lot of my wardrobe is neutrals—browns, sage greens, rust colors. Everything goes together, so I can just reach into my suitcase and pull out an outfit.
White is also your best friend. It pops in almost every setting—the Sahara Desert, Cuba's colorful streets, anywhere with vibrant backgrounds.
Dress for Your Climate
This seems obvious, but Rachel learned the hard way. She went to Puerto Rico and Malta thinking her Michigan summer clothes would work. They didn't. The humidity in tropical climates requires different fabrics—light, breathable stuff that won't make you miserable.
Check the weather forecast a few days before you leave, not a month in advance. Things change.
Invest in Good Shoes
Shoes are honestly one of the most important things you'll pack. You might walk 10-20 miles in a day. Rachel travels 90% of the time in Vionic shoes because she knows she can walk 18,000 steps without her feet hurting.
I love Allbirds—they're comfortable enough for all-day walking, you can throw them in the washing machine, and they pack down pretty small. For sandals, I'm a Birkenstock girl all the way.
Try everything on and break in your shoes before your trip. Don't be the person who shows up with brand new shoes and ends up with blisters on day one.
Action Step: Create a Pinterest board or color palette for your next destination. Choose 3-4 colors and only pack items in those colors. Everything will coordinate and you'll look effortlessly stylish.
Rachel dressing with the colors of Chefchaouen in mind. [Morocco, 2023]
5. Get a Travel Rewards Credit Card
If you don't have a travel credit card with no foreign transaction fees, you are literally throwing money away every single time you travel internationally. Most regular credit cards charge 3% on every purchase abroad. That adds up so fast, and it completely negates whatever points you might be earning.
Rachel uses her travel card for everything when she's traveling. She'll even cover group dinners and then split the cost with everyone later (using Splitwise), which racks up points on purchases she was making anyway.
The Benefits Are Real
Travel credit cards come with perks that actually matter: lounge access (which makes long layovers bearable), rental car insurance, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credits, trip cancellation coverage, and baggage delay coverage.
How to Maximize Rewards Without Going Into Debt
This is critical: only do this if you can pay off your balance every single month. If you're carrying credit card debt, this strategy is not for you. The interest you'd pay (20-30%) is way more than any points are worth.
Use your travel card for everyday purchases you'd make anyway—groceries, gas, bills. Then pay it off immediately. The points add up without you spending extra money.
Sign-Up Bonuses Are Huge
A lot of cards offer massive sign-up bonuses—like 50,000+ points if you spend a certain amount in the first three months. But only do this if you naturally need to spend that amount. Don't go out and buy stuff you don't need just to hit the bonus. That defeats the entire purpose.
Get a Charles Schwab Checking Account
This is a game-changer for international travel. Charles Schwab reimburses all ATM fees worldwide. When you need local currency, just use your Charles Schwab card at any ATM and they'll refund the fees. Transfer money into the account about five days before your trip, use it abroad, and you're good to go. No fees.
Action Step: Research one travel rewards card this week. Compare sign-up bonuses and benefits. If it makes sense for your situation, apply and start using it for regular expenses to build points.
Recommended Cards: Chase Sapphire Preferred ($95/year, great starter card), Capital One Venture, Capital One Venture X, Chase Sapphire Reserve
6. Master the Long-Haul Flight
Long flights used to stress me out. Now? I've got a system. And so does Rachel.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Rachel used to have a few drinks on flights to help her fall asleep. But she switched strategies because flying already dehydrates you, and alcohol makes it so much worse. Now she drinks as much water as possible. Save the drinks for when you actually land.
The Sleep Strategy
Rachel's system is simple but effective: get on the flight, order water, take ZzzQuil before the meal, eat dinner, finish a movie, then sleep. She packs a "good night bag" with everything she needs easily accessible—glasses or contacts, face wipes, toothbrush, earplugs. Everything has a place so she's not fumbling around in the dark.
Gear That Actually Matters
Headrest sleep strap: Rachel uses one that clips to the headrest with a velcro eye mask attachment. It holds your head up so you can actually sleep instead of waking up every time your head drops forward.
Noise-cancelling headphones: I invested in Bose over-ear headphones this year, and they're a game-changer. AirPods are great, but they're not comfortable for sleeping. Over-ear headphones with noise cancellation let you completely zone out.
Eye mask: I sleep with one every single day at home, so I never travel without it. It's essential when someone won't close their window shade and you're trying to train your body to think it's nighttime.
Compression socks: If you're in your 40s, just wear them. You don't have circulation issues until you do. I had my ankles swell so badly once on a flight to Costa Rica that I couldn't fit my feet in my shoes. It ruined the first few days of my trip.
Dress for Comfort, Not Fashion
This is not the time to look cute. Wear comfortable layers. Easy slip-on shoes. Rachel only travels in leggings with pockets now because she can tuck her passport, phone, and earplugs right there and always know where they are.
Team Aisle
Both Rachel and I are firmly team aisle. I used to be team window when I didn't travel as much, but the freedom to get up whenever you need without waking people up is worth more than the view. I've also started to feel claustrophobic when I'm stuck on the window side and can't get out.
Want our complete long-haul flight survival guide? Find out how to download our free PDF at the end of this post for the full checklist and product links.
Action Step: Build your long-haul flight kit now, before you book that international trip. Test your sleep strategy on a domestic flight first if possible.
7. Get Travel Insurance
I'm a huge advocate for travel insurance because I've seen too many things go wrong. And I'm not just talking about catastrophic emergencies—though those happen too.
When It Actually Saved the Day
I used mine in Greece for something as simple as a respiratory infection that wouldn't go away. A doctor came to my hotel room, examined me, prescribed antibiotics. It was $300—not life-ruining, but not nothing either. I didn't have to pay a cent because I had travel insurance.
Rachel has a friend who was injured abroad and needed to be transported to another hospital. Her insurance didn't cover it. She ended up on the hook for $20,000-30,000 in medical bills. That's the kind of thing that can financially devastate you.
I was in Morocco during the earthquake. I've had airlines lose my luggage for days. I got stuck overnight in O'Hare because of weather, and United basically said, "Sorry, act of God, not our problem." I had to book my own hotel.
A lot can go wrong when you travel. Insurance gives you peace of mind.
What About Credit Card Coverage?
Most people tell me, "Oh, I'm covered through my credit card." Maybe. But probably not as much as you think. Read the fine print. Credit cards might cover lost luggage or rental car damage, but most don't cover medical emergencies abroad. And your regular health insurance? That probably doesn't cover you internationally either.
Two Types of Coverage
Post-departure coverage: This covers you from the day you leave until the day you get back. Medical emergencies, lost luggage, trip delays. This is the bare minimum everyone should have for international travel. It usually costs $35-50 depending on your trip details.
Pre-departure coverage: This also covers trip cancellation if something happens before you leave—family emergency, illness, work crisis. It's more expensive, but it's worth it if you have aging parents, health concerns, or you're booking a really expensive non-refundable trip.
I require post-departure coverage at minimum for everyone on my group trips. It's just not worth the risk.
Action Step: Before you book your next international trip, get a travel insurance quote. Compare what's covered. It's a small price to pay for massive peace of mind. I always recommend Wanderwell.
8. Just Say Yes
Some of Rachel's best trips were the ones that scared her most. And I think that's true for all of us.
The Kenya Story
Rachel almost didn't go to Kenya. It was a scouting trip, so we didn't have all the information figured out ahead of time. She'd have to take unpaid time off work. She didn't know if we'd be camping (we were). She went back and forth on it for weeks.
She's so glad she said yes. If she'd let fear win, she would have missed out on one of her favorite trips ever. And honestly? The camping ended up being one of the best parts.
Try New Experiences
Rachel was scared of ATVs in Morocco. She tried it anyway. Turns out, she hated it. But at least she tried! One of her friends was terrified of the hot air balloon ride in Mexico City because of her fear of heights. In the air, she said, "I cannot believe I almost missed this opportunity."
I always tell people: if something makes you nervous and anxious, a lot of times that means you're doing the right thing. It's just outside your comfort zone. And on the other side of that discomfort is usually where the magic happens.
The Hot Air Balloon Truth
I've taken hundreds of people on hot air balloon rides at this point. There's always one or two people who are absolutely terrified. I have yet—and I mean this literally—I have yet to see a single person go in a hot air balloon and regret it. Not one.
Try New Foods
Say yes to the street food. Try the camel ride. Jump off the boat into the ocean. Rachel tried fried grasshoppers (chapulines) in Oaxaca and was pleasantly surprised.
What's the worst that happens? You don't like it and you don't eat it again. But at least you tried.
Action Step: What's one trip opportunity that's scared you? That nervous-excited feeling? That's your sign. Book it before you talk yourself out of it.
9. Document Your Journey
You're never going to be in these places again. Document it in a way that matters to you, not just for social media.
Don't Be Afraid to Look Silly
This is your dream trip. Pose for the picture even if people are watching. Ask a stranger to take your photo. Kiss the camel (or at least pretend to). Wear the traditional clothing. Dance in the street.
Rachel really wanted a specific photo with a camel in the Sahara Desert. Her camel was not interested in cooperating. But she got as close as she was comfortable and got her shot. You'll regret the photos you didn't take way more than the ones you did.
Ask Locals to Write in Your Journal
I saw this idea on TikTok and thought it was genius. Have your guides write messages in your travel journal. Ask servers for restaurant recommendations. Get signatures and well-wishes from new friends. These become absolutely priceless memories.
Buy Meaningful Souvenirs
Rachel buys earrings on every single trip. When someone compliments them, she gets to say, "Oh, I got these in Kenya," and it becomes this whole conversation starter.
I love buying art from local artists (not mass-produced tourist junk). I also bring home wine, spices, and local foods. But here's my rule: you have to actually use them. Don't let that beautiful bottle of wine sit on your shelf for five years. Open it. Enjoy it. That's what it's for.
Photos Are Your Memories
I take a lot of photos because I travel way too much to remember everything. My photos are literally my memories. When someone asks, "What restaurant did you go to in that city?" I can pull up my phone and actually answer them.
I also make notes every single day about what I did. It doesn't take long—just a few bullet points. But at the end of the trip, I have this documentation that I can reference later when I need to write a blog post or recommend something to a friend.
Find the Balance
There's a difference between documenting for memories versus being on your phone so much that you're not actually present. Don't let taking photos stop you from experiencing the moment. But also don't skip documenting altogether because you think it's not "cool" or authentic enough.
Action Step: Start a travel journal for your next trip—even if it's just notes in your phone. Write down one specific moment from each day: a conversation, a smell, a feeling. These details fade so quickly, but they're what make trips memorable.
Without the photos, I would STRUGGLE to remember all my travels.
10. Choose Experience Over Perfection
Let go of the perfect trip fantasy right now. Nothing will go exactly according to plan. And honestly? That's better than if it did.
When Things Go Wrong, They Become the Best Stories
Rachel just got back from Oaxaca last month. The first 24 hours were a complete disaster. At the time, it felt like everything was falling apart. Now? Those are the stories she tells at dinner parties.
When I think about my most memorable trips, it's never the ones where everything went smoothly. It's Morocco during the earthquake—how that bonded the group in ways I never could have planned. It's Camp Lola Whiskey when a storm came through and destroyed half our setup, and the entire group rallied together to rebuild it. At the time, I was literally in tears. But looking back? I wouldn't trade that experience for anything.
It's the India trip where we couldn't get to the Holi festival, so we ended up hopping on the backs of motorcycles with random Indian guys. That wasn't in the itinerary. That's now one of my favorite travel memories of all time.
It's Cuba when it rained out all our activities and we ended up playing dominoes with Cuban cowboys on a tobacco farm in the rain. That became the highlight of the trip for so many people.
The Magic Is in the Unplanned Moments
Nine times out of ten, when I think about the magical moments from any trip, it's the thing I didn't plan. It's the person I met unexpectedly. It's the place I stumbled upon because I got lost. It's the experience that wasn't on my itinerary.
Those are the moments that stick with you.
Let Go of Control
As a trip planner, I kind of have to be Type A with my groups. Everything needs to be organized. But personally? I'd rather just go with the flow. And I think there's a balance there—having enough structure that you're not scrambling, but leaving enough space for life to happen.
Action Step: On your next trip, leave at least half a day (or even a full day if you can) completely unplanned. No reservations. No must-see list. Just wander and see what happens when you let the trip unfold naturally.
Get the Complete Guide (And Enter to Win!)
Okay, we covered a lot in this post. But here's the thing—we created a comprehensive, downloadable PDF with every single tip, all the product links, our favorite travel credit cards, packing essentials, apps, and actionable steps for each resolution.
Here's how to get it:
Follow @type2travel on Instagram
Send me a DM with the word RESOLUTIONS
I'll send you the free guide immediately
BONUS: One person who downloads the guide will win a FREE 1-year premium membership to Going (valued at $49)—so you'll get all the best flight deals delivered straight to your inbox all year long.
Our 2026 Resolutions
Before we wrap up, I asked Rachel what her official 2026 travel resolution is. She said she wants to be more spontaneous and document her journey through art and journaling more. She's going on an art retreat to Slovenia in June, and I think that's going to help her get back into that habit.
As for me? My resolution is actually to stay home as much as possible. I know that sounds weird coming from me, but I'm traveling an insane amount in the first half of 2026 and I'm barely home. It's all work travel to places I've already been. So I want to appreciate my home more and plan some trips that aren't for work—places I haven't been yet.
I'm also working on having other people lead some of my group trips starting in fall 2026. I won't be on all my trips anymore, but I'll have amazing people leading them so I can focus on creating more trips and new destinations for people to explore.
Here's to 2026—the year you stop dreaming about travel and start actually booking it.
See you out there.
