inspiring travel goals

• EN - English
• PT - Portuguese
• ES - Spanish
• How it works
• Become a Host
• Download the app

Top Destinations

• United States
• United Kingdom

What type of experience are you looking for?

• Non-Profit School
• Permaculture project
• Eco Village
• Holistic Center
• Guest House
• How Worldpackers works

Learn from the most experienced travelers of the community

Traveling with worldpackers, planning and budgeting for travel, make a living while traveling as a lifestyle, travel with worldpackers.

• Using Worldpackers
• Work exchange
• Social impact
• Plan your trip
• Women traveling
• Budget travel
• Solo travel
• Language learning
• Travel tips
• Get inspired
• Digital nomads
• Travel jobs
• Personal development
• Responsible travel
• Connect with nature

Top destinations

• South America
• Central America
• North America
• More destinations
• WP Life WP Life
• Exclusive discounts Discounts

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!

Worldpackers Editorial

Worldpackers

The safest community to travel, volunteer and make a positive impact in +140 countries.

Be part of the Worldpackers Community

Already have an account, are you a host, leave your comment here.

Write here your questions and greetings to the author

Jul 03, 2023

Jul 06, 2023

M momm Icy i byr rreef iri. Or re rrrrrn Bt e

Jul 08, 2023

UGANDA CAR RENTAL SERVICES. https://www.fkcarrentaluganda.com/car-news-tips/uganda-car-rental-services.html

Jul 26, 2023

More about this topic

How to get into mountaineering in 7 steps: the complete guide

Living on a boat: is this life for you?

Post-vacation depression: what is it and how to deal with it.

How do Worldpackers trips work?

As a member, you can contact as many hosts and travel safely as many times as you want.

Choose your plan to travel with Worldpackers as many times as you like.

Complete your profile, watch the video lessons in the Academy, and earn certificates to stand out to hosts.

Apply to as many positions as you like, and get in contact with our verified hosts.

If a host thinks you’re a good fit for their position, they’ll pre-approve you.

Get your documents and tickets ready for your volunteer trip.

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

Have a transformative experience and make a positive impact on the world.

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

After volunteering, you and your host exchange reviews.

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

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

More Goal Ideas?

Uncover Your WHY

Read The Art of Fully Living

Elevate Your Achievement

Uplevel Your Game

Explore The Roadmaps

Enter your email below. It’s FREE

× Uncover Your Purpose Get my ‘Start With Why’ workbook to align with your deepest goals and purpose   Just enter your email below. It’s FREE

• Skip to right header navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

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. 

Related Posts

You may be interested in these posts from the same category.

5 of the Best Gap Year Ideas You Need to Do in Your 20’s

Cheapest Ways to Travel the World (How to Travel on a Budget)

14 Powerful Questions to Ask Yourself so You can Travel the World

Gap Year After College: 7 Reasons It Will Help You Out in Life

How to Enjoy Life: 20 Tips on Living Every Day to the Fullest 

Travel During Pandemic: Important Tips for Your 2021 Trip

50 List of Things to Be Grateful For: How to Be Thankful Everyday

How to Travel Safely During the Pandemic in 2021

40 Travel Essentials You Need + Printable Packing List Template

40 Best Travel Gifts for Women (Unique Items They’ll Actually Want)

What is a Hostel? The Ultimate Guide + 16 Must-Haves for First-Timers

Unique Bucket List Ideas: 100 Things to Do Before You Die

Reader Interactions

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Inspiration

“Dare to live the life you have dreamed for yourself. Go forward and make your dreams come true.”

Live a Life that’s Off the Beaten Path♡

Follow Your Dreams

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 !

You may also enjoy:

Epictetus – travel quote of the week, lao-tzu – travel quote of the week, why it’s ok not to travel the world, thoughtful thursday – march 30, 2017, leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

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.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

That Traveling Chick: Female Travel Blogger

Join our Travel Tidbits E-News

And get a FREE Travel Packing Checklist

Let’s Get Social

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/

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Helping women all over the world learn about travel, earning money to travel and while traveling.

Join the Facebook group of over 19k women travelers and wanna-be travelers.

This website contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Privacy Policy and Disclosure

thattravelingchick

🌺 For the Wanderlust in Everyone ✈️ Travel Tips & Tricks 📍 Currently in: Michigan ✋🏼🇺🇸

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. ?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Currently you have JavaScript disabled. In order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and reload the page. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Positive Inner Growth

The ultimate guide to travel vision board ideas.

Are you itching to travel but finding it hard to make concrete plans? A travel vision board may be just what you need to turn your wanderlust dreams into reality.

A visual representation of your travel goals can help motivate and inspire you to take action.

In this ultimate guide to travel vision board ideas, I’ll share tips, tricks, and inspiration for creating a vision board that will help you achieve your travel dreams.

Table of Contents

Introduction to Travel Vision Boards

A travel vision board is a visual representation of your travel goals and aspirations. It’s a collage of images, quotes, and ideas that inspire and motivate you to travel. A vision board is a powerful tool for manifesting your desires and making them a reality. By creating a travel vision board, you’ll be able to clarify your travel goals and get clear on what you want to experience on your next adventure.

Benefits of Creating a Travel Vision Board

There are many benefits to creating a travel vision board. First, it helps you clarify your travel goals and desires. By visualizing your ideal travel experience, you’ll be able to focus on what’s most important to you.

Second, a travel vision board helps you stay motivated and inspired. Whenever you look at your vision board, you’ll be reminded of your travel goals and why they’re important to you. Finally, they can help you manifest your travel dreams. By focusing on your goals and desires, you’ll attract the people, resources, and opportunities you need to make your travel dreams a reality.

How to Create a Travel Vision Board

• Creating a travel vision board is easy and fun. Here’s how to get started:
• Gather your materials. You’ll need a poster board or corkboard, magazines, scissors, glue, and any other materials you want to use, such as stickers, markers, or photographs.
• Set the mood. Create a relaxing and inspiring environment by playing music, lighting candles, or diffusing essential oils.
• Choose your images. Flip through magazines and cut out images that inspire you. Look for pictures of your dream destinations, activities you want to experience, and anything else that represents your travel goals.
• Arrange your images. Once you’ve gathered your images, arrange them on your board in a way that feels inspiring and motivating to you. You can organize your images by destination, activity, or any other category that makes sense to you.
• Add text. If you want, you can add quotes or affirmations that inspire you to travel. You can also label your images with the name of the destination or activity.
• Display your vision board. Hang your vision board in a place where you’ll see it every day. This will help keep you motivated and inspired to achieve your travel goals.

 Beach Destinations Ideas

Here are some vacation vision board ideas to get you excited about packing your bags and jetting off to a place with white sand, turquoise ocean, and warm trade winds:

• Pictures of the beaches you like best.
• Scenes of tropical vegetation and flowers are depicted.
• Photos of people participating in water-based activities including jet skiing, snorkeling, and diving.
• Quotes about unwinding, chilling down, and taking it easy.
• Images from beachside eateries and watering holes.
• Pictures of resorts, villas, and other types of beachside lodging.

 Mountain Destinations Ideas

If you’re craving fresh air, stunning views, and outdoor adventures, here are some travel vision board ideas to inspire you:

• Images of your preferred mountain ranges.
• Photographs of hiking paths, camping areas, and national parks.
• Outdoor activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and mountain biking are captured in photographs.
• Adventure, exploration, and nature quotes.
• Cabins, lodges, and chalets in various settings.
• Images of lovely alpine towns and villages with stores and restaurants

Travel Vision Board Ideas: City Destinations

Here are some ideas for your next trip’s vision board if you’re a city person who needs a dose of the hustle and bustle of city living:

• Images of some of your most beloved urban areas.
• Photographs of well-known attractions such as the Colosseum, the Eiffel Tower, and the Statue of Liberty are included.
• Cityscapes and skylines captured in photographic form.
• A collection of quotations pertaining to history, culture, and architecture.
• Photos depicting places such as art galleries, theaters, and museums.
• Photographs of upscale accommodations and hip dining establishments.

 Adventure Destinations Ideas

If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush and heart-pumping excitement, here are some ideas to inspire you:

• Images of bungee jumping, white water rafting, and skydiving and other extreme sports.
• Parachuting, rock climbing, and other extreme sports.
• Pictures taken in amazing natural settings, such as waterfalls, canyons, and caves.
• Inspirational sayings and quotations about facing fear head-on.
• Scenes of forested mountains and icy tundra.
• Accommodations geared at adventurers, such as treehouses, yurts, and safari lodges, are depicted in these images.

Cultural Destinations Ideas

Following are some suggestions to stoke your thirst for discovery if you’re a cultural traveler seeking out novel encounters and educational opportunities:

• The Great Wall of China, Machu Picchu, and Angkor Wat are just a few of the historical sites can be depicted in photographs.
• Photos from regional celebrations and ceremonies.
• Images of regional cuisine, dress, and handiwork.
• Some words of wisdom on tolerance, acceptance, or other virtues necessary to accept various cultures.
• Photographs from art galleries, historical sites, and museums.
• Images of unique places to stay, such as bed and breakfasts, guest ranches, and cabins.

Vacation Vision Board Ideas for Families

Here are some ideas to inspire you if you are in the process of arranging a vacation for your family:

• Scenes from various amusement parks, water parks, and zoos that are suitable for families to enjoy together.
• Vacation spots that are kid-friendly, such as hotels, villas, and family camps.
• Pictures taken while camping, hiking, or fishing.
• A collection of quotations regarding the importance of family, community, and the making of memories.
• Photographs from area landmarks such as art galleries, zoos, and botanical gardens.
• Cafes and restaurants that welcome children are pictured.

Vacation Vision Board Ideas for Solo Travelers

If you are thinking of going on an adventure by yourself, here are some suggestions to get you started:

• Photos from places like Bali, Thailand, and Costa Rica, all of which are great for solo travel.
• Visualizations of yoga studios, meditation institutes, and other places of spiritual practice.
• Pictures from extreme sports including surfing, trekking, and climbing.
• Inspirational sayings that encourage introspection, development, and autonomy.
• Images of budget-friendly accommodations like hostels, guesthouses, and shared apartments.
• Photographs of restaurants, pubs, and cafes that welcome those dining alone.

Digital Travel Vision Board Ideas

If you prefer a digital approach to creating a travel vision board, here are some ideas to inspire you:

• Create a Pinterest board for your travel goals and ideas.
• Use Canva to create a digital collage of your travel goals and aspirations.
• Use Trello to create a visual task board for planning and organizing your travel goals.
• Use a vision board app to create a digital vision board on your phone or tablet.

Tools and Resources for Creating a Travel Vision Board

Here are some additional tools and resources to help you create your board:

• Magazines: gather travel magazines to find inspiring images and ideas.
• Postcards: collect postcards from your favorite destinations to add to your vision board.
• Photos: Print out your own travel photos to include on your vision board.
• Quotes: Search for inspiring travel quotes online or in books to add to your vision board.
• Stickers and embellishments: add some fun and personality to your vision board with stickers, washi tape, and other embellishments.

Tips for Making Your Travel Vision Board Effective

To make your travel vision board as effective as possible, consider these tips:

• Keep it visible. Hang your vision board in a place where you’ll see it every day.
• Be specific; include specific destinations, activities, and experiences that you want to have.
• Use affirmations, including positive affirmations that support your travel goals and aspirations.
• Update it regularly. As your goals and desires for traveling change, update your vision board to reflect your new aspirations.
• Take action. Use your vision board as a tool to motivate you to take action toward your goals for traveling.

A travel vision board is a powerful tool for manifesting your travel dreams. By visualizing your goals and desires, you’ll be inspired and motivated to take action. Whether you prefer a physical or digital approach, there are many ways to create a travel vision board that works for you. So, what are you waiting for?

Start creating your travel vision board today and turn your wanderlust dreams into reality!

Author: Mike

You may also like.

How to Make a Relationship Vision Board for Couples

A Guide to Creating Your Love Vision Board

The Powerful Benefits of a Men’s Vision Board

No comments be the first commenter, leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Food & Drink
• What to pack
• City Guides
• Travel Hacks
• New Zealand
• North America
• Latin America

Copied to clipboard!

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.

10 best places to travel in 2021

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

10 of the best Contiki trips for conscious travel

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.

All the local Detour accommodation we’re lusting after

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!

15 of the cheapest countries in Europe you can travel to

17 of the most beautiful places to visit in new zealand, 15 best things to do in costa rica on your next trip, 22 best things to do in iceland, stop dreaming and make sh*t happen.

7 countries, 12 days

European Discovery

1 country, 9 days

Viva Costa Rica

1 country, 6 days

Ultimate Inca Trail

30 Travel Goals for 2018

By CNT Editors

Cross another continent off my list.

"Having only traveled through North America and Europe (with a technical jump to Asia when I was in Istanbul), I want to go somewhere totally unfamiliar and new. Africa (specifically South Africa) is up there, as are Colombia and Chile in South America. Will I get to all of these places before we ring in 2019? Definitely not—my bank account isn't unlimited. But even if I make it to only one of these destinations, I'll be thrilled." —Bridget Hallinan

Take more long weekends.

"There are so many places worth visiting within a few hours of New York City (by plane, train, or automobile) that I’ve never been to, and I’m committed to eating my way through them all. Philadelphia is up first. See you soon, Zahav !" —Meredith Carey

Visit one new place per month.

"Whether it's a new city or country, or new restaurant or museum, I'm making this year about new experiences rather than things that make me feel comfortable. First up: I'm taking a weeklong solo trip to Japan this year (two firsts in one!) and can't wait to eat my weight's worth of noodles." —Rachel Coleman

Get Global Entry.

"I'd like to get my seven-month-old daughter Global Entry , because I already tested the goodwill of Customs once this year. (Even if parents have Global Entry, infants and kids don't get a free pass —we learned that the hard way.)" —Laura Dannen Redman

Stacey Lastoe

Kimberly Wilson

Matt Kirouac

Go somewhere just because of a flight deal.

"Whether it’s spotting a cheap fare to a destination on my list (Senegal, Japan, Mongolia ) or a hard-to-resist steal to somewhere not yet on my radar, this is the year I’m going to take advantage of the amazing flight deals out there." —Megan Spurrell

Visit Scandinavia.

"I'm determined to finally make it to Scandinavia, a place I've wanted to get to for years. I have this absurd fantasy of retreating to a snow-logged cabin on a fjord, where I'm totally, unequivocally alone—and after spending dozens of months dilly-dallying, watching flight deals come and go, and seeing hygge content just about everywhere, I think it's finally time I committed." —Betsy Blumenthal

Show some love to Puerto Rico.

"I've wanted to go to Puerto Rico for years, and in 2018, as it continues its recovery , seems like a good time to go and lend support. My husband grew up there, and always talks about the forests of Piñones, beaches of Culebra, the mile-long stretch of lechon stands in Guavate, the colorful houses of Viejo San Juan, and a German restaurant so good that he swears it will knock me—someone who grew up in Germany eating schnitzel —off my chair." —Katherine LaGrave

Take a proper two-week trip to Vietnam.

"I'm desperate to go to Vietnam . I've wanted to go for awhile—I don't think you can tackle it in less than ten days, so we'll see if I can get the time off." —Paulie Dibner

Finally take a solo trip—abroad.

"I love traveling by myself, but I've only ever done road trips or quick flights to visit people I know—all within the U.S. So 2018 will be the year I finally take a solo trip abroad. Right now, I'm thinking of going somewhere far away for the holidays, ideally to a dreamy winter city like Prague or Edinburgh." —Caitlin Morton

Try voluntourism.

"Travel has given me so much, so in the coming year I plan to show my gratitude by volunteering while I travel. There are vast opportunities to build and maintain trails along the Pacific Coast , allowing me to explore new areas of the U.S. while spending time in the outdoors. Win-Win." —Meg Reinhardt

Get to West Africa before everyone else does.

"I want to get to West Africa for the first time. Dakar, Senegal has long been on my list for its beaches, history, and Afro-jazz clubs (and there's a direct flight from JFK!)." —Erin Florio

See the post-'Eat, Pray, Love' side of Bali.

"I’m going to Bali to see what’s changed since it got trampled by the Eat Pray Love crowd. There are a few new hotels opening in off-the-beaten-path areas; I’m always up for trying new and out-there wellness therapies, and I hear there’s a growing food scene on the island that I’m eager to check out." —Alex Postman

See more of my own country.

"Whenever I think of places I want to travel, I think of international cities in Europe or Asia. But there are so many accessible places to see and explore that are just a few hours away: I'd love to visit Savannah, Charleston , and Portland." —Diane Kang

Make a pilgrimage to Sicily.

"In December, I went to a museum in Umbria devoted to the work of Arte Povera artist Alberto Burri, where I saw a short documentary about "Il Grando Cretto di Gibellina." Part land art installation, part memorial, it's a massive, stunning, totally surreal maze of white concrete that covers the ruins of the old Sicilian city of Gibellina, which was destroyed in an earthquake in 1968. I've felt the pull of Sicily for a few years now, but now I have a pilgrimage to make." —Andrea Whittle

Kick back on the best island in the world.

"I have tons of family in the Philippines and it’s been years since I’ve visited. Considering Boracay was voted best island in the world in our Readers' Choice Awards , now seems like the perfect time to finally take that trip." —Mara Balagtas

Help my retired parents explore the world.

"My parents are both recently retired, so I would love to help them visit places they've never been. (I've got to repay them for all those family road trips, after all!) They're headed to Cuba on a Holland America cruise this month, and with luck, we'll all visit Paris for Christmas ." —L.D.R.

See how far Nepal has come post-earthquake.

"I’m really, really hoping (dream-hoping) to visit a friend who’s living in Nepal . She’s in Kathmandu and works as a development partner via the Swedish government. It’s been amazing to see how much has been done there post-earthquake—the city is back and ready for visitors, yet it’s still not on the beaten path in terms of tourism these days. I love the idea of seeing the city in its current, pre-rediscovery iteration, and taking it all in with fresh eyes." —Corina Quinn

Be humbled.

"If I get a chance to go to the West Coast, I'll visit Sequoia National Park and see the 275-foot sequoia trees in person. I think it would be an incredibly humbling and profound experience." —D.K.

Set sail for the 'world's aquarium.'

"I’m going to see blue whales in the Sea of Cortez in February, which is prime whale-viewing season. Jacques Cousteau called it the ‘world’s aquarium’ because of its abundance of sea creatures." —Marina Cacciapuoti

Finally do that grand tour of Asia.

"This has to be the year I finally take my wife to Asia —a place she’s longing to visit. Tokyo is the perfect soft landing spot, but as long as we’re there, we’ll need to hit Hong Kong and bounce to Singapore for laksa noodle soup at a hawker center . We’ll round it all out with a couple days in a private pool at the Six Senses Yao Noi in Thailand’s Phang Nga Bay—and worry about the credit card bill when we get home." —Paul Brady

Road trip with the family.

"With three young kids, it’s tricky getting to far-off places. But we love road trips : Last year we did Tahoe to Palm Springs and Idaho to northern California. Next up: the Carolinas." —Sarah Meikle

Get a cheap transatlantic flight to do something extraordinary.

"For the past few years, I’ve been talking to nearly everyone I meet about kayaking in Kosterhavet, Sweden's only national marine park. Thanks to the prevalence of low-cost transatlantic flights , this is the year I'm finally packing my paddle and hitting the water." —K.L.G

Learn (or re-learn) to scuba dive in Bonaire.

"Twelve years ago, on a trip to the island of Bonaire in the Caribbean , I took a course and got my PADI scuba diving certification . It was life-changing, and in the years that immediately followed, I hit the depths wherever I could. Then, for some reason, I stopped, and as the years went by, even if I wanted to go on a dive, I was intimidated by the fact that it had been so long. Time to fix that: This year, I’m taking a refresher course and making scuba diving a renewed priority in my future travels, starting right where it began, in Bonaire. Not only do I know divers and instructors on the island, but it’s also ideal for beginners (or re-beginners, as the case may be), as you can dive in beautiful reefs straight from the shore, instead of taking a boat trip into the deep blue." —Sebastian Modak

Budget better.

"This may be a little strange, but my travel goal for 2018 is to better manage foreign currency when I'm traveling. I inevitably always end up flying home with a ton of foreign coins that I don't exchange back to American currency and, therefore, have a giant can of random coinage that I'm convinced would make me a millionaire if I could somehow convert it back." —Lara Kramer

Take a food-focused trip.

"I’d love to become better-versed in Middle Eastern cuisines. Israel and Morocco sound like delicious places to start: There’s a reason they’re trending in the food world , and what better way to dive in than by going straight to the source?" —M.E.

Head straight to the 'best city in the world.'

"Instead of reading a Murakami novel on my couch in Brooklyn, this year, I plan to read one on a flight to Tokyo . I've never been to Japan, which means I want to take full advantage of the bullet train and travel all over the country, starting in the capital—named the best city in the world in our Readers' Choice Awards —and making stops in Osaka and Kyoto—vacation days be damned. That said, I'd be lying if I said food wasn't the biggest draw. The Tsukiji Fish Market! Twenty-piece omakase ! Slurp-worthy ramen noodles! My flight alerts have already been set." —Lale Arikoglu

Do a couples' getaway in Portugal.

"New parents need some time away as a duo, rather than a trio or quartet. I'm resolved to do a long weekend away in Portugal with my husband: Lisbon, Porto, and all the meat, cheese, and wine we can handle." —L.D.R.

Get (completely) off the grid.

"Specifically, in Twentynine Palms, California at this Airbnb . Life in New York City is too connected, too busy, too wired. The emptiness of the desert, and the night sky above (in a bedroom without a ceiling, no less) might finally, temporarily calm the buzz." —David Jefferys

Make time for elephants.

"This is finally the year I spend time with elephants in Northern Thailand. You can find me at the rescue centers like Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary, which give visitors the opportunity to learn and be a part of improving the quality and care of rescued elephants. This has been a lifelong dream, and I’m done waiting." —M.R.

Do a 360-tour of a new place.

"I plan to go somewhere and try to understand it from as many angles as I can—specifically, Colonsay, an island in Scotland's Inner Hebrides. I'm going for an archaeological tour and lectures, to paint, to learn about sheep and farming, and to meet locals." —Phil Falino

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

13 Travel Vision Board Ideas & Examples

There might be affiliate links on this page, which means we get a small commission of anything you buy. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Please do your own research before making any online purchase.

Traveling is more than just a temporary escape from the stresses of daily life. It also provides a way for us to learn new things, reconnect with ourselves and others, boost our well-being, and increase our happiness.

If you long for travel but haven’t made it part of your reality because things at home or work are demanding your attention, a vision board can help you achieve your travel goals .

Table of Contents

How Does a Vision Board Work?

A vision board is a manifestation tool that people can use to regularly remind themselves of their goals and dreams. When you use a vision board for your travel goals, you are training your mind to be attuned to the opportunities that bring you closer to your goals.

Usually, a vision board is made up of a collage of images and words mounted on a poster board. This collage represents your visions, goals, or dreams.

There are those who use vision boards to help fulfill what’s on their bucket list , as well as their short-term and long-term goals .

Other people, including some influential celebrities, have worked with vision boards to manifest their goals in specific areas of their lives.

The key is to set aside a few minutes each day to gaze at your vision board while visualizing your goals and dreams becoming reality.

The Benefits of a Vision Board for Travel

When you use a vision board to manifest your travel goals, several positive things happen:

• You stay focused on your travel plans. For example, when using a vision board, you’ll become more conscious about setting aside money for your travel fund.
• You become more excited to realize your travel goals. That ultimate dream destination might finally be within your reach.
• You see with clarity how your trip will unfold. As you visualize your travel goals, decisions about the destination, itinerary, and even travel companions become clearer.

To help you in this exciting project, we’ve rounded up 13 of the best travel vision board examples and ideas. Hopefully the following examples will inspire you to gather these vision board supplies and start creating your own board.

1. Outdoors Is Everything

This board is an example of how you can experience life as one big adventure.

It reminds the creator that the key to being able to enjoy travel to different places is to have a healthy body and a sound mind. Activities that promote good health and well-being are also featured on this board as visual reminders.

2. Oh the Places You'll Go!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Independent Travel Agent (@vaniatravels18)

In addition to creating collages out of magazine cutouts and printables, you can also create a vision board through a vision board app . This example, which has a title that alludes to a children’s book written by Dr. Suess , features a digital collage of places that evoke serenity and relaxation.

3. World Map to Adventure

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pin Adventure map (@pinadventuremap)

In this example, a world map, pushpins, a piece of string, and several pictures create a simple yet effective vision board. This board works like a travel log. However, instead of the pushpins indicating the places you’ve already visited, they point to your dream destinations.

4. A Sort of Travel Vision Board

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Al-Leil Ul-Leil (@alleil.ulleil)

This vision board is set up on the side of a fridge. The pictures are mostly postcards and refrigerator magnets the creator got as souvenirs from friends who had traveled to the places featured in the example.

This is sort of like a travel dream board for the creator, as she plans to travel to some of the places seen in the postcards and magnets.

5. Travel Currencies

Worried that your vision board might not turn out right? There’s no need to fret.

Each vision board will be unique to the goals and dreams of its creator. As you can see from this example, it is possible to embellish your board in any way you like. The important thing is that the board evokes the feelings you want to experience when you’ve achieved your goals.

When you have created a board that evokes these feelings, it’s easier for you to recognize them in various life situations. You’ll be better placed to act on the opportunities presented to you for the realization of your dreams.

6. Make Every Moment Count

The owner of this board created it when she first came to America. This vision board was her way of orienting herself to the United States and making sure that she made every moment count.

7. Corkboard Travel Wall

A blank wall can also serve as the foundation of a vision board. In this example, the creator installed a corkboard wall and pinned various embellishments that represent her travel dreams and goals.

8. Savor the Journey

If you love adventures and the open road, here’s an example of a vision board that manifests extraordinary travel. Notice that, for aesthetic purposes, this board is set up on the surface of an old suitcase.

9. Travel Journal/Board

View this post on Instagram A post shared by journaling ; creator (@keshkasjournal)

A journal notebook can serve well as a repository for your vision board. This is especially convenient if you want to take your vision board with you during your travels.

In this example, we see some magazine cutouts of places of interest from different parts of the word, laid out between two journal pages. This layout can also serve as an entry in your travel journal or a visual representation of some of the items on your bucket list .

10. Great Travel Stories

Using a Pin Adventure Map is one of the unique ways to set up a vision board for your travel plans.

You may want to include other design elements, such as stickers, printables, travel brochures, and postcards to create a more visually appealing travel board. This way, you constantly feel motivated to visit the awesome places you’ve marked on your map.

11. Your Passport Is Stamped

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Arla LaserWorks (@arla_cases)

If you’re looking for a unique design idea for your vision board, here’s one that does not use magazine cutouts or other ephemera, but instead features the stamp prints we are likely to see in our passports whenever we visit a foreign country.

Stamp prints from different countries are displayed to represent the places on the vision board owner’s travel bucket list.

12. Go, See, Play

You can use any type of medium to embellish your vision board. In this example, the owner used magazine cutouts, printed texts, pins, ribbons, and Scrabble tiles to create an eye-catching vision board for travel.

Here are some free vision board printables you can check out to help you create a visually stunning board.

13. Never Stop Your Wanderlust

Here’s an image-rich example of a travel dream board. Gather all the pictures that evoke a sense of fulfillment for your dream travel.

Put them together on a stiff board or any sturdy surface. You’re already halfway there!

To fully manifest your goals, always remember to do your daily visualization. Place your vision board in a prominent yet private spot within your house or personal space, then take a few minutes each day to gaze at the pictures and feel the emotions associated with the manifestation of your goals.

Final Thoughts About Vision Boards for Travel

There you have it—13 awesome travel vision board examples to inspire your wanderlust.

We hope you enjoyed browsing through the collection as much as we enjoyed gathering these examples. (You can also add some inspiring travel quotes to your vision boards!)

When working with vision boards, you are opening yourself up to powerful forces in the universe to help manifest what you want most in the world.

If you need more vision board ideas and resources, here are some posts you might want to check out:

• How to Make a Vision Board [The Ultimate 6-Step Guide]
• 8 Best Vision Board Supplies: A Simple Checklist
• 51 Vision Board IDEAS & Examples [Updated for 2022]
• 11 Vision Board Examples for Your Family to Share Together
• 11 Vision Board Examples for Finding Love in Your Life
• 7 Vision Board Examples to Inspire Nursing Students

Finally, if you don’t know how to get started with this strategy, then check out this FREE printable worksheet and a six-step process that will help you create the PERFECT vision board .

124 Inspirational Travel Quotes That’ll Make You Want to Travel in 2022

This is the ultimate list of inspirational travel quotes. Let wordsmiths such as Stephen King, Mark Twain and the Dalai Lama transport you around the world from your armchair.

Not all inspirational travel quotes are created equal. “You have to look through the rain to see the rainbow.” Ugh! Case and point. With so many of these clichés flying around, we forget the real purpose of an inspirational quote. The best travel quotes are meant to inspire. To resonate with and encourage you to take action.

Whether you’re stuck in a rut, hungry for change and adventure, lacking motivation or self-confidence, the right inspirational quote can give you a well-needed kick up the butt to get you on the right track towards achieving your goals

My favourite kind of inspirational quotes is travel related, obviously! They remind me that following my dreams will always lead to happiness and fulfilment. So, I’ve collated a rather epic list of not just any inspirational travel quotes, but the best travel quotes. Many of these travel quotes describe wanderlust perfectly. You’re going to love them!

There’s a mix of short travel quotes, some would even make perfect travel captions for Instagram, some are funny quotes about travelling with friends, but most of all they are all awesome trip quotes.

Ok, so the length of this list is probably a little overkill, but they are all beautiful travel quotes from some really inspiring authors and legends including Stephen King, John Steinbeck, Mark Twain, Samuel Johnson, John Steinbeck, Lao Tzu, Euripides, Seneca, Dalai Lama, Bill Bryson, T.S Eliot, Oscar Wilde and so so many more.

Here is the ultimate travel quotes list and the only one you’ll ever need. Save and Pin your favourites.

1. You need not even listen, just wait…the world will offer itself freely to you, unmasking itself. – Franz Kafka

2. We wander for distraction, but we travel for fulfilment. – Hilaire Belloc

3. We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open. – Jawaharial Nehru

4. Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world. – Gustave Flaubert

5. Travel expands the mind and fills the gap. – Sheda Savage

6. time flies. it’s up to you to be the navigator. – robert orben, 7. the world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper. – w.b. yeats, 8. the real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes. – marcel proust, 9. the biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams. – oprah winfrey, 10. take the time to put the camera away and gaze in wonder at what’s there in front of you. – erick widman.

11. May your adventures bring you closer together, even as they take you far away from home. – Trenton Lee Stewart

12. living on earth is expensive, but it does include a free trip around the sun every year. – unknown, 13. it doesn’t matter where you are. you are nowhere compared to where you can go. – bob proctor, 14. if we travel simply to indulge ourselves we are missing some of the greatest lessons life has to offer. – unknown, 15. it is probably a pity that every citizen of each state cannot visit all the others, to see the differences, to learn what we have in common, and come back with a richer, fuller understanding of america – in all its beauty, in all its dignity, in all its strength, in support of moral principles. – dwight d. eisenhower, 16. travelling tends to magnify all human emotions – peter hoeg, 17. when a man is a traveller, the world is his house and the sky is his roof, where he hangs his hat is his home, and all the people are his family.- drew bundini brown, 18. ‘i’m bored’ is a useless thing to say. you live in a great, big, vast world that you’ve seen non-percent of. – louis c.k..

19. I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list. – Susan Sontag

20. Wise as you have become, with so much experience, you must already have understood what these Ithacas mean. – Constantine Cavafy

21. Travel not to escape life, but so life doesn’t escape you. – Unknown

22. Travel changes you. As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life – and travel – leaves marks on you. Most of the time, those marks – on your body or on your heart – are beautiful. Often, though, they hurt. – Anthony Bourdain

23. To see the world, things dangerous to come to. To see behind the walls, draw closer. To find each other. And to feel. That is the purpose of life. – The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

24. To move, to breathe, to fly, to float, To gain all while you give, To roam the roads of lands remote: To travel is to live. – Hans Christian Andersen

25. To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people just exist. – Oscar Wilde

26. though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not.- ralph waldo emerson.

27. This is your planet. You really should come see it sometime. – G Adventures

28. there is freedom waiting for you, on the breezes of the sky. and you ask “what if i fall” oh but my darling, what if you fly – erin hanson.

29. The traveller sees what he sees. The tourist sees what he has come to see. – G.K. Chesterton

30. The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. – Albert Einstein

31 .the best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart. – helen keller.

32. Still round the corner, there may wait, a new road or a secret gate. – J. R. R. Tolkien

33. paris is always a good idea. – audrey hepburn, 34. own only what you can always carry with you: know languages, know countries, know people. let your memory be your travel bag. – alexander solzhenitsyn, 35. our footprints always follow us on days when it’s been snowing. they always show us where we’ve been, but never where we’re going. – winnie the pooh, 36. once the travel bug bites, there is no known antidote, and i know that i shall be happily infected until the end of my life. ― michael palin..

37. Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before. – Dalai Lama

38. nothing lasts forever, except the day before you start your vacation. – gayland anderson, 39. life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments and places that take our breath away – unknown, 40. it is a big and beautiful world. most of us live and die in the same corner where we were born and never get to see any of it. i don’t want to be most of us. – oberyn martell, game of thrones, 41. if you are lucky enough to have lived in paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for paris is a movable feast. – hemingway, 42. if we were meant to stay in one place, we’d have roots instead of feet. – anon, 43. i’m not lost, i’ve just temporarily lost sight of my destination. – unknown.

44. I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read in the train. – Oscar Wilde

45. i love to travel, but hate to arrive. – albert einstein.

46. I am not the same having seen the moon shine from the other side of the world. – Mary Anne Radmacher

47. how is it possible to feel nostalgia for a world i never knew – ernesto che guevara., 48. experience, travel – these are as education in themselves. – euripides.

49. A year from now, you will wish you had started today. – Karen Lamb

50. A river cuts through rock not because of its power, but its persistence. – Jim Watkins

51. when you travel, remember that a foreign country is not designed to make you comfortable. it is designed to make its own people comfortable. – clifton fadiman, 52. what you’ve done becomes the judge of what you’re going to do – especially in other people’s minds. when you’re traveling, you are what you are right there and then. people don’t have your past to hold against you. no yesterdays on the road.” – william least heat moon, 53. travel is glamorous only in retrospect. – paul theroux.

54. Travel does what good novelists also do to the life of everyday, placing it like a picture in a frame or a gem in its setting, so that the intrinsic qualities are made more clear. Travel does this with the very stuff that everyday life is made of, giving to it the sharp contour and meaning of art. – Freya Stark

55. to travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries. – aldous huxley, 56. the real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes. – marcel proust, 57. the first condition of understanding a foreign country is to smell it. – rudyard kipling, 58. not until we are lost do we begin to find ourselves. – henry david thoreau.

59. I soon realized that no journey carries one far unless, as it extends into the world around us, it goes an equal distance into the world within. – Lillian Smith

60. i have worn the dust of many foreign streets, but to brush it off would surely be a crime. i have the memories of many foreign adventures, but to forget them, would surely be a sin. so, breath in the dust, and keep the memories in. – rowland waring-flood.

61. I always wonder why birds stay in the same place when they can fly anywhere on earth. Then I ask myself the same question. – Harun Yahya.

62. adventure is a path. real adventure – self-determined, self-motivated, often risky – forces you to have firsthand encounters with the world. the world the way it is, not the way you imagine it. your body will collide with the earth and you will bear witness. in this way you will be compelled to grapple with the limitless kindness and bottomless cruelty of humankind – and perhaps realize that you yourself are capable of both. this will change you. nothing will ever again be black-and-white. – mark jenkins, 63. a wise traveler never despises his own country. – carlo goldoni.

64. A ship in harbor is safe, but that’s not why ships were built – John A. Shedd

65. Your true traveler finds boredom rather agreeable than painful. It is the symbol of his liberty-his excessive freedom. He accepts his boredom, when it comes, not merely philosophically, but almost with pleasure. – Aldous Huxley

66. why do you go away so that you can come back. so that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colours. and the people there see you differently, too. coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving. – terry pratchett, a hat full of sky, 67. when we get out of the glass bottle of our ego and when we escape like the squirrels in the cage of our personality and get into the forest again, we shall shiver with cold and fright. but things will happen to us so that we don’t know ourselves. cool, unlying life will rush in. – d. h. lawrence, 68. we travel initially to lose ourselves; and we travel next to find ourselves. we travel to open our hearts and eyes and learn more about the world than our newspapers will accommodate. we travel to bring what little we can, in our ignorance and knowledge, to those parts of the globe where riches are differently dispersed. and we travel, in essence, to become young fools again – to slow time down and get taken in, and to fall in love once more. – pico iyer, why we travel, 69. we must not cease from exploration. and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we began and to know the place for the first time. – t. s. eliot.

70. We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open. – Jawaharial Nehru

71. Wandering re-establishes the original harmony which once existed between man and the universe. – Anatole France

72. Two roads diverged in a wood and I – I took the one less traveled by and that has made all the difference. – Robert Frost

73. Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. – Mark Twain

74. trust me, it’s paradise. this is where the hungry come to feed. for mine is a generation that circles the globe and searches for something we haven’t tried before. so never refuse an invitation, never resist the unfamiliar, never fail to be polite and never outstay the welcome. just keep your mind open and suck in the experience. and if it hurts, you know what it’s probably worth it. – richard, ‘the beach’ (alex garland), 75. travelling is a brutality. it forces you to trust strangers and to lose sight of all that familiar comfort of home and friends. you are constantly off balance. nothing is yours except the essential things – air, sleep, dreams, the sea, the sky – all things tending towards the eternal or what we imagine of it. – cesare pavese, 76. travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living. – miriam beard, 77. travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind. – seneca, 78. tourists don’t know where they’ve been, travelers don’t know where they’re going. – paul theroux, 79. too often travel, instead of broadening the mind, merely lengthens the conversation. – elizabeth drew, 80. to those who stay put, the world is but an imaginary place. but to the movers, the makers, and the shakers, the world is all around, an endless invitation. – unknown, 81. to my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted. – bill bryson, 82. to awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world. – freya stark, 83. there is no moment of delight in any pilgrimage like the beginning of it. – charles dudley warner.

84. There are no foreign lands. It is the traveler only who is foreign. – Robert Louis Stevenson

85. the world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page. – st. augustine, 86. the use of traveling is to regulate imagination by reality, and instead of thinking how things may be, to see them as they are. – samuel johnson, 87. the journey, not the arrival matters. – t. s. eliot, 88. stuff your eyes with wonder,’ he said, ‘live as if you’d drop dead in ten seconds. see the world. it’s more fantastic than any dream made or paid for in factories. – ray bradbury, 89. to travel is to live. – hans christian anderson, 90. so much of who we are is where we have been. – william langewiesche 91. somewhere on your journey don’t forget to turn around and enjoy the view. – unknown, 92. there are no shortcuts to any place worth going. – beverly sills, 93. perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends. – maya angelou, 94. people travel to faraway places to watch, in fascination, the kind of people they ignore at home. – dagobert d. runes, 95. don’t tell me how educated you are, tell me how much you traveled. – mohammed, 96. our battered suitcases were piled on the sidewalk again; we had longer ways to go. but no matter, the road is life. – jack kerouac, 97. one’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things. – henry miller.

98. Once you have traveled , the voyage never ends, but is played out over and over again in the quietest chambers. The mind can never break off from the journey. – Pat Conroy 99. Not all those who wander are lost. – J. R. R. Tolkien

100. no one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow. – lin yutang, 101. never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life. – dolly parton, 102. man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore. – andre gide..

103. Like all great travelers, I have seen more than I remember, and remember more than I have seen. – Benjamin Disraeli

104. life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, “wow what a ride” – hunter s. thompson, 105. blessed are the curious for they shall have adventures. – lovelle drachman., 106. if you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay at home. – james michener, 107. i want to shake off the dust of this one-horse town. i want to explore the world. i want to watch tv in a different time zone. i want to visit strange, exotic malls. – homer simpson, 108. i have found out that there ain’t no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them. – mark twain.

109. I am not born for one corner; the whole world is my native land. – Seneca

110. he who does not travel does not know the value of men. – moorish proverb, 111. travel is the only thing you can buy that makes you richer, 112. for my part, i travel not to go anywhere, but to go. i travel for travel’s sake. the great affair is to move. – robert louis stevenson, 113. do not follow where the path may lead. go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. – ralph waldo emerson, 114. all travel has its advantages. if the passenger visits better countries, he may learn to improve his own. and if fortune carries him to worse, he may learn to enjoy it. – samuel johnson, 115. all the pathos and irony of leaving one’s youth behind is thus implicit in every joyous moment of travel: one knows that the first joy can never be recovered, and the wise traveler learns not to repeat successes but tries new places all the time. – paul fussell, 115. all journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware. – martin buber.

116. A traveler without observation is a bird without wings. – Moslih Eddin Saadi

117. a journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step. – lao tzu, 118. a journey is like marriage. the certain way to be wrong is to think you control it. – john steinbeck, 119. a journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles. – tim cahill, 120. a good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving. – lao tzu.

121. Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness. – Mark Twain

122. you will never be completely at home again, because part of your heart always will be elsewhere. that is the price you pay for the richness of loving and knowing people in more than one place. – miriam adeney.

123. The whole object of travel is not to set foot on foreign land; it is at last to set foot on one’s own country as a foreign land. – G. K. Chesterton

124. travel is about the gorgeous feeling of teetering in the unknown. – gaby basora.

We made it! I spent waaay to many hours in photoshop bringing together this post on the best travel quotes. What did you think? I would love to hear your comments. Want more? Then you’re going to love my list of travel words that describe wanderlust perfect.

If you’re learning a language, then you’ll love these inspirational language quotes .

Over to you!

Which of these travel quotes are your favourites? Did I miss any? What else would you add? Let me know using the comments section below or join me on social media to start a conversation.

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed this post.

Like what you see? Subscribe using the form below to have all of my posts delivered directly to your email.

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription.

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

Get my best language and travel tips FREE by email...

Subscribe to my newsletter to receive detailed travel guides, exclusive travel and language learning tips, priority access to giveaways and more!

I will never give away, trade or sell your email address. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Michele creates language learning guides and courses for travel. What separates her from other instructors is her ability to explain complex grammar in a no-nonsense, straightforward manner using her unique 80/20 method. Get her free guide 9 reasons you’re not fluent…YET & how to fix it! Planning a trip? Learn the local language with her 80/20 method for less than the cost of eating at a tourist trap restaurant Start learning today!

28 Beautiful Travel Words that Describe Wanderlust Perfectly

How to say i love you in italian ❤️ plus free pdf cheat-sheet, 16 comments.

Thanks for the travel quotes. I’m going to save some and print them out. My favorite is like a lot of people here. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all. This year has proven that. We can’t sit around all day and be happy. Let’s make it an adventure

Cant really travel due to the pandemic so ill just read travel quotes 🙂

Hi, there are some great quotes here, all make you stop and think – which is always a good thing! I think my favourite is ‘I haven’t been everywhere but it’s on my list’

To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world :)) I saw it on profile on Worldee.com and its my favourite one!

That’s beautiful 🙂 Thanks for sharing Tomas

Yes, it’s really inspiring, but it’s a sad thing you can’t go anywhere at the moment…

Thanks Jenny 🙂 When borders open up again, we will be able to appreciate travel even more 🙂

You will never be completely at home again, because part of your heart always will be elsewhere. That is the price you pay for the richness of loving and knowing people in more than one place. – Miriam Adeney

I love this a lot, thanks for sharing Love from Indonesia

This is so true. Thanks for sharing Adi 🙂

My favourite is Anderson’s “to travel is to live” . In a lack of travel opportunities sometimes i feel i just exist ,not live. Crying:'((((

Thank you for this post. I loved it. Reading the quotes made me reflect on the feelings and experiences of my travels and made me long for more 🙂

Thank you, Allison, it’s my pleasure. It’s so wonderful to hear that you enjoyed it. I get a tad emotional myself every time I look back through this post. It’s definitely one of my favourites 🙂

The Winnie the Pooh one was good. Clever little bear , isn’t he. ?

Thanks for the amazing post. Some made me laugh, some made me think but all of them makes me want to travel more.

Thanks Basil 🙂 Did you have a favourite?

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

If you don't know where you are , how do you know where you're going?   Find out how well you know Italian grammar today!

• Inspiration

7 Travel Intentions For 2024

What’s up 2024?!  Several years ago I began setting “travel intentions” to help guide my plans in the coming year.

Some people might call them travel resolutions or goals, but I’ve personally never loved all the excitement/guilt baggage that seems to come with resolutions, and “goals” speak to an end point.  Basically It’s about being more…intentional with my planning.  So here we are.

I love taking this last week of December—that beautiful period where you don’t know what day it is and you feel like you’re 80% carbs—to see how I did this past year and set my intentions for the next.

You might also like:    My Favorite Cross-Body Purse for Travel

In evaluating last year’s intentions , I did pretty well!  In 2023 I managed to…

• …plan some trips further ahead, including my Finland/Estonia trip and my upcoming South Africa bucket list trip.
• …plan travel in my traditional dead period between November and March, including Finland/Estonia early in the year, an inpromptu trip to Prague in December, and an upcoming January trip to southern Spain and Portugal.
• …return to a beloved place (Prague!) rather than only exploring new ones.
• …achieve a 2020 intention to travel with other people more (vs. only solo).

Now, I didn’t do as well in other areas…like doing long weekend trips or using my Delta companion passes.  But it was definitely progress.  You can look at my 2023 intentions as well as all the past years… 2017 ,  2019 , 2020 ,  and 2022 (I somewhat superstitiously skipped 2021).

You might also like:  5 Essential Items for Cold Weather Travel

My 2024 travel intentions

So now let’s talk about 2024, which is already a jam-packed travel year for me.  Without further ado, here are the 2024 travel goals or intentions that I’m focused on, including a couple that are more blog-based.

#1 – Plan an overnight or weekend trip locally on a whim

Why don’t I ever think about this??  I’ll go to another country with less than two weeks’ notice, and yet never think, “Maybe I should do a night or two in Nashville”.  It’s bizarre.

This coming year I want to take advantage of a 2- or 3-day weekend better…not to squeeze in an epic European city break like I recently did with Prague, but rather to explore something nearby (like Nashville or Indy) or find a cheap flight to a U.S. spot I haven’t really spent time in (maybe Boston, Miami, or Savannah).

You might also like:     The Only Carry-On Suitcase You’ll Need

#2 – Get better about email!

This is more about how I engage with YOU, but I really want to be better about sending out email newsletters more regularly, and with different types of content (and I’m always open to ideas for helpful content, drop me a note in the comments!).

I recently changed email platforms and that not only gave my emails a fresh new look , but made it faster and easier for me to build out content.  So I’m committed to being better at this!  (Chances are there’s a pop-up somewhere on the site asking you to sign up for emails, if you’re interested)

You might also like:    20+ Tips to Survive (& Thrive) on a Long Flight

#3 – Learn some words in the local language

I used to be so good about this!  And I’ve gotten SO lazy.  I talk about this in my post around tips for any type of trip , I believe it’s not only smart but also respectful to learn a handful of conversational words in the language of wherever you’re traveling.

You don’t have to be good at it, and maybe your pronunciation is garbage, but it makes you a better traveler and the locals really appreciate the effort.  I’m for sure going to be better about this for my upcoming Spain and Portugal trip.

You might also like:    My Favorite Non-Toxic Makeup Brand For Travel

#4 – Become more comfortable with making Reels

I am terrible about making videos.  TERRIBLE.  I’ve gotten a bit better about filming video clips when I travel, but rarely do anything with them.  So one of my 2024 travel goals is to film more and better/usable video, and then to DO SOMETHING WITH IT.

Just in the past week I’ve taken some steps on this, researching better video editing apps and purchasing a license to one.  But now I need to actually spend the time to learn it and hopefully bring you fun and engaging content—not only with Reels on social, but more in-depth videos on YouTube.

You might also like:    Why Fleece-Lined Leggings are a Travel Gamechanger

#5 – Travel slowly more often

Now not all the time…let’s not go crazy.  But it’s no secret that my travel style is more fast-paced, trying to see and do as much as possible and as efficiently as possible.

I love that and it fits my personality and preferences really well a lot of the time, but I’ve noticed on certain trips lately that the frantic pace of exploration can actually cause some *inefficiency* in how I explore and the value that I’m really getting out of the experience.

So I’m going to be more intentional about what trips are best suited to a fast-paced exploration, and which ones would benefit from slowing down and doing a more thorough job.  For instance, in my upcoming southern Spain and Portugal trip, I’d hoped to really see a lot of Andalucia, but am now realizing that we need to just spend those three days just in Seville.

You might also like:    A Travel Bucket List for Your 30s

#6 – Be more intentional about my destinations

I’ve already started this a bit in 2023 and this is kind of the flip side of my 2023 intention to plan further ahead…but I want to make sure that I not only take advantage of destination opportunities that pop up (like a flight deal or a friend asking me to come along), but also purposefully plan trips.

For me that means either sourcing from my bucket list (like my upcoming South Africa trip), or just thinking about the places I’ve said forever “man, I’d LOVE to go there!” and booking a flight.  I’ve got a small start on that with my Algarve trip coming up (though weirder time of year), and maybe I’ll book something for Poland, New Mexico, or a new sailing adventure soon.

You might also like:    Travel FAQ: Things You Might Not Know About Your Credit Card

Bonus #7 – Use every second of PTO that you get!

This one’s for YOU (I mean, probably, statistically…I don’t actually know YOU…but it definitely doesn’t apply to ME.).

Use all your PTO!   (If I could figure out how to put the clappy-hands emoji between each word, I would.)

If you’re anything like the average American, you’re leaving oodles of PTO (paid time off) on the table.  And most people don’t get compensated for what they don’t use.  Look at the days you have and plan your year out!  What do you need for any commitments, maybe a family vacation, and what do you have left to play with?

I’ve already started incorporating these in my 2024 travel plans, and will definitely focus on them throughout the year!  I’d love to hear what’s on your 2024 travel goals or intentions list…what is exciting you, or what do you want to accomplish or get better at?

Inspiration & tips for your own 2024 travel goals: 

• The Google Flights “Map Search” Hack You Should Be Using
• 10 Places I’m Dying to Visit in 2024
• My Trip Planning Process:  Inspiration>Research>Reality
• 11 of My Best Tips for ANY Trip
• 15+ Of The Best Tips For Avoiding (& Surviving) Air Travel Woes

Pin for later!

Comments (2)

March 19, 2024 at 10:58 am

Your 2024 travel goals are inspiring! Setting intentions for meaningful experiences is key to a fulfilling journey. Thanks for sharing!

Alyson Long

January 1, 2024 at 11:28 pm

Your #1 I’m determined to do multiple times this year. It’s all work no fun lately. This year I’m going to travel a lot and I might just do a few solo trips in Asia, my kids are big now, they can stay home. If I go solo I can afford more! My bucket list is complete, but I need to go back to a lot of places to update the websites, after 12 years, that happens! Have a great year!

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. You can also subscribe without commenting.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Fall In Park City, Utah + Things To Do In Park City That Aren't Skiing

A Super Detailed Road Trip Guide For Sao Miguel Island (Azores)

I'm Jessica!

Who am I? I’m not a digital nomad or backpacker. I have a demanding full-time career but still find ways to fit in tons of travel. I believe that sometimes you save and sometimes you splurge, and I’ll help you figure out how to have the best experiences regardless. My goal is to go everywhere, see everything, eat all the pastries, and soak up as much food, wine, culture, and amazing views as I can in this crazy life!

Looking For Something?

Instagram adventures.

Affiliate Disclosure

Fresh Stuff!

Where To Stay In San Juan, Puerto Rico: A Review Of Condado Ocean Club

What To Do With A Half Day In Cordoba: Is This Day Trip From Seville Worth It?

Mixin' It Up On A BACARDÍ Distillery Tour In San Juan, Puerto Rico

Everything You Need To Know About Car Rental In The Azores, Driving, & How To Have A Smooth Roadtrip

Hotel Review: Nashville's Quirky The Graduate Hotel

Locations written about.

• CREATE MY MAP

How to travel more this year: The 10-step guide to achieving your travel goals

Do you have a bucket list of dream destinations and experiences that you're constantly swooning over, but you just never seem to check any off? Well, a dream without a plan is just a wish - and we're here to fix that! Let's make those dreams a reality!

Good news! You don’t need a million bucks, 2 months of vacation time or elite airline status to make your travel dreams come true. With our simple 10-step guide to success, you will be on the path to achieving all of your travel goals and soaking up all that the world has to offer!

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?

The answer is different for every traveler. Whatever fuels your desire for seeing the world, be sure it is kept at top of mind each day. A push pin map with all of your dream destinations pinned can help achieve this!

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. Doable getaways that you could accomplish on a lazy weekend!

3. Narrow it down

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 below questions to narrow it down and prioritize your goals:

• Which of the destinations is 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.

4. Turn your 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.

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. If you can’t find the time to travel, you likely need to reassess your priorities to fit travel into a busy life .
• 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.

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 a direction and help you organize and reach your goals. To make sure your goals are achievable, each one should be:

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.”

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 a week and spend less than $5,000” make your goal more quantifiable like “I want to stay for 8 days, 7 nights and spend xxx on flights, xxx on accommodations and xx on experiences.”

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)

This step is about ensuring that your goal is important to you and that it also aligns with your other life goals 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?

Your goal should have a clearly defined timeline including not only your travel dates but 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 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 and makes it 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 goal

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 people

Accountability is key! Sharing your travel goals with others increases your chances of sticking to them. And better yet, find someone to join you in your travel goals and you're in it 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 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. 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 - then get to work on that next travel goal on your list!

We hope you found this guide useful to make those dream trips a reality! What is your approach to tackling your travel goals? Share them in our Facebook community !

Added to your cart:

• Inspiration
• Destinations
• Places To Stay
• Style & Culture
• Food & Drink
• Wellness & Spas
• News & Advice
• Partnerships
• Traveller's Directory
• Travel Tips
• Competitions

Turn your 2024 goals into travel goals

Discover Your Inner Explorer with These Motivational Travel Goals Quotes

traveller Akilandeswari

It is always fun to tease people who keep dreaming of travelling with your latest trip pictures. But ensure to do so with some interesting travel goals quotes.

My blog gives you 147 vacation goals quotes to help your travel post stand out from the rest. Come, let’s check them out!

147 Travel Goals Quotes For Journey to Your Dream Destinations

Start scrolling through these amazing travel goals caption & choose your best!

Picturesque!

Incredible, am I seeing this for real?

Plan expenses, and travel intensely!

Dress up and become a travel express!

Nature isn’t ideal, it is just idyllic!

Getaway and find your life’s way!

Get on your wheels, travel will make you like steel and help pursue your life with zeal!

Interesting Vacation Goals Quotes!

Walking in the countryside, I adore the beautiful sights!

 Novel settings, life blessings!

Is this real OR surreal?

Is this a painting, it feels so soothing!

Hill station, time for explorations!

Aspire, admire and feel the fire!

Wander and Wonder, you are not here just to ponder!

Travel-fonder, so I wander!

Drawn to the dawn!

Yawn and greet, “Good morning, Swan”!

Withdrawn from the world, currently experiencing peaceful dawns!

Lying on the lawn, I adore the dawn!

Tangerine mornings, new beginnings!

Locate your wings and your life will sing!

Amass nature memories, it will help you churn out life stories!

Facing an impasse? You need a travel pass!

Visit the hills for some beautiful stills!

Cheers, here is one with my peers and our budding travel sphere!

Look at me enjoying my Spring, Do your travel instincts ring?

If you think your heart is weak, reach the mountain peak, you will hear its bold beats!

Travel is a treasure you need to hunt down at leisure!

Chuck the films give life to your wings and you will feel like a king!

Heights testing my might, however, I feel like a kite!

Your travel instincts are something you need to hear because they proliferate over years!

Through this beautiful landscape, I strolled and my heart got sold!

Nature, I can never be your creator, at least let me be an explorer!

I am an ice-skating player, never did I know I would get this close to a glacier!

Explore nature, you will be blessed with a new life flavour!

I don’t have to be a painter to admire nature!

I am a surveyor, I use it to expand my travel frontiers!

I don’t have to be persuaded, I am always up for exploring nature!

Travel helps you dabble and dismantle without any hassle!

If you keep minding the cold, you will never be able to find gold!

Let your travel journey unroll, and see how it makes you bold!

You are a winner if you could traverse the Universe!

I composed hymns, amidst the birds’ chimes!

We need travellers, who could carry our packages, would you like to volunteer?

Does your life feel like a battle? Do you need some time off to unravel? Why don’t you travel?

If you wish to experience the splendour, go on an adventure!

Clicking a photo, to set a motto, for you to travel solo!

When alone, you get to explore the unknown!

Travel plans should never be postponed or else you will end up draining your life on your phone!

By the beautiful stream, I lick the ice cream and my eyes gleam!

Amidst the fields relishing the greens, don’t you wish to be a part of this scene?

If you are travel-keen, it is high time you break your routine!

Some caffeine, to stir my cruise ride!

A lifetime visit to this Sea and my life got free!

Start scaling up hills, you will stop needing your pills!

Chilling because it is heart-fulfilling!

Find your travel wings and make your life a beautiful Spring!

When you ascend and descend the hills, you understand that life is a beautiful swing!

You better get some thrill, before time weakens your travel wings!

 Experiencing travel glories, to ease my forties!

Writing travel stories with my coffee!

Enjoying being on travel wheels, because it heals!

You can learn to deal with life like steel if you travel with zeal!

Build a touring league, trust me, it is going to be your greatest shield!

You need to enjoy the breeze, let the cold freeze, so put on hold your routines!

Whatever you feel, nature will steal, that is the power of its feel!

Time to get on wheels and shoot for my Instagram reels!

Rain splatters, the snow freezes and the Sun scorches, yet lovely nature, you adapt and stay intact, can you please teach us tact?

Backpack and get your life back on track!

Wrapped in nature, I experience its loving nature!

Chill out on the beach and unleash!

If you wish to beam and grow deep, you need to be within nature’s reach!

Is your life facing a glitch? Here is the beach ready to make you bewitched!

If money can make you rich, nature can get your soul enriched!

Trek, it will keep your sanity in check!

I don’t have a wife so I decided to travel for life!

Travel is the only guide to the divine!

Put your problems aside, and climb the heights!

Heights define life because it takes you closer to the Sun so bright!

Live your twenties in a way the world envies!

The twenties is the time to use your travel keys and live your life at ease!

Work to save your shelter and travel to make your life better!

Experience the stellar, it is equal to sipping the nectar!

Life is something you need to feel, don’t allow yourself to be sealed!

Eating meals and shooting reels!

Is your life an ordeal? Travel to heal!

Your backpack is all you need, to deal with life’s ordeal!

Bye-bye Friday, we are dashing through the highway!

Fog OR smog, travel to unclog!

Drench in the snow and wipe out your woe!

Travel teaches you to flow, so life doesn’t become your foe!

Life feels plateaued? Time to go on a trip, dude!

Flip open your life, with trips rife!

Trips for suspense, and building your sense!

Jump off the fence and explore the dense!

Taking trips is a step to success!

Working excess? Get off your damn address!

Sea froth and I adore it with an open mouth!

 Rain dews and high view!

Frozen in the breeze!

My hair flies and the wind never hides!

Standing in Venice , my desire is growing endless!

If travel is getting you zealous, you need to go landless!

Feeling restless? Time to witness something stupendous!

I have always been friendless, but solo travelling has got me boundless!

Go on a tour, you will be nature allured!

I assure you, the tour gives you pleasure!

We are three, listening to the singing bees!

Don’t worry about what life guarantees, enjoy the view from the trees!

Travel calls me, I am all ready to flee!

Sip tea and cross the Sea!

Lighthouse clears doubts!

To escape the life drought and sprout, you need to become a scout!

Saunter and adore your reflection in the pristine waters!

Life breaks with snowflakes!

Nature can unearth faces, that are fake!

Leaving life traces with travel chases!

Frozen lake, what a beautiful break!

Magical lakes, disappearing life aches!

We might be old, but we are never afraid of embracing the cold!

Some special moments are better left untold, but this is the longest I could hold!

In the fields, go for a stroll, and capture pictures for travel enthusiasts to scroll!

Beautiful landscape, biting some sour grapes!

Friendship Travel Goals Quotes!

A few travel goals with friends quotes you will like for sure –

Friends who love hill bends!

We travel for our insides to shake, not for heck’s sake!

We are buddies, who do nature inquiries!

Life is not complete without a vacation with this bunch!

We lean on each other’s shoulders and experience travel wonders!

Our hearts, roll out and shout to make it clear that we are travel devout!

Don’t mind our salary, we are working to build our adventure gallery!

Travel is our zone, so we are prone to explore the unknown!

Couple Travel Goals Quotes!

Some relationship travel goals quotes you would fall in love with –

Rose show with my lovable rose!

Soaked in water and love falls!

We are two and we love to tour!

Whenever we feel blue, we do a travel brew!

Even the most beautiful flowers are drenched in her showers!

Capturing magic with my beautiful fanatic!

Be nice and travel with your wife!

Family Travel Goals Quotes 

Travel happily, with family!

Zoo, with my blood group!

Climbing the rock with my flock!

Spending some breezy time with the ones who built my life!

Why need a guide when my entire family is by my side?

Family fun, a ton!

Wandering streets, with my travel freaks!

I hope you liked my quotes for travel goals. Use the one you liked the most and let me know how it worked for your post!

MORE FUN SUGGESTIONS

Nature Travel Quotes

Happy wayfaring 🙂

THIS POST IS AN EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OF BUDGET WAYFARERS. ANY INDIVIDUAL OR ASSOCIATION INDULGING IN PLAGIARISM WILL BE DEALT WITH STRICTLY . IF YOU WANT TO USE INFORMATION FROM THE ARTICLE ABOVE, KINDLY QUOTE THE SOURCE.

Travel Vision Board Ideas To Inspire Your Dreams

Packed for Life contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See my Disclosure policy for more info.

With a new year comes new dreams, and I’m sure you’re as eagerly anticipating future adventures as I am. But why wait? You can start dreaming and planning right now, both for this year and beyond, with our travel vision board ideas.

A travel vision board is a creative tool used to visualize and manifest your dream vacations and travel experiences. It typically consists of a collage of images, words, and visuals that represent your desired destinations, experiences, and travel goals.

To create one, you’ll need to gather inspiring travel photos, maps, and brochures, and arrange them on a board or digitally. Add motivational quotes and personal touches, categorize your travel dreams and display it prominently to keep your wanderlust alive and inspire action towards your travel goals.

I like to make one every year to visualize my goals, both in travel & my life. So I have put together some easy tips to help you make your own.

Ready to dive into the step-by-step guide to designing your own vacation vision board? Let’s make sure your travel dreams come alive this year.

Table of Contents

How To Make A Travel Vision Board

A vision board uses the idea of the law of attraction, and the belief that what you focus on, you attract into your life.

Just remember “A dream without action is just a wish.” Without taking action, your vision won’t come to life magically. I like to think of this as the first step to making my dream vacation happen.

I love that this activity allows me to tap into my creativity, and keeps me inspired & motivated every day to work towards my goals. Plus there are great benefits:

• Keeps you focused on your goals
• Gets you excited about your plans
• Provides clarity around what is really important to you and your family
• Gives you a starting point to take action on your dreams
• It’s creative & fun

1. Gather Inspiration & Choose Your Focus

Decide what you want the focus of your vision board to be. It can be used for a single dream vacation, highlighting tours, attractions, foods, and experiences.

Alternatively, you can use a bigger one to plan for one or more years, detailing multiple trips.

I like to start with a destination I have in mind and look at travel blogs, magazines and social media for ideas and inspiration.

Write down all your ideas. There are no rules. They can be anything from a specific feeling, or mood, to activities like drinks served on the beach, to luxury accommodations with a kids club. Anything goes!

EXAMPLE : When planning my family beach vacation to Cuba I started with ideas like these:

• Playing in warm ocean waves with my daughter
• Sunset walks on the beach
• Mix of relaxing & fun active adventures
• Walk the Malacon
• Havana, Varadero
• Practice & learn more Spanish
• Eat at local paladars
• Old car tour

2. Decide The Format For Your Travel Vision Board

There are 3 main ways I like to make my vision boards; physical, digital and Pinterest boards.

There’s no wrong answer. You may even come up with another cool idea, like a slide show, video, sculpture, the sky’s the limit.

• Physical Vision Board : Uses a piece of poster board or paper, and cut out pieces of paper, words and quotes to glue onto it. You could also use a cork bord & pin pictures to it.
• Digital Vision Board: Uses your computer, or a program like Canva (what I use) to create a digital collage with pictures, words or quotes.
• Pinterest Board: Make a specific Pinterest board for your trip. Search for ideas, and save them to your board. You can make folders or just throw them all in.

When I’m feeling creative, a physical board is so satisfying. But Canva is super easy as they have plenty of digtal templates already you can use to just put your photos into.

The only downside to a digital copy is you’ll need to keep in on your phone / computer which may not be as regularly visible. Or you’ll need to find a way to print it out.

3. Gather Your Materials

Once you have your where and the format for your board, you’ll need to gather all your materials.

• Source your photos, quotes and words . You can find these in magazines, postcards, brochures or online with free photography sites like Unsplash, Pixabay, PicMonkey, or my favourite Canva. Google “travel quotes” or “family travel quotes” to get ideas for those. Check out our fave 150+ road trip quotes here .
• Grab physical materials & tools . For a physical board you’ll need poster board or paper, your pictures, quotes, scissors, glue or tape etc, depending on how you’re planning to make your board.
• Create a Pinterest Board . Name your board whatever you’re calling your trip (ex. Africa 2024, Summer Vacation, Rockies Road Trip etc.

4. Arrange Your Vision Board Content

Now comes the fun part where you dial up your creativity and arrange your content.

Invite some friends or family members to take part, and make a little party out of it. I’ve done this with friends on New Years to start the year off right. But you can do it anytime.

Some tips that have helped me to make trip collages more pleasing include:

• First start with a focal photo . Sometimes I use a picture of my family, sometimes it’s specific place, animal, quote or activity that is driving my travel desires. Arrange everything around it.
• Next choose your color scheme . Coolors is a great free tool to help you choose an overall, cohesive look. You can even upload one of your travel vision board photos and pick out colors from there to use.
• Mix up the size & positions of photos & words
• Mix up mediums . With a physical collage, use different types of paper (magazines, newspaper), paint, pencil crayons, cut out words or individual letters, different fonts, hand drawn pictures or stickers. Thrift stores or Dollar stores are great places to get cheap magazines, stickers, poster boards & other materials.

5. Display Your Board Where You’ll See It Everyday

Once you have your masterpiece, hang it somewhere you can see it everyday, to remind you of your focus for the year.

While this is easier when it’s a physical thing, you can always save it as your screensaver or background on your cell phone or computer.

6. Take Action

Without taking small actions every day or week to reach your travel goals, you may find yourself disappointed at the end of the year.

Maybe it’s learning how to save more money for travel & choosing one or two things to do.

Maybe it’s making a travel budget or finding ways to travel more affordably so the trip is more doable for you or your family.

Whatever your actions are, make sure they align with your travel & life goals.

Hey life happens. But do you want life to just happen to you, or do you want an amazing year accomplishing your travel goals?

My partner & I like to sit down every couple of weeks or so and review our budgets, goals, and actions to see if we are headed in the right direction. That way it’s easier to adjust if we get off course.

Final Thoughts: Travel Vision Board

Your beautiful travel vision board is your ticket to turning dreams into adventures.

Whether it’s a single destination or years of travel plans , this creative tool keeps your wanderlust alive.

With some inspiration, creativity, and a dash of motivation, I know you’ll be well on your way to making your dream vacations a reality. Start envisioning your journey today and let your travel dreams take flight!

Donna Garrison is the founder of Packed for Life, an ever curious traveler with a passion for making memories with her family. With a unique perspective on travelling on a budget gathered over 30 years, 20 countries and 5 continents she gives families the tools & resources they need to experience the joys of travelling more for less through practical solutions. She helps over 20,000 families a month plan & take the family travel, camping and road trip adventures of their dreams in Canada, the USA and around the world. Contact her at: Donna [at] packedforlife.com

Similar Posts

2024 Ultimate Family Road Trip Packing List (+Free Printable Checklists)

Planning a family road trip can be exciting but also…

No-Fuss Easy Italian Pasta Salad: Perfect For Busy Days

Whip up a speedy summer favorite: Easy Italian Pasta Salad….

Easy No Cook No Refrigeration Meals for Your Next Campout

If you’re heading to the great outdoors, these easy no…

75 Best Road Trip Breakfast Ideas & Recipes (2024)

Looking for the best road trip breakfast ideas? We’ve got…

Can You Bring Magnets on a Plane? What to Know

Ever wondered about taking magnets on a plane? Magnets are…

Mastering Google Flights: Secrets to Snagging Cheap Airfare

Why is Google Flights the go-to search engine for families…

Privacy Overview

Sharing is caring.

Help spread the word. You're awesome for doing it!

Life-changing travel experience stories

There’s nothing like other travelers’ tales to get inspiration . When you are home longing to be on the road, or when you are on a journey wondering why you left the comfort of your house, submerge into these life-changing travel experience stories, beautiful tales of how a trip can alter the trajectory of your life .

I’m sure my regular readers are used to me talking about travel experiences . But for those who are discovering this little window to my soul called Experiencing the Globe , you can see that it all started with a bucket list of all the –surprise, surprise– travel experiences I want to have around the world.

The list is my goal in life, so I’m spending as much time as I can on the road. But when I’m home in between trips I seek inspiration in other travelers’ tales. I’ve read as many books about exciting journeys as I could put my hands on. And recently I got a hold of Lonely Planet’s Travel Goals: Inspiring Experiences to Transform Your Life .

It got me thinking of my own life-changing travel experiences . Like my transformation into a sustainable traveler after fully grasping what that meant for the planet and all the life in it. I have a trip to the Caribbean to thank for that. The first trip I took alone, when I was starting to test my boundaries, empowered me as a solo female traveler, and opened my eyes to a new world of possibilities! I’m so thankful I chose Italy , an amazing destination to explore on your own! I reaffirmed my faith in human kindness after spending a month in Iran , meeting the loveliest people I’ve ever encountered.  And the most literal life-changing travel experience, moving to Croatia after meeting the love of my life in this beautiful country that now I call home.

The book also encouraged me to ask other travelers if they had a story in their own travels that changed their lives in one way or another. I was overwhelmed with the beautiful tales… some of the best life-changing stories that’ll inspire you to travel!

Life-changing travel experience stories that’ll inspire you to travel

Collecting memories, not counting countries.

I want to start this series of tales with my own. As I told you, many aspects of my life have changed over the years due to a travel experience, but the one I want to elaborate on is the one that defined what my life would be. Traveling hasn’t changed me, it has made me. It’s who I am. Several trips to the south of Chile showed me where I was going. This is the story of how I became the person I am today:

My parents took me camping to the Chilean Lake District every summer while growing up. This was in the dark age, before the internet. Back then we had to rely on maps and guidebooks. So through the endless hours of our road trips, I kept myself entertained glancing at a map, reading about the small towns we passed, and convincing my folks to take a detour to visit some place that caught my attention.

During one trip I told them that I have decided I wanted to go everywhere in the world. After a few laughs, my dad told me about the Travelers’ Century Club (TCC), a group for people who have visited 100 or more of the world’s countries and territories. My eyes sparkled with the thought of being a member, and I made it my goal.

Obviously, I started asking to go to another country instead of the same National Park we always visited. They laughed again –conscious of the monster they have created– and offered a compromise: they’d take me to our neighbor Argentina, my first trip abroad, but I had to see more of my own country before I embarked on my adventure of visiting another hundred. I happily accepted.

See, what I immediately realized is that –as much as I wanted to be part of the TCC– the main reasons to travel should revolve around what I’ll get out of a trip –whether that’s meeting locals, tasting the typical cuisine, exploring nature, or adventuring into an activity– it shouldn’t be just to count countries . I know the “why you should travel” is super personal, but ticking countries off a list only because you put your feet there feels meaningless to me.

Why do people travel? Well, there are as many reasons as people traveling, but even if it is to get a tan while you’re permanently sipping from a cocktail, that trip will always be part of your story, so you should make the most of it.

After visiting every region in Chile, I started to go abroad. Nowadays, getting closer to 100 countries and territories of the TCC list properly visited, what I knew instinctively, transformed into lessons I learnt during my travels … What inspires me the most to hit the road is experiences, because they feed my adventurous soul –the TCC list (and my own bucket list) became the means to guide my journey, not an end themselves.

Spreading the word about the truth of traveling

Claudia’s life story is remarkably similar to my own. Being avid travelers changed the way we perceive a destination, and the story that should be told about it. We both left behind an academic career and repurposed our research abilities towards travel writing. Now we both blog from a distinct point of view. This is the story of how in a visit to Cuba she found her true calling:

“Cuba changed my life because it was nothing like I had expected it to be –quite the opposite, in fact. You see, being the avid traveler that I am, before my trip to Cuba I spent months reading just about anything I could put my hands on. If it talked about Cuba, I had to read it. Everything made it sound like traveling to Cuba would be easy, and locals would be generous and welcoming.

My time in Cuba was less than fabulous. Don’t get me wrong, it is a gorgeous country and now, a few years later, with much more traveling experience and understanding, I am ready to go again. But back then, it was awful. My 23 days there were a constant challenge to avoid scams –a challenge that a few times saw me succeed but that other times saw me fail miserably. It was frustrating. I felt I could not trust anybody. Where were the lovely Cubans everyone talked about in their blogs?

Cuba taught me that people lie, even (or especially) online. Because nobody really wants to say they have had a bad experience, and nobody is really interested in reading about others’ bad experiences –but is that really the case?

I decided there and then to be different. I decided that I had to warn others, tell them the truth, let them know what they should expect and what they should do to avoid scams. That’s why I opened my blog. It was just a pastime at the beginning.

Fast-forward 2 years and I realized that I did want to make an effort to make it work out. After all, what did I have to lose? My contract as a research fellow at the university had expired and I had no real prospect if not a series of menial short-term teaching jobs I was less than interested in. So, I gave blogging my heart and soul. And it worked. I’m a much happier person now. I love what I am doing. I wake up in the morning to face a long list of to-do things and I read it with a smile on my face, which is priceless.

Cuba changed my life. And despite all the frustration I felt back when I was there, it changed it for the best.”

RELATED POSTS:

• Marrakesh: the good, the bad and the ugly
• Azerbaijan: what I loved and what I hated

Encountering wildlife to find yourself

Camilla was looking for something, but she wasn’t sure what it was. Her heart lead her to India , and after that trip her life would never be the same. Animals can have different impacts in our life, but for this former vegan chef, one particular big cat meant more than anything. This is her story:

“January 2017. That’s the date I first arrived in India. By that time, I used to work as a freelance vegan chef in the hustling city of Paris. Having attended a 4-weeks course on yoga and Ayurveda, I had planned to spend the following month exploring this amazing country.

Little did I know that a special encounter would change my life forever.

Always an animal lover, over the years I had developed a passion for the most majestic of big cats: the tiger. The striped animal had somehow summoned me. To what reason and to convey what message I do not know, but to such a call one can hardly resist.

India is home to more than 60% of the world’s remaining wild tigers. The critically endangered species is highly protected, and the country has given to many of its national parks the status of Tiger Reserve.

It was time for me to see my first one in the wild.

With zero safari experience and many hours of research, I booked 4 drives in Ranthambhore, one of India’s most famous Tiger Reserves .

I will always remember the excitement before that first drive in the jungle, and I will never forget the distress of realizing that finding the elusive cat is no easy task. 

But all of a sudden, there it was. Glorious in its fierce black striped orange coat, a killer look and an attitude to die for. My first wild tiger.

That fleeting moment was enough to make me want more. Today, I have moved to Central India, prime tiger landscape of the world, and I have seen 103 different individuals. But every time I see those eyes, I feel the same excitement that I felt as a total beginner that day in Ranthambhore.”

Finding love in an unexpected place

Traveling is full of surprises. A spontaneous detour can change your life forever. Don’t I know it! A quick, unplanned stop in Split after exploring Dubrovnik ended up seeing me move continents for love. A simple recommendation of a town in The Philippines had the same in store for Alya. This is the tale of the trip that lead her to her husband:

“Meeting my future husband was definitely one of the most life-changing travel experiences I’ve ever had. We met 6 years ago in the Philippines. I was traveling alone around Southeast Asia for a couple of months. After completing my dive course in Gili Air Island in Indonesia and didn’t know where to go next. I was looking for a good place to learn to surf. My dive instructor told me about a small town on Luzon Island in the Philippines. It sounded like the perfect place for me. I bought a plane ticket immediately and two days later arrived in San Fernando.

The hostel I stayed at had a big dormitory with many beds. I met many travelers including Campbell. In fact, we had neighboring beds in the dormitory. He traveled alone as well and we liked each other, so we started going together to the beach, surfing and going out at night. By chance we had very similar travel plans and decided to continue our trip together.

We both like doing the same things, like surfing, diving and hiking. We left San Fernando and traveled around the Philippines together for 2 months. From there we went to Singapore. Unfortunately, I had to go back home, my 4-month holiday was over. We arranged to meet up again two months later in Nepal since we both had trekking to Everest Base Camp on our bucket list. So we did, it was our first multi-day trek together.

We met up a couple of times on the road again in different countries. After 6 months of on and off I decided to quit my job and join Campbell on his around the world adventure. Three years later we got married and decided to start a travel blog . In the last 6 years we’ve done hundreds of hikes, spent a year hitchhiking through Latin America, drove thousands of kilometers across Africa and walked seven Camino de Santiago routes.

Now I can’t imagine how my life would look like if I hadn’t gone to that place in the Philippines and had never met my husband.”

Giving is better than having

A trip to South East Asia gave Corritta’s life a whole new meaning. Possessions are overrated, true happiness comes from giving. She and her family left a comfortable life in the United States behind to fill their souls while making the world a better place. This is the tale of their journey:

“My life changing experience prompted me to sell our house, car and possessions to take off on a journey to see the world. That may seem a little extreme but let me explain. My first international trip was to Bangkok in 2018. I thought this trip would be a great way to get away from the stress in my life. It turned out to be a life altering experience that made me realize I was existing, not living. 

While in Bangkok we took a day trip to Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand and it changed my life. We learned how cruel animal tourism is and how we, as tourists, are unwitting accomplices. We support illegal pouching and animal cruelty by taking part in animal tourism. This includes taking pictures with large cats or monkeys and riding elephants. When we do these things, we are not only hurting the animals, we are ensuring things will never get better. I must admit I was never an animal lover but being up close and personal with elephants changed something within me. It made me want to give back.  

So, two years later, with my partner and our one-year old baby boy, decided to take off for a  family gap year .  We sold everything and left San Diego to live a life of service. We will use this time to give back to those less fortunate. 

When I left Thailand my definition of happiness changed. It was no longer associated with material possessions, but by the quality of life I wanted to live. I realized what truly matters is the love of your family. The Thai people with their families were happier than most Americans. So I decided to take back one of the most invaluable things in the world, time. Never forget, all the money in the world can’t buy you more time.” 

Small changes can make the world a better place

A trip to Australia developed plastic-issue awareness in Simona. Seeing how the tides brought tons of plastic to the shores made her change her approach to traveling. From carrying her own grocery bags and water bottle, little adjustments made her a much more responsible traveler. This is how her journey towards sustainability started:

“The first time ever I realized that plastic was a serious matter for our planet was during a road trip in Western Australia, almost 12 years ago.

We stopped at a supermarket along the Coral Bay coast to buy some groceries and the lady at the counter told us they didn’t sell any shopping bags to prevent plastic in the ocean and to help preserving the endangered turtles living in that area. After a first reaction of surprise, we gathered all our shopping in our arms and left, reflecting on what we had been told.

This was just one of the many experiences I’ve lived that made me more conscious about my impact and pushed me to adopt various habits to live and travel more sustainably. For example, after that trip, I am always carrying a cotton bag when I go shopping.

Our eco-honeymoon to Borneo was another life-changing experience that has strengthened my resolution to turn to a zero-waste lifestyle. I selected three ecotourism projects to visit. In Asia finding safe drinkable water is always a challenge, but we traveled with our water bottle, and we chose the right service providers engaged in sustainable travel so, with a little effort, we managed to avoid almost entirely the use of plastic during our trip.

However, we were seriously struck by our stay on Libaran Island, where a sustainable and turtle conservation project was launched 10 years ago. Despite the big efforts carried out by the project and the community in cleaning up the beaches and creatively re-use plastic, the shore is washed daily with tons of plastic coming from the tides. Walking on a carpet of plastic that almost prevented us from seeing the beach underneath was quite shocking.

Facing this global issue in person, raised in me a contrasting feeling of sadness and anger that soon turned into determination: to do as much as possible to reduce plastic in our life. Sometimes we may feel helpless in front of big problems, but we should be aware that small changes can actually make a difference!”

• The Ultimate Guide to Sustainable Travel
• Sustainable Travel Photography
• Eco-friendly hiking: sustainable tips and packing guide
• Plant-based diet & Sustainability

Discovering happiness in simplicity

When her career and personal relations were failing, Soujanya decided to retreat to the mountains. The Himalayas were the perfect setting to get away from everything and regain perspective. In a small village she discovered that technology is overrated, and that what counts are real connections. This is how a trip to India changed her take on life:

“Back in mid-2019 I wasn’t in a good place in life. I was getting out of a serious relationship, I was burn out at my job, I had problems within my family, and the ever-increasing sense of loneliness had thrown me into a pit of depression. During that time, I turned to the only positive thing I had going on for myself, which was travel and blogging.

After some contemplation, I decided to quit my job to travel. I had saved up enough money that would last me 8-10 months so I didn’t give it much thought because I knew it was the only thing that would keep me from tipping over the edge.

The first thing I did after leaving my job was to head to the Himalayas in India. I spent a month in the Kinnaur and Spiti valleys in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The Kinnaur district was a breath of fresh air. The snow-clad mountain range in the distance, the lush green vegetation all around, the sparse population and the friendly people spoke to my soul.

There was one village called Chitkul , which lies on the Indo-Tibet border and has no cell connectivity, that helped heal me the most. A remote village with a population of less than a thousand people and only a handful of tourists, with nothing around it for many miles.

I spent my days sitting by the river, hiking to the nearby hills and walking through meadows. Just being there surrounded by the Himalayas, without any social media due to lack of connectivity, and making real connections with other travelers and the villagers had some sort of magical effect on me. Not only I have the best travel experience of my life, but the place also healed my mind. I came back happier than ever, with a renewed spirit, ready to enjoy everything that life had to offer.”

Uncovering a braver version of yourself

We all have that one thing we’d love to do but we’re too scared to try. A trip to Thailand taught Allison that life is what we made of it. Pushing her boundaries not only allowed her to have a ton of fun, but also gave her a new path, one in which she gets to do what she loves. This is her story, an encouragement for you to get out of you comfort zone too:

“Shortly after I graduated from college, I moved to a new state to start a full-time job. One day at work, I found myself wanting to go traveling. As I didn’t have any friends there, I decided it was the perfect opportunity to go on my first ever solo trip. So I quickly started doing research on where I’d like to go.

I had never traveled alone before, especially overseas, so I decided to sign up for a guided group that was going rock climbing in Thailand . This gave me a sense of security, being new to solo traveling. It felt like a great way to dip my toes into being alone and meeting strangers, but also doing something that sounded really fun and engaging for 2 weeks.

The entire Thailand trip forced me out of so many comfort zones that ended up being one of the big turning points of my life. The time I spent in Thailand navigating airports and taxis alone, meeting a group of complete strangers, and spending 2 weeks climbing with them in often remote parts of the country, ended up being one of the greatest experiences of my life. Up until this point I had always considered myself a ‘shy’ and ‘cautious’ kind of person, but this travel experience lit me up to become different. It showed me a brave, strong, and self-sufficient side of myself that went on to influence my life in dramatic ways when I returned home.

When I got back, I pretty much dedicated my life to spending as much time as possible outdoors whether that be climbing, hiking, or backpacking… essentially doing things that I once thought I wasn’t ‘capable of’ or was ‘too scared of’. Today, roughly 6 years later, I’m an outdoor empowerment coach and backpacking educator.

My trip to Thailand was the spark that I needed to make that change. It showed me what was possible. I don’t know if it was the people I met, the experiences I had, or the beauty of traveling in Thailand – likely a bit of all of it– but whatever it was, it changed the trajectory of my life, and I’ll forever hold Thailand (and all the people I met) in a special place in my heart.”

A leap of faith towards a new life

Getting to visit a new place after a business trip is nothing out of the ordinary. For most people. For Derek and Mike it was literally life-changing. After a quick trip to Copenhagen , they packed up and started a new chapter of their lives as expats in a different continent. This is the tale of their journey:

“In November 2016 we had a life-changing travel experience in Copenhagen, Denmark. My partner Mike was asked to make an unexpected business trip to the city to help with a project. His company had recently acquired another company in Denmark, and he was asked to help with the integration. He flew there from our hometown, Philadelphia, with only a few days’ notice, and on his first day in the office they asked if he would stay a few weeks longer. He agreed but asked for time off during the American Thanksgiving so that I could fly to Denmark and take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy a cheap trip to Europe with no-cost lodging and some meals expensed.

We loved getting to check out a city that we didn’t have on our travel bucket list before this opportunity came about. We did a few tours, visited the Christmas markets and dined out. At one restaurant we got to try the Christmas traditional Danish meal . I enjoyed Copenhagen for 5 days and Mike remained there for work until the end of November.

On his last night in Denmark, he had dinner at his boss’ home. They shared a meal with a lot of wine and then Mike called me when he got back to his hotel. I could hear the excitement in his voice. He asked if I liked Copenhagen, which seemed odd because he knew I enjoyed myself when I was there. Then he asked if I liked it enough to move there, because on that final night, his boss asked if we would take an expat assignment in Denmark.

We didn’t hesitate to accept and our life abroad began almost right away. That trip to Copenhagen was certainly life-changing!”

Learning to fully appreciate what’s in front you

No matter how much you have traveled, there are places that will bring up the best of you. No matter how much there is still to see, some places will take your breath away and will forever stay in your heart. A trip to Antarctica transformed Wendy into a student. She acquired as much information as she could to fully absorb the beauty that she was about to witness. And now she is longing to go back. This is her story:

“Before my cruise from Ushuaia to Antarctica , I was already quite well-traveled. I had visited about 75 countries and seen plenty of natural beauty before. But all of that paled in comparison to the White Continent. The Perito Moreno glacier in Argentina had mesmerized me just days earlier, but now I was seeing dozens, even hundreds, of sparkling white glaciers practically everywhere I looked. These landscapes were so different from anything I’d ever seen that it felt like I’d traveled to another planet.

On the times when the weather was bad, and on the long days of crossing the Drake Passage between Tierra del Fuego and Antarctica, I soaked up every bit of knowledge that I could about this snow-and-ice-covered land. Our ship, the MV Ushuaia, was manned by a full staff of scientists and lecturers who were experts in a number of relevant topics, from geology to ornithology. When we were out on the high seas with nothing to do, these experts held lectures on the flora, fauna, history and geology of Antarctica, and I attended every single one.

When we stopped at the British base at Port Lockroy on Goudier Island, I grilled the staff there with questions about how I too could go live and work on the island. And while that dream never materialized, my memories of Antarctica are still sharp in my mind 11 years later, and I still dream of returning one day.

Such an expensive voyage would normally be the trip of a lifetime, not a return destination. But if you’re willing to try your luck, sharply discounted last-minute deals can be found at the port in Ushuaia a day or two before departure. In recent years, these huge discounts have become few and far between, as most ships fill up months in advance. But still I’m thinking of a return trip to Antarctica for some more adventure!”

No matter where you go, every single place in the world has the potential to change your life! Tell me in the comments if you’ve had any life-changing travel experiences!

Liked it? Want to read it later? Pin it!

Did you like what you read? You can show your appreciation by buying me a coffee 🙂 Your support will ensure I keep bringing you stories and insights from around the world! Thanks so much!

16 thoughts on “Life-changing travel experience stories”

Wow this is really amazing,I pray that I will be opportuned to travel around the world one day

Sometimes we think it’s a far away dream because it’s dangerous, or expensive, or because we can’t take time from work. I’m aware that for some people it’s actually quite impossible due to their passport or the political situation in their country. For others, their responsibilities are far too great to leave behind. But for most of us, it’s just a matter of priorities. Don’t wait until you have all the money you think you need, or all the time you’d like to spend on the road. Just go! Even if it’s a weekend trip to your neighboring city, or to the countryside close to your place. You got to start somewhere, and every trip has the potential to be life-changing! Let me know how it goes! 🙂

I was looking for inspiration, and inspiration I found. I can’t travel at the moment, but I’m already thinking of how to be more sustainable on my next trip. Thank you all for sharing!

That’s amazing to hear, Dani! Welcome to the sustainable traveler’s team! 🌱

I googled inspiring travel stories to see if my day could be picked up, and I’m so glad this popped up! Lovely stories, super inspiring! I can’t wait for the pandemic to be over to create some travel stories of my own ❤️

Awww! I’m so happy to read your comment, Monty! Hopefully the pandemic will be under control soon and you’ll get to have some travel stories too. Make sure you tell me about them!

Beautiful tales! I can’t wait to start traveling again. Travel already has changed my life, but I’d be happy living through any of the wonderful experiences described here!

When you get to travel again, keep an open mind and an open heart… amazing experiences will happen! ❤️

Very inspiring stories! Thank you for sharing them!

It was a blast to write this, and collect other wonderful tales!

Love all these stories! Love how travel has shaped everyone!

In one way or another, every trip makes us a bit different. It was great to get these wonderful travelers to share their stories -now I’m sure it’s not only me who is deeply changed by travel!

These are all such inspiring stories! Really goes to show you how much travel can impact your life. Thanks for sharing!

It’s crazy how much travel can change us, and how much we can learn from it, no matter where we go!

I loved reading this! All of the stories are such an inspiration! I can’t wait to get back on the road 😍

In times of armchair travel, nothing like beautiful stories to keep the wanderlust up, right? ❤️

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Let's go round the world in 201 experiences! Get tons of tips and inspiration in your own inbox.

Check our Privacy policy

Nightlife and warm weather aren't driving Gen Z's desire to travel. Here are the 5 things that are.

• Booking Holdings determined Gen Z travel trends by surveying 32,300 people across 32 countries.
• Data showed that nightlife and entertainment aren't major factors influencing Gen Z's travel plans.
• Good eats, safety, and fair prices all ranked higher. 

Nightlife and warm weather are a huge draw for some vacationers — unless you're a member of Gen Z.

It's no secret that elder Zoomers have a serious case of wanderlust, with a 2023 Business Insider survey showing that 43% believed travel is a more important goal than "advancing their education." Travel also ranked about above "being creatively fulfilled" and "becoming debt-free." Things like entertainment and nightlife, on the other hand, aren't driving their urge to travel.

Related stories

Data shared by Booking Holdings , a travel company, shed light on the major factors Gen Z considers when choosing a travel destination. The survey, conducted from January 2024 to February 2024, drew from 32,300 people across 32 countries.

Gen Z ranked good food and natural scenery as the top deciding factors when choosing a vacation spot

According to Booking Holdings, the top three factors influencing Gen Z's travel destinations are delicious local food, good value for their money, and enchanting natural scenery. Shopping and safety followed afterward.

The data noted that neither warm weather nor nightlife and entertainment were ranked in the top 10.

Although warm vacation spots like Florida and Hawaii always draw tourists, winter travel is still popular. Tripadvisor's 2023 Winter Travel Index found that 68% of Gen Z respondents planned to travel that winter.

Regarding nightlife and entertainment, efforts to save money following inflation could play a role. Gen Z also tends to consume alcohol less than previous generations .

As for Gen Z's motivation for traveling, data showed relaxation and exploring places they've never been to as chief factors.

Gen Z is getting most of their travel inspiration from social media

Nearly two-thirds of the survey's Gen Z respondents — or 59% — told Booking Holdings they find travel inspiration from social media. It's the highest of any generation surveyed.

It's not surprising Gen Z looks toward social media for travel ideas, given how popular that type of content is online. The "travel" hashtag has 42.6 million posts on TikTok, while Instagram showed 732 million posts.

Social media has become a travel tool where content creators show off local hidden gems, share day-in-the-life vlogs and give advice to their followers.

Although travel allows people to unwind, it's also helping Gen Z feel more confident. Data showed that 72% of Zoomers felt "like the best version of themselves" while traveling.

Watch: Gen Z is receptive to health information, especially in the social channels where they live, says Haleon's CMO

• Main content