Do you love to travel but your plans have been sitting on the back burner? The new year is the perfect time to change that. Exploring new places is less about checking destinations off a list and more about creating memorable experiences and broadening horizons.
Many people are intrigued and inspired by the idea of travel but simply lack the time, money, or resources to make it happen. However, as we face a brand new year, it’s time to realize that traveling is more attainable than you think. Making small decisions early on will help you create a plan that you can follow step by step. From saving money for your endeavor to choosing your destination to securing DTW airport parking, it’s important to have travel goals that will shape your New Year’s resolutions.
1. Choose Destinations With Intention
Everyone talks a big game about wanting to travel more, but that’s pretty vague. Instead, be specific and mindful in your intentions. Where do you truly want to go and why? What do you hope to accomplish there? Choose a destination that aligns with your interests so your trip is not only more meaningful but easier to plan as well.
Once you have a specific plan in mind, you can start booking your DTW airport parking, flights, and lodging.
2. Visit More Than One Country
Many areas of the world, such as Eastern Europe, Central America, and Southeast Asia, make it geographically easy to country-hop. With close borders and easy transportation, it’s easy to add another stop to your itinerary without too much of a time or money investment.
3. Visit a New Continent
Expand your global footprint by visiting a continent you’ve never explored before. Been to Europe before? Try:
- Africa: Kenya, Tanzania, Egypt, Morocco, Namibia, South Africa, Rwanda, etc.
- South America: Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Argentina, Colombia, etc.
- Asia: Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, Cambodia, Thailand, etc.
4. Avoid the Crowds
Trending destinations grab the attention of lots of people – which means they are more crowded. When you travel off the beaten path, you still get the beauty of a new destination, but you also tend to get a more authentic experience and better value – without the congestion.
Try far-away places like:
- Grenada
- Trinidad & Tobago
- Kosovo
- Jeju Island
- Guyana
- Taiwan
- Svalbard
Even if you’re planning on visiting a popular country, check out quieter alternatives within those countries. For example, leave the packed beaches behind and explore local towns instead.
5. Travel On Your Own
Embrace the total freedom that comes with traveling solo. You don’t have to follow anyone else’s agenda. Just you, your own pace, and your own experiences. Why compromise when you can travel alone? Not only will you build confidence and achieve personal growth, you’ll get the cultural immersion you’ve been yearning for – at your own pace.
It’s easier to leave your comfort zone when solo, often resulting in unexpected connections and unforgettable moments.
6. Rediscover Home
Resolving to travel more doesn’t mean you have to leave the country to do it. It’s just as rewarding to explore your own backyard; plus, it’s much easier to plan and you don’t need a passport.
Enjoy fresh perspectives without the stress of long-haul travel with weekend getaways, nearby cities, scenic drives, and off-season stays. These are especially invaluable for families, pet owners, or anyone looking to travel more often with less planning.
7. Upgrade Your Stay
Upgrade your accommodations for at least one stay. Try a luxury hotel, boutique stay, or special suite to take your travel experience to the next level. Order fancy food with room service, take part in hotel amenities such as spas, or stay in a prime location that overlooks everything the city has to offer.
8. Travel With Purpose
Trips that focus on wellness, learning, personal growth, or charity can be fulfilling and add deeper meaning to your travel experience.
Look for:
- Wellness retreats
- Cultural immersion programs
- Volunteer travel experiences
9. Plan Earlier
The backbone of your travel experience – no matter where you choose to visit – will be the planning. It’s critical to book early, from hotels to parking, so you can snag better rates and better availability, which all lower your stress levels.
Build Travel Into Your Lifestyle, Not Just Your Calendar
One of the biggest reasons your goals fall by the wayside every year is treating travel as a one-time event rather than an ongoing priority and lifestyle change. If you stand around waiting for the “perfect” moment, you’ll never go. Instead, make a conscious effort to build travel into your routine throughout the year.
To ensure this, you could:
- Create a small monthly travel fund
- Plan one major trip alongside several smaller getaways
- Take advantage of long weekends and flexible work schedules
You don’t have to be extravagant or expensive in your traveling. Even inexpensive, short, and small trips can refresh your perspective, reduce stress, and reignite creativity. Looking at travel as an investment in your quality of life will spur you to keep up the routine.
As 2026 unfolds, it’s OK to revisit your travel goals and adjust them as needed. Life changes, and your travel plans may have to as well. The main thing is to stay curious, say yes to new opportunities, and make space for exploration whenever possible.
Make the Commitment This Year
It’s easy to come up with reasons why you can’t go on that trip or plan that next get away. But regrets can pile up over time if you let them. With a world full of places waiting to be explored, you can’t afford to delay your travel goals. Make 2026 the year you actually go!
Call Valet Connections Today
Make this the year you travel more. Call Valet Connections DTW Parking at (734) 992-4946 to book your airport parking and travel with confidence.