12 New Year's resolutions for travellers
We reckon 2024 is going to be a great year to explore the world. Here are 12 New Year's resolutions we're making to start our journey off on the right foot.
1. Start a holiday saving fund
If you're anything like us you're always dreaming of your next holiday, so why not start a saving fund towards it?
Whether you keep it old school with coins in a jar (maybe empty your spare change into it at the end of every week), or you take advantage of saving schemes your bank offers (we particularly like the pots function with Monzo), make 2024 the year you start saving for that next trip.
Money-saving travel tips
We've tried, tested and recommended all the best money-saving travel tips to help make that holiday money go a little bit further.
Find out more...2. Plan a solo trip
Always wanted to take a solo trip but not quite mustered up the courage? Well we're here to tell you that it's not as scary as you think and you'll come out of it with some amazing experiences and maybe even some new friends.
Don't just think solo travel is for gap years either, as there's plenty of people travelling solo later in life, especially once their kids have finally flown the nest. Our top tip, stay in hostels where you can – you'll meet amazing people from all over the world and you'll never be lonely.
The top destinations for 2024
Haven't planned your big trip for 2024 yet? Here are our top picks for your next holiday.
Find out more...3. Learn a new language
Now we're not saying you need to become fluent in Spanish overnight, and we promise there isn't an end of year test, but learning a new language is an incredibly rewarding goal to have for 2024. There's great apps to help you learn and make it fun (nothing like old school textbooks!), such as Duolingo.
Why not set yourself a goal to order at a resturant entirely in the native language on your next holiday? The days of the universal sign for "bill, please" will be behind you.
4. Try food from different cultures
When we think about travel one of the first things that comes to mind is all the new and exciting food you'll get to try. If you're planning a holiday, why not research what the top local dishes are and make sure you try them whilst you're there.
Or, why not make it a challenge to learn to cook different cuisines at home – cook your way around the world. Just remember to save some for us!
5. Plan more weekend breaks in 2024
Travel doesn't just have to be about your two weeks away in the summer (though that's great too!). Why not make 2024 the year of the weekend getaway?
There are great options for staycations in the UK and Europe's on our doorstep to explore. Don't be afraid to think a little bigger though, after all we did once take a weekend trip to Japan just for some fresh sushi.
6. Explore closer to home
If the last few years have taught us anything, it's that there's a lot to discover right here in the UK. We're usually so set on getting away for a holiday that we don't always consider what's right in front of us.
With so many beautiful places to explore, and hundreds of attractions to visit, why not try and see more of Britain this year?
UK Short Breaks
Looking to explore the UK this year? Make the most of your trip by choosing an award-winning short break from Holiday Extras.
Find out more...7. Read a new travel book each month
Always going to the same place and need some inspiration? Why not read some of the best travel books this year – by living vicariously through the author you might find inspiration for your own travels.
If you're looking for somewhere to start then Bill Bryson has a number of great books to choose from, and his writing style is incredibly funny and accessible.
Best books for your holiday
We've put together a little list of what we think are some of the best books to read on holiday.
Find out more...8. Stay somewhere unique
One of the great things about home-share culture and sites such as Airbnb is that it opens up a world of more unique and interesting places to stay. So when you travel this year, instead of booking into one of the big hotel chains why not find something more unique, like a former Jumbo Jet in Stockholm.
There's plenty of independent boutique hotels that would love your support after a rough few years, and you'll get a much more memorable holiday too.
9. Visit one of the 7 New Wonders of the World
In 2007 a list of the 7 New Wonders of The World was drawn up, which was probably about time as only one of the 7 ancient Wonders of the World is still standing.
On the list are Chichen Itza (Mexico), Christ the Redeemer (Brazil), the Great Wall of China, Machu Picchu (Peru), Petra (Jordan), the Taj Mahal (India), and the Colosseum (Italy). Why not try and make it to see one of these wonders this year?
Holiday Extras Travel Guides
We've been all around the world and know the best places to visit and advice for what to do while you're there. Our guides are packed full of useful info to make sure you have a hassle-free holiday.
Find out more...10. Make a photo book of your travels
With such great cameras on our phones these days we're taking more photos than ever, yet when do we really sit down and look at them properly?
If you're like us you'll have loads of holiday photos sat gathering virtual dust, so why not try and make a photo book for each of your holidays? It's one of those things we always mean to do but never quite find the time for, so let's set that right this year.
11. Travel sustainably
With concerns about the climate and other socio-economic issues it's more important than ever to try and travel in a sustainable and conscious way.
You can achieve this through simple steps like carbon offsetting your flight, using sustainable travel products or using more environmentally friendly modes of transport. Or if you are feeling really adventurous, you could push yourself further and book fully sustainable holidays or even volunteer abroad.
The Good Trip Index
Leave only footprints and take only photos by picking destinations you can visit sustainably and responsibly.
Have a good trip12. Write your travel bucket list
Never written out your travel bucket list? Putting your travel dreams down on paper is one of the best ways to start dreaming about your future trips.
Whether you dream of riding to the top of the Burj Khalifa or taking a journey on the Trans-Siberian Railway, write out your list and see if you can start planning for any of them.
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