10 things to do right now to achieve your travel goals next year

 Wait up, where did that year go? How are we about to enter a new one already? We definitely missed out on some (or many😖) of our bucket list items this year… but there's no need to be upset, because this only means our next year will be filled with even more adventures that you’ve been looking forward to. Here’s how we, and you, can do right now to make sure you get to where you want to be in 2024!

back shot of traveller in cowboy hat and backpack looking at lake and mountainscape

1. Write a list

A visual list works wonders. Create a ‘sticky’ on your laptop so every time you open it you can see your goals and visions for 2024, and use this as motivation to kickstart your travels. The daily reminder will not only help you manifest your dreams, but act as a planner for you to add in fleshed out details and travel arrangements for your trip. 

Some list ideas include:

  • Dream destinations you’d like to visit in 2024
  • Places you’d like to explore with your loved one
  • Travel goals and bucket list items to tick off on your trips

It’s crazy how well this works! 

solo female traveller sitting at a balcony looking over mountains and village travel scenery

Related blog post: 15 Alternative Travel Goals That Go Beyond The Bucket List

2. Go through all your emails

Don’t be that person with 2345 unread emails. De-clutter your inbox, and your head will follow. More than that, airline and travel companies often share special promotions on their newsletters that might just inspire your next trip or come in handy for your existing plans. You never know, there might be a travel offer you can’t refuse in one of those emails!

3. Make a Pinterest board

Because it seems Pinterest is the master of making us want to quit our jobs and travel the world. Even if we have no money. We can all dream, though, and Pinterest brings our dreams alive. Envision yourself wandering through the cobblestoned streets of Portugal or sailing through the glistening waves of the Caribbean, and remind yourself what and where you’re doing it all for!

4. Get annual travel insurance

Now we know this isn't very exciting, but getting good travel insurance is an essential expense that can make or break your adventures. Since we’ll definitely be travelling a lot this year (🤞🏼), buying an annual policy works out cheaper, and when you have it you will feel a lot safer booking a spontaneous trip whenever you want.

shot with backpack, notebook, book, watch and money

5. Start a dedicated savings account

Open it with just $1 and set yourself up a standing order each month with a set amount. Start small and add to it whenever you can. You’ll be surprised how quickly it can add up! There's also many online resources with great budgeting tips on how to afford your travels, from how to save up while you’re at home, ways to save money when travelling, which countries to visit when you’re on a budget… so you'll have all the tips you need to start saving for your trip. 

Related blog post: How to travel cheap: 23 TOP money saving tips for budget travellers

6. Get a world map

How hot are you on geography? There’s nothing better than studying a map and learning about new countries you never knew existed. Stick stickers on all the places you want to go and put the map on your fridge. Take a look at countries nearby that could just be a short AND cheap train/plane ride away. Every day you grab your food you’ll also be seeing the world... well, the world map, and reminding yourself that you are many things all at once but a world traveller first😉

world map with passport, notebook and compass on top

7. Sell stuff you don’t need

You’ve de-cluttered your inbox. Now do it in your home. Get rid of anything that isn’t essential… because as you go through your belongings you’ll discover experiences are just way more valuable than things! Pop it up on Ebay, Depop or even Facebook Marketplace, and put the money straight into your dedicated savings account which you can use to fund your travels! This is all linking in nicely now.

8. Set up your Workaway account

Well, if you haven’t already. Workaway can take you around the world, in a cheaper and more fulfilling way. Take a look at thousands of hosts online now, waiting for your email. And if you’ve already joined, pimp up your profile to grab everyone’s attention!

  • Introduce yourself in a fun and engaging way – what are your hobbies? What unique experiences are you looking for as a workawayer? What inspires you and what makes you tickle?
  • Add a good selection of photos (you can upload up to 15!) to your profile
  • Earn badges from the Workaway team, which will be shown on your public profile 
  • Add a video to show off your personality and skills even more!

Related blog post: 5 ways to make your Workaway profile stand out

9. Don’t disregard countries you are told are dangerous

Hear us out on this one. Not everything you read in the media is 100% accurate. Every country in the world has its problems. If you disregard every country that is portrayed negatively at the moment you really don’t have a lot left to travel. Do research, read travel blogs, and you’ll realise many less-visited destinations have got SO MUCH to offer. Give countries a chance that need your support. Volunteer, help spread the word that the world is a beautiful place and let’s start the new year with some positivity.

travel pair looking at signpost with big global cities

Related blog post: 9 Underrated Countries to Escape The Crowds

10. Stop making excuses

One thing we’ve felt more keenly than ever after the pandemic is that we never know what’s going to happen next, so the best thing we can do for ourselves is to live in the moment, and without regrets! Myths like travel is expensive are sooo last decade. It’s not, it’s about prioritising your goals (if you need help with this, we’ve got loads of budgeting tips on how to explore the world, and even tips on how to earn money while travelling!) . If you want to travel, MAKE IT HAPPEN. Stop making excuses as to why you can’t and start making steps into HOW you can -- you definitely can!

BONUS: Start local

Get into your wanderlusting groove by exploring locally! By travelling in your home country, you get to save up on transportation costs and ease into shorter, closer trips that don’t require as much commitment. You’ll be surprised how many incredible places you’ve missed while going about your day-to-day life, and getting a taste of adventure by going on excursions or just wandering around like a tourist will undoubtedly leave you wanting more… 

So where will we bump into each other this year? Let’s rock 2024 together!

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About Sarah

Sarah helps with the Workaway blog. She left her secure job and daily routine in the UK 5 years ago to pursue a life of volunteering and travel. Throughout her work as a freelance writer and scuba ins... show more...

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