Some people are already making New Year’s resolutions, perhaps setting goals related to wellbeing, health or finances. Meanwhile, others may be using the final days of 2025 to start planning their first trips in 2026.
For those of you who can’t resist planning your next vacation (even if they’re currently on vacation), there’s no better time than now to start gathering inspiration and guidance for the year ahead.
In that spirit, we’ve created 12 New Year’s travel plans. Here are a dozen ways to mix it up, step out of your comfort zone, savor new experiences, and discover places that spark joy to make 2026 your best travel year yet.
Use all allocated vacation time
First things first: In 2026, resolve to use all your paid time off. A recent report from FlexJobs revealed that nearly a quarter of U.S. workers did not take a day off in the past year. Don’t become one of them.
Committing to flying with one airline is enough to earn elite status
Pledge to stay ultra-loyal by sticking with one airline for as long as possible through 2026. This way you can achieve elite status or a higher level than last year for the first time. With this effort, you may enjoy even more benefits in 2027.
Related: The best credit cards to achieve elite status
Book a weekend getaway (or two) specifically to use your premium travel card’s hotel points
With premium travel credit card annual fees rising, you should plan a trip carefully to maximize the benefits of your card. This ensures you don’t waste any statement points.
For example, when you prepay an American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection reservation through American Express Travel®, American Express Platinum Card®you can earn up to $600 in annual hotel credits in the form of bill credits each year (with a maximum of $300 allocated biannually). Hotel Collection accommodations require a two-night minimum stay and registration is required for certain benefits.
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Chase Sapphire Reserve® Cardholders can earn two points of up to $250 each (up to $500 per year) when they stay two nights or more on The Edit, Chase’s curated hotel booking platform (see rates and fees). Starting in 2026, you will have the flexibility to use both points at any time.
For those who also use additional statement points, such as buying sports or concert tickets on the same trip, the Reserve Bank’s annual StubHub credit of up to $300 (split into two biennial $150 statement credits for purchases made before December 31, 2027) deserves extra credit. Requires activation.
Related: How to Make the Most of 5 Lifestyle Points from Chase Sapphire Reserve
Try the most interesting treatments on the hotel spa menu
Everyone wants to decompress during the holidays. But to spice things up a bit, skip the standard massage at your hotel spa and instead opt for the most unique-sounding treatment on the menu. Maybe it’s a floating in-water massage at the Blue Lagoon retreat (bookable through Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts), or a root chakra ritual at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, which includes a cleansing Kemenyan smoke ceremony and tuning forks (bookable through The Edit).
Also note that if you book through Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts or Chase’s The Edit, you can use a $100 resort credit to pay for your treatment.
Related: From urban sanctuaries to desert retreats, these are the best luxury hotel spas for every type of traveler
Explore new places in your state
Often, we get so focused on the big move—crossing continents, exploring different countries, returning to a beloved destination—that we forget that there are beautiful places in our opposite backyards. Next year, take a long weekend to travel to your own state to see sights you’ve never gotten around to before, or even just to disconnect in a fresh environment.
Related: The best state parks in every U.S. state
Immerse yourself in a new hobby through skill building
“Skilling” may be a buzzword, but it has great merit. The idea is to take a trip themed around a certain activity or skill that you want to learn or improve. Maybe surfing, then Hawaii, Morocco and Bali are worth a look. Or maybe cricket, painting, cycling or cooking. Choose a passion, new or old, and book a trip to your dream destination.
Spin the globe to go there
Maybe give yourself three spins just to be safe. If this seems too extreme (or you don’t have a globe), push yourself out of your comfort zone by traveling to a destination you never imagined and wasn’t even on your bucket list. Giving an opportunity a surprise can open doors to parts of the world you may not have realized existed, which will also resonate with you and diversify your future travels.
Related: 12 Amazing Winter Getaway Ideas for Warm Weather Getaways
Take a mode of transportation you’ve never tried
Trains, hot air balloons and cable cars. There are so many unique ways to get around besides our two feet, four wheels, and two wings. The novelty of trying a new form of exercise – whether it’s a cable car ride to the top of a mountain, a sleigh pulled by reindeer or huskies, a tricycle or rickshaw, or a tuk-tuk – is almost guaranteed to have a great time.
Try not to make any plans for a full day vacation
This is for all the over-planners out there who have too many things scheduled for every day on the road. Try this experiment: spend an entire day on vacation with no plans, no reservations, no reservations, and see where you end up. Follow your whim, the direction of the wind or the advice of the locals and resist the urge to rush over. Instead, take your time and enjoy the little surprises that inevitably come your way.
Download Duolingo and learn the language of your next destination
You will be surprised by the reception you receive from the locals when you can greet them in their language and maybe even speak a few words and phrases. Duolingo is available in almost every language imaginable and even dialects, and the app effectively reminds you and motivates you to keep up the good work. So, no excuses. Make your daily practice part of a morning or evening ritual, and you’ll likely feel more excited about your upcoming trip in the process.
Ask your travel companion to order for you at a restaurant on your next trip
Take a leap of faith – with your meals. On your next trip, give the control to your travel companions and let them choose your meals (or, of course, you can do it for them). Giving up power may take your taste buds on a journey they’ve never experienced before. It’s a fun way to get to know someone better while also making the meal more exciting. If along the way you used your Resy statement credit from one of the American Express credit cards that offer this, give yourself a big pat on the back.
Related: 10 Best Restaurants to Use Your New Amex Platinum Resy Points
Find immersive opportunities to support local businesses
No matter where you go next, try to pay extra attention to who owns the businesses you patronize or book. This helps ensure your travel dollars benefit as many real locals as possible. If your hotel doesn’t partner with local small businesses on excursions, consider venturing outside the hotel to experience some activities that really connect you with the local culture and community. Visiting national parks also works well.
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