A new year is the perfect excuse to dream bigger, travel smarter, and finally check off those trips you’ve been talking about for years. As 2026 begins, many travelers are shifting from “someday” thinking to setting intentional travel resolutions that make adventures more meaningful and more affordable. Whether you’re planning one big getaway or several shorter escapes, these 2026 travel resolutions can help you make the most of every trip.
1. Travel More—Without Breaking the Budget
One of the most popular resolutions every year is simple: travel more! The challenge, of course, is cost. Flights, accommodations, and daily expenses can add up quickly, which is why smart travelers are prioritizing value in 2026.
Vacation rentals are an easy way to stretch your travel budget further, especially when traveling with family or friends. RedWeek vacation rentals, for example, often provide access to spacious resort accommodations (think full kitchens, separate bedrooms, and resort amenities) at prices that are significantly lower than booking directly through a hotel. Saving on accommodations means more room in your budget for dining out, excursions, or even extending your stay!
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2. Try a New Destination
If your vacations tend to follow the same pattern each year, make 2026 the year you branch out. Exploring a new destination, whether it’s a different country, a new region, or even a city you’ve overlooked, can reignite your love of travel.
Consider swapping familiar beach spots for a mountain resort, or trading a bustling city for a quieter coastal town. Trying something new doesn’t have to mean traveling far; sometimes the most rewarding adventures are closer to home than you expect.
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3. Take Fewer Trips, but Stay Longer
Instead of squeezing multiple short trips into the year, many travelers are resolving to take fewer vacations with longer stays. Extended trips allow you to slow down, explore at a more relaxed pace, and truly settle into your destination.
Longer stays are also a great match for resort-style vacation rentals. With more space and in-unit amenities like kitchens and laundry, you’ll feel less like a tourist and more like a temporary local—while saving money on meals and services along the way. Most stays on RedWeek are 7 nights, making it an easy way to stay a week or more at a time!
4. Travel With Purpose
In 2026, travelers are increasingly looking for meaning in their journeys. Purpose-driven travel can take many forms: supporting local businesses, traveling sustainably, or choosing destinations that reflect personal interests such as wellness, food, or history.
You might plan a trip centered around a cultural festival, a culinary experience, or an outdoor adventure you’ve always wanted to try. Setting an intention for each trip—whether relaxation, connection, or exploration—can make your travels more fulfilling.
5. Prioritize Experiences Over Things
Instead of souvenirs that gather dust, make 2026 the year you invest in experiences. Cooking classes, guided tours, spa days, or outdoor excursions often become the most memorable parts of a trip.
By saving on accommodations through vacation rentals, you can redirect your budget toward experiences that truly enhance your travel memories. Resorts listed on RedWeek often place you close to top attractions, making it easy to turn savings into unforgettable moments.
6. Plan Ahead (But Leave Room for Spontaneity)
Another smart travel resolution is to plan earlier. Booking accommodations well in advance can open up better availability and pricing, especially for popular destinations and peak travel seasons.
With that said, leave some flexibility in your itinerary. Some of the best travel memories come from spontaneous discoveries—an unplanned beach day, a last-minute dinner recommendation, or a hidden trail you stumble upon.
7. Make Travel a Lifestyle, Not a Once-a-Year Event
Finally, consider shifting your mindset around travel. Instead of saving all your adventures for one big annual vacation, look for ways to incorporate travel throughout the year. Long weekends, off-season trips, and nearby getaways can all add up to a more travel-filled life.
With options like RedWeek vacation rentals making resort stays more accessible, frequent travel can be a realistic goal rather than a luxury reserved for special occasions.
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As 2026 unfolds, let your travel resolutions guide you toward smarter planning, richer experiences, and more adventures than ever before. Whether you’re exploring somewhere new or revisiting a favorite destination, this can be the year you finally travel more!