It's that strange week between Christmas and New Year, when nobody knows what day it is, the fridge is full of leftovers, and everyone is quietly planning next year's trips. If you are going to make new year's resolutions, why not make a few for your travels?
These 12 travel resolutions are part practical, part tongue-in-cheek. Stick to even half of them and your trips will be calmer, cheaper, and a lot more fun, for you and for everyone sitting near you on the plane.
12 New Year's Resolutions for Travelers
1. I will leave the comfort food at home
Packing your favorite tea bags, instant coffee, or biscuits feels comforting, but it takes up space and keeps you from trying what is right in front of you. This year, order the local drink. A Portuguese bica, an Italian espresso at the bar, Turkish tea in a tulip glass, or a Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk. You might find a new favorite.
2. I will eat a local breakfast
Hotel buffets serve the same eggs and toast everywhere in the world. Breakfast is one of the best ways to taste daily life in a new country, whether that is pastéis de nata in Lisbon, congee in Hong Kong, phở in Hanoi, or simit and white cheese in Istanbul. It is often cheaper, too.
3. I will not fight over sun loungers
Yes, someone put a towel on the best lounger at 6 AM and then went back to bed. Take a deep breath. There is always a shady spot, a beach, or a bar nearby. It's a lounger, not a throne.
4. I will pack my liquids properly
Be the person who glides through airport security, not the one unpacking a whole suitcase in front of a long queue. Put liquids in a clear bag at the top of your hand luggage, keep electronics easy to reach, and check the rules for each airport, because they are changing as new scanners are installed.
5. I will stay seated when the plane lands
The seatbelt sign goes off, and half the plane jumps up and stands in the aisle for ten minutes. The doors aren't open yet, and everyone ends up at the same passport queue. Stay seated, check your messages, and let the rows in front go first.
6. I will learn a few words of the local language
Hello, please, thank you, and excuse me take five minutes to learn and make a huge difference. Locals appreciate the effort, and you will often get a warmer welcome. Language apps such as Duolingo are great for practicing before you go, and a translation app with a camera feature helps with menus and signs.
7. I will pace myself at the buffet
All-inclusive does not mean "eat everything in the next 20 minutes". The buffet will still be there tomorrow. Try a little of the local dishes, have some fruit, and save room for dinner somewhere outside the hotel.
8. I will charge my power bank every night
A dead phone means no maps, no tickets, no translation, and no photos. Make charging your power bank part of your bedtime routine, pack a universal adapter, and keep a short charging cable in your day bag.
9. I will give the middle seat the armrests
It is the unwritten rule of flying: the person stuck in the middle gets both armrests. The window seat gets the view, and the aisle gets the legroom. Be kind and enjoy the good travel karma.
10. I will always use headphones
Nobody on the train or plane wants to hear your show, your music, or your child's cartoons. Pack headphones for everyone in the family, including a spare pair for kids.
11. I will stop paying roaming charges
Coming home to a shocking phone bill is the worst souvenir. This year, set up a travel eSIM before you go. You get local data rates at your destination, keep your usual number for calls and texts if you want, and avoid surprise charges. Read our guide to eSIM vs roaming and check if your phone supports eSIM.
12. I will travel slower
Trying to see five cities in seven days means most of your trip is spent on trains and in hotel check-ins. Pick fewer places and stay longer. Walk without a plan, sit in a café, go back to the restaurant you loved, and talk to people. Those are usually the moments you remember.
Make next year's trips easier: egoViet has eSIMs for destinations around the world, from single countries to regional plans. Install your eSIM at home on Wi-Fi, and it connects when you land. No queuing for SIM cards at the airport, no roaming bills, and no hunting for Wi-Fi to load your boarding pass.
Bonus: Practical Travel Resolutions for the Year Ahead
- Check your passport's expiry date today. Many countries require at least six months' validity.
- Look up entry rules early. Electronic travel authorizations, such as the UK ETA and the EU's upcoming ETIAS, are becoming more common.
- Get travel insurance as soon as you book, not the day before you fly.
- Back up your photos while you travel, so a lost phone doesn't mean lost memories.
- Know how much data you need. Our guide on how much data you need when you travel helps you choose the right plan.
Looking for somewhere to go? Start with our list of the best places to spend New Year's Eve or the best winter sun destinations.
FAQs: New Year's Resolutions for Travelers
What are good travel resolutions for the new year?
Popular ones include traveling slower, learning a few words of the local language, trying local food, packing lighter, avoiding roaming charges, and being more considerate on planes and trains.
How can I save money on travel this year?
Book flights early, travel outside school holidays, eat where locals eat, use public transport, and avoid roaming charges by using a travel eSIM for mobile data.
How do I avoid roaming charges abroad?
Switch off data roaming on your home SIM and use a travel eSIM for data instead. You can still receive texts on your normal number if your phone supports dual SIM.
What should I check before traveling abroad?
Check your passport validity, visa or travel authorization requirements, travel insurance, your phone's eSIM compatibility, and the plug type at your destination.