Travel isn’t just about destinations. It’s about the memories, confidence, and personal growth that come with exploring the world. As we step into 2026, now’s the time to revisit your travel dreams and make plans that excite your heart and soothe your soul.
Are you ticking off a lifelong bucket list trip, or reconnecting with loved ones abroad? This is your guide to setting travel goals worth achieving.
Why 2026 is the year for dream travel destinations
After a period of global uncertainty, many travellers are prioritising meaningful experiences over short breaks or last-minute getaways. That’s why 2026 is shaping up to be the year of the dream trip – the one you’ve been putting off, saving up for, or quietly planning in your mind for years.
Want to experience the magic of the Northern Lights? Or the exotic charm of a sunrise in Bali, the ancient wonders of Petra, or the vibrant energy of a Tokyo cityscape? 2026 is your opportunity to make it happen.
Here’s why now is the time:
- More people are planning longer, more intentional travel. In fact, travel industry forecasts show that 2026 will be the year of “true self” travel, with trips tailored to wellbeing, spirituality, and deeper personal meaning.
- Confidence in travel is growing again, especially when paired with reliable Travel Insurance.
- With more flexibility in retirement and fewer ties to term times, more people are choosing to travel when it suits them, not just during peak seasons. Retired travellers are more likely to travel off-peak, often choosing spring or autumn for better value, fewer crowds and a more relaxed pace.
5 Travel goals to set in 2026
If you’re looking for inspiration to guide your next adventure, here are five meaningful travel goals that can help you plan with purpose. So what are you waiting for? Make 2026 your most fulfilling year yet.
1. Finally take that bucket list trip
For many of us, there’s that one destination we’ve always said we’d visit “one day.” The beauty of bucket list travel is that it’s deeply personal. It could be about adventure, culture, relaxation, or simply seeing a place that has long captured your imagination. And there’s real value in turning those dreams into plans.
So, why not make this the year you finally go?
With 2026 shaping up to be a year of meaningful travel, ticking off that bucket list trip isn’t just a luxury – it’s a way to recharge and create memories you’ll talk about for years.
Here’s how to start turning the dream into a plan:
- Pick your top destination – not just the one that’s trending, but the one that truly excites you.
- Do a little research to find the best time to go and what experiences are unmissable.
- Set a savings goal and start small. Even £50 a month adds up quickly.
- Get the essentials sorted early, especially your Travel Insurance, so you can book with confidence.
2. Reconnect with family through travel
If the last few years have shown us anything, it’s how important quality time really is. That’s why one of the most meaningful travel goals for 2026 is simple: spend more time with the people who matter most.
You might be thinking about bringing the whole family together for a sun-soaked villa break. Maybe there’s a city you and your siblings have always talked about exploring. Or perhaps it’s time to book that long-overdue trip to visit loved ones abroad. However you do it, travel gives you the space to reconnect, relax, and make new memories together.
Here’s how to make it happen:
- Choose a destination that suits everyone – easy to reach, budget-friendly, and with something for all ages.
- Start a shared group chat or email chain early to plan dates and details.
- Keep the itinerary light and flexible. The goal is time together, not ticking off tourist spots.
- Book early and consider family-friendly Travel Insurance that covers everyone under one policy.
Coordinating travel as a group can be a juggling act – balancing diaries and budgets. But the effort is almost always worth it. Time away with loved ones gives space to share experiences and create stories that become family favourites for years to come.
Because in the end, it’s not just about where you go – it’s who you go with.
3. Embrace wellness and mindfulness abroad
For many people, 2026 is about more than just ticking off destinations – it’s about how travel makes us feel. After years of fast-paced living, more of us are looking for trips that help us slow down, switch off and recharge both physically and mentally.
That might mean booking a yoga retreat by the ocean, a walking holiday through peaceful landscapes, or a quiet weekend break focused on sleep, skincare and stillness. According to Booking.com, 80% of travellers are now actively seeking wellness-focused getaways – proof that self-care is firmly on the travel agenda.
Simple ways to turn wellness into a travel goal include:
- Choose places that offer nature, calm, or access to wellness experiences like spa treatments or meditation spaces.
- Build in unstructured time – don’t overpack your itinerary.
- Travel with intention. Think about what you want to get from your time away – whether that’s rest, perspective, or a fresh start.
- Stay mindful of your pace. Some of the best travel moments happen when nothing’s planned at all.
When your holiday prioritises your wellbeing, the benefits last long after you’ve unpacked.
4. Travel with confidence, even with medical conditions
Planning a trip can be exciting – but if you’re managing a pre-existing medical condition, it can also feel a little daunting. The idea of being away from your regular routine, support network, or medical care can raise questions and hesitation.
But travel is still absolutely possible. In fact, it can be incredibly rewarding.
Feeling confident to travel often starts with preparation. That could mean talking to your GP, knowing what medication to pack, or understanding what kind of support is available if you need it while you’re away. When you feel informed and supported, it’s much easier to relax and enjoy the journey.
In recent years, more and more travellers have embraced the idea that health needs shouldn’t be a barrier to exploring the world. With thoughtful planning and the right Travel Insurance, it’s easier than ever to go at your own pace – and to say yes to the trips that matter.
5. Celebrate a milestone in style
Life doesn’t wait for big calendar dates. Sometimes the best reason to travel is a personal win. You might be recently retired, marking a milestone birthday, or simply looking to celebrate getting through a challenging chapter. However you’ve earned it, 2026 is a great time to honour that moment with a meaningful trip.
More travellers are embracing this mindset. According to Booking.com, 67% of people no longer feel they need a traditional reason to book a holiday, and many are choosing to travel to honour personal milestones – big or small.
It could be a solo trip that gives you time to reflect. Or a long weekend away with close friends to celebrate a fresh start. However you choose to mark the moment, the important thing is to give yourself the space to celebrate. Travel has a way of turning these chapters into lasting memories.
How to turn your travel goals into reality in 2026
Big plans start with small steps. Turning your travel goals into real trips doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It just takes a bit of intention, some forward thinking, and a willingness to make space for what really matters.
Here are a few ways to bring your 2026 travel dreams to life:
- Start with your ‘why’. Are you looking to rest, reconnect, celebrate, or discover something new? Once you know the purpose behind your trip, the planning gets easier.
- Choose your destination with care. Look for places that match the experience you want – whether that’s calm, culture, adventure or all three.
- Keep things flexible. Build breathing room into your schedule and choose travel options that allow changes if needed.
- Write it down. Make a list of what matters to you most this year – and where you’ve always said you’d go. That’s your starting point.
However you travel, the key is to plan in a way that feels right for you. Travel should be joyful, and setting goals can help you get there.
Let’s make 2026 your best travel year yet!
There’s something powerful about setting goals that take you beyond the everyday. Travel isn’t just about the places you go. It’s about how those experiences shape you and inspire you. Each journey is a chance to reconnect with yourself, your loved ones, and the world around you.
So here’s to the year ahead. To the trips you’ve dreamt of, the memories waiting to be made, and the confidence to go after them.
You’re ready. Now it’s time to get going.
