10 Travel Resolutions To Make – And Keep – This Year

02.01.2024 - 03:21 / forbes.com

‘Tis the season for making new year’s resolutions. Many lists include losing weight, eating healthier, exercising more. Those are all worthy goals but, with travel expected to be at all-time high in 2024, it would be huge if we could all resolve to be better travelers – for ourselves, for others and for the planet.

Here are 10 resolutions that will make travel easier, safer and more pleasant for everyone.

You don’t have to leave the country to experience the benefits of travel. In fact, just leaving your neighborhood can open your mind and show you how different people do things. What it shows you, above all, is that no matter how different our traditions, languages or foods are, we are all basically the same, with the same needs and desires. There is no “us” vs “them,” and the sooner we learn that we are all simply human beings living on Earth, the better off we and the entire planet will be.

Many countries will not allow you to enter if your passport expires within six months of your visit. To avoid any issues, especially if you have a lot of trips planned, keep an eye on your expiration date and renew early to allow enough time for processing. Renewal times are unpredictable, even if you pay to expedite, and it’s better to renew early when you’re not traveling than wait until the last minute.

I know this has been like the boy who cried wolf but REAL ID really is coming and the new deadline is May 7, 2025. That means you won’t even be able to fly domestically without showing your REAL ID. It’s easy to get one when you renew your driver’s license or by making an appointment with your local DMV. Again, don’t wait.

Security lines are getting longer so, if you’re planning to travel often, consider spending the money for one (or more) of these time savers. TSA PreCheck offers a dedicated line and allows you go through security without removing your shoes, laptops and toiletries; Global Entry (which includes TSA PreCheck) lets US citizens breeze back into the country with a quick photo at a kiosk; and CLEAR gets you to the front of whichever security line you’re on. For frequent travelers, these are all essential.

If you’re not already a member, be sure to join the loyalty program every single time you book a hotel or flight. Even if you think you’ll never use that airline or stay with that hotel brand again, do it. Sometimes just being a member is enough to get you perks like free WiFi, complimentary breakfast or lounge access.

We know the strain travel puts on the planet and, while no one is saying to stop traveling (on the contrary, I’m encouraging you to travel more), it’s important to find ways to reduce the damage. Sustainable travel is not only possible – it’s necessary. Do the research and opt for