Here is how to build a 2026 Travel Goals List (for solo or social travel) that feels exciting, manageable and meaningful.

A new year is a chance to imagine the version of yourself you want to grow into. Travel can help you get there. A Solo Travel Goals List is a simple way to set intentions and give yourself something positive to look forward to all year.

Your list can be short. It can be flexible. It can shift as the year unfolds. The purpose is not perfection. The purpose is momentum.

When you write your goals with travel in mind, you create space for confidence, curiosity and rest. You also create small anchors throughout the year that pull you out of routine and back into yourself.

Start Small and Keep It Realistic

Your list should feel possible. Begin with one or two small goals that help you build comfort with solo moments.

A few ideas:

• Take yourself to breakfast once a month
• Plan one micro adventure in your own city
• Book a one night staycation when you need a reset
• Visit a neighborhood, museum or garden you have not explored yet

These small steps create confidence. They also remind you that solo travel does not have to mean flying across an ocean. It starts at home.

Choose One Trip That Nourishes You

Pick one trip that fills your cup. A peaceful beach. A cozy snowy town. A nature filled city you have always wanted to see. A food city that makes you excited to eat your way through it.

This is a grounding trip. A clarity trip. A “get back to myself” trip.

Write the name of the place on your list. Then write why it matters to you. The “why” keeps you committed.

Add a Stretch Goal for Confidence

A stretch goal pushes you gently outside your comfort zone. This should feel a little uncomfortable, but still safe.

Examples:

• Fly somewhere new on your own
• Dine solo at a nice restaurant
• Join a small group tour
• Stay two nights somewhere new
• Take a class trip, like cooking or photography

Stretch goals build trust in yourself and grow your comfort level with travel.

Set One Learning or Skill Building Goal

Travel is not only about movement. It is also about learning new things.

Consider adding:

• Learn to pack lighter
• Try a new travel tool or app
• Take a beginner pickleball class
• Learn three kitchen skills in a cooking class
• Practice taking photos on your next trip

Learning goals make travel more fun and more meaningful.

Include a Social or Community Goal

Your Solo Travel Goals List does not mean you have to travel alone all year. You can pair solo moments with community.

Ideas:

• Join a women only group trip
• Meet other women through online solo travel communities
• Attend a meetup in a new city
• Ask a friend to join you for part of a trip
• Try a food tour or group activity while traveling solo

This adds connection without taking away your freedom.

Pick Destinations That Match Your Comfort Level

Think through what makes a destination feel easy for you. Walkable areas, simple transportation, safe neighborhoods, lively public spaces and clear reviews.

Write down two or three destinations that match your style and comfort level:

• Beach towns with walkable boardwalks
• Mountain towns with beautiful views
• Warm cities with outdoor dining
• Charming small cities with easy hotel access

Choosing the right place makes travel smoother and more enjoyable.

Add a Healing or Reset Goal

You may want one trip that helps you process, breathe or release stress. This might be a quiet weekend or a simple scenic escape.

Consider:

• A hot springs weekend
• A nature forward city like Asheville or Sedona
• A calm beach town with sunrise walks
• A wellness or fitness retreat

Healing trips often create clarity that shows up in the rest of your year.

Make One Wild Card Goal

You do not have to commit to it now. Leave one space open for the unexpected. A spontaneous weekend. A last minute flight sale. A city you fall in love with on Instagram. A place a friend recommends.

Your wild card goal adds excitement and keeps your list flexible.

How to Write Your 2026 Solo Travel Goals List

Here is an easy structure:

1. Three Small Goals

Think local. Think simple. Think confidence building.

2. One Nourishing Trip

Somewhere peaceful, beautiful or inspiring.

3. One Stretch Goal

A small challenge to grow your confidence.

4. One Learning Goal

A skill, tool or class you want to try.

5. One Community Goal

Women only trips, meetups or shared travel experiences.

6. One Wild Card

Save room for surprise.

This mix keeps your list approachable and flexible, while still pushing you toward new experiences.

Your Goals List Should Feel Good, Not Heavy

Your Solo Travel Goals List is not a checklist to finish. It is encouragement. It is intention. It is permission to want things for yourself. It’s brainstorming and inspiration. It is a reminder that travel is a healthy way to clear your head, recharge your energy, expand your comfort zone, build empathy, and create meaningful growth.

You can revisit the list monthly. You can change it anytime. You can add goals that match different seasons of your year. It’s all yours for you.

The most important part is that you create something that inspires you to make space for yourself.

Here is to a year of courage, discovery and beautiful places. Here is to the trips you will take and the confidence you will build along the way. Just go (solo or social)!