As the year winds down, it’s the perfect time to think about how you want to approach travel in the coming year. Do you want your vacations to be exciting, rewarding, or just relaxing? Maybe 2025 is the year you want to go after that out-of-your-comfort-zone experience.
To ring in the New Year, I’ve put together 10 travel challenges that will hopefully inspire you to try new things and prioritize adventures in 2025 – but don’t feel like you have to tackle all 10! Instead, check in with yourself as you read this list and consider what resonates with you. Ideally, you’ll find one challenge that excites you the most and a second one that maybe feels a little uncomfortable. Let that be a growth opportunity!
10 Wild Hair Travel Challenges for 2025
1. Plan and Book a Solo Getaway
Solo travel is a gift to yourself. It’s a chance to set your own agenda, recharge, and reconnect with what you truly enjoy. Whether it’s a cozy weekend at a cabin binging Netflix, or a soul-searching journey through Europe, solo trips can meet you where you’re at and deliver the break you need.
Last year I planned a solo retreat to a Texas Hill Country A-frame cabin for my birthday in February. How did I spend my time? Reading, relaxing, staring at the stars from the hot tub, taking a couple of dog-friendly hikes, and grabbing a beer at the local icehouse. I also spent a lot of that time in my head thinking about my business and some projects, which I’m going to be honest, is sometimes hard to do at home in my role as mom to a sweet (and active) 3 year old boy.
The beauty of the solo retreat is that the only person who has to decide what the trip will entail- is YOU.
If this speaks to you, have a listen to the below podcast episode to learn how to design a solo retreat.
2. Take an Adults-Only Trip
Parents, this one’s for you. It’s okay (and necessary!) to leave the kids behind occasionally. Take a trip with your friends, your partner, or another couple.You can show up beyond your role as “mom” or “dad” and enjoy the freedom of not being responsible for anyone else.
One of my clients decided not to bring her teens on a European adventure after she realized they couldn’t decide where they wanted to go and what they wanted to do. She planned the perfect couple’s trip instead—cutting costs and stress while still creating an incredible experience.
This doesn’t mean that you don’t love your kids or enjoy their company. But you can be intentional about which trips you bring them along for and choose not to take them on every trip.
Disney can wait. This is your time.
3. Splurge Like Never Before
I’m never going to tell you to spend more than you can afford, but I am going to say that sometimes it’s worth it to step outside your financial comfort zone and invest in a vacation experience you’ll never forget.
Maybe it’s that boutique hotel with the stunning views or a first-class flight. Or, like I did recently, paying for a private driver for a day so you can fully enjoy the Scottish Highland countryside.
Spending more doesn’t guarantee a better trip, but intentional splurges can transform an ordinary trip into something extraordinary when they’re aligned with what matters most to you.
If the thought of splurging feels very uncomfortable to you, see the below podcast episode for more thoughts on luxury splurges.
4. Visit an Unexpected Destination
With this challenge, I want to encourage you to choose a destination that makes people pause when you tell them about it. Think lesser-known gems like Ecuador, rather than the usual hotspots like Cancun or Paris.
Not only will you have unique stories to share, but you’ll also experience the thrill of venturing into the unknown – like an adventurous badass!
If this one sounds fun to you, but you don’t have a clue WHERE you might want to go, you should check out my destination-matching service. We can have a fun conversation, and then I’ll deliver 3 options for you to consider based on your budget, timing, and travel vibe.
5. Mark Your Vacation Dates on the Calendar—Now
Real talk: if you want to make vacations happen, you need to claim your time. Whether you’re submitting leave at work or penciling it into your self-employed calendar, you need to get those dates locked in by January.
Being proactive helps you set boundaries with your job and ensures your vacations aren’t just dreams—they’re real plans. Plus, you’re doing your team a favor by giving them plenty of time to plan for your absence.
Most of all, I love that this challenge makes it official. THIS VACATION IS ON THE CALENDAR!
6. Accelerate Your “Dream Trip” Timeline
We all have that one trip we’ve been saving for “someday.” You’re probably not going to make it happen this year, but what if you moved it up? Instead of thinking you’ll go in the next 5 years, you start planning it now for 2026 or 2027?
You can begin making a list of the things you want to do and the places you want to see. You can research destinations, sketch out an itinerary, and get a sense of the budget.
Dream trips take time to plan, so starting now can make them feel achievable.
And if it’s a big multi-leg trip you have your heart set on, I can help you with my Vacation Blueprint Design.
7. Try a New Mode of Transportation
This is one to choose if you’re looking to stretch and grow yourself a bit. Why? Bbecause the #1 driver of feeling comfortable on vacation in a foreign place is having transportation that matches your confidence travel style.
So challenge yourself! Switch things up with how you get around on vacation. If you always rent a car, consider public transport. If you rely on guided tours, try self-driving or biking.
Exploring new modes of travel can reshape your experience and deepen your connection to the destination. You might learn something new about yourself as well!
8. Dive Deep into the Culture Before You Go
You can make your next vacation so much richer by learning the history, traditions, or even the language of your destination before you arrive. Podcasts, documentaries, and language apps like Duolingo make this easy and fun.
You might even find someone who is living the expat life in that destination and begin following them online. They could provide great cultural insights you wouldn’t get from the typical guidebook or online search. Maybe provide an example here?
9. Start Planning Your 2026 Vacation Early
Yes, I want you to be thinking about your 2026 vacation now even before the start of 2025. Why? Because big trips require big planning, and if you’re dreaming of a bucket list spectacular summer getaway, you’re going to want to give it more than a year.
So start seriously thinking about it now and aim to book by September of 2025. Go ahead and write that on your calendar too! This gives you plenty of time to find availability, research options, and avoid last-minute stress.
10. Book Something by February
If you read Challenge #9 and you thought, “Wait! What about this year?”
Don’t worry. I’ve got you! This is Challenge #10.
If you haven’t started planning for next year, use January to prioritize vacation planning and book something meaningful by the end of February.
This doesn’t mean rushing into decisions—take your time to craft an experience that aligns with your travel goals, but keep it manageable.
Your Challenge for 2025
From solo getaways to splurging on a dream experience, these challenges are designed to help you grow as a traveler and make next year unforgettable.
So, what will it be? Which challenge will you embrace for the new year? Let me know in the comments or shoot me a message—I’d love to hear your plans!
