New Year's resolutions for travellers (that aren't about checking places off a list)

With the new year (any new year), headlines, inboxes and social feeds become heavy with a "New Year, New You" sentiment. Usually, those focus on things like improved fitness, finances or weight loss—which gives me the ick to be quite honest. I wonder what the travel version of New Year’s resolutions might look like… and not just the "where do I want to travel to this year?" or "how much should I budget for trips?" kind.

I'm thinking about travelling mindfully, respectfully, and in ways that minimize impact. The way we move in the world, I think, counts. (Even though sometimes it feels like personal actions are barely even a drop in a rising ocean.) Still, in doing my best as an avid traveller, here's what I came up with for 2026:

Making giving back a non-negotiable

I wonder what would happen if more travellers made giving back just… a standard part of taking a trip anywhere. That could be donating items or money to a worthy cause, volunteering with a local organization like an animal shelter, or pooling some cash with friends to donate to a cause run by locals. Personally, I'd aim to go in with the intention and let those who live there determine where time and resources would be best spent—it's their community after all, and they're the experts.

Being mindful of passport privilege

As an Irish-Canadian citizen, I know how lucky I am to be able to travel freely and enter countries I wish to visit without a visa or discrimination at the border. That took a lot of travelling outside of my country to be able to recognize that privilege. And, with that said, I continue to need to check myself on this. Not everyone has this freedom, and I think it's so important to be mindful of that in conversations with friends who don't have those same privileges and in countries where the majority of citizens don't either. 

Taking a stand

In 2025, world news hit hard. To be an ethical traveller is to be a mindful global citizen. There's so much going on and there are so many key issues to pay attention to, whether it's climate change, racial or gender discrimination and violence, immigrant rights, genocide, poverty, animal rights… this list could be a really long one. It's hard to hold each of these equally, and so one of my focuses is to take a stand, pick my important issue (s), and make sure my actions reflect those. You can't do everything all at once, but you can put a concentrated effort to move the needle in some ways. Thoughts?

Understand prices locals pay

In 2025, a huge topic was long-term travellers (like digital nomads) gentrifying certain areas and pushing locals out. (Mexico City being a key example.) Travellers in general are criticized for hiking up prices not just of short-term accommodations but things like the costs of coffees, drinks, meals out, local experiences, and food. Most of us don't want to push locals out or increase their cost of living by jacking up the prices. Because I live in Latin America, these conversations are super important to me personally, so for 2026, I'll be making sure I understand local prices of all the things when I travel internationally so that I'm not contributing to this problem unknowingly.

Practicing smart digital etiquette

In 2026, I'm thinking a lot about how we show up online while we travel. I've definitely caught myself reaching for my phone out of habit, more often than I'd like. So next year, I want to be more intentional: pausing before posting, and avoiding geotagging fragile or lesser-known places that can't handle a crowd. 

But digital etiquette isn't only about limits. Thoughtful sharing (or in my case, writing!) can challenge stereotypes, add nuance to how a place is seen, highlight local businesses, or spark curiosity about destinations that don't usually get attention. It can do a lot of good when it's done with respect. For me, it's about keeping my online presence aligned with the way I want to move through the world: mindful, curious, and considerate.

Leaning into Indigenous-run experiences

When I think about travelling through Canada in 2026 (already counting down to summer!), one of the biggest opportunities is choosing experiences led by Indigenous communities themselves. Whether it's a guided hike, a culinary workshop or restaurant focused on Indigenous cuisine, a cultural centre visit, or a storytelling night, these are often the moments that stay with you and shift how you understand a place.

It's also a meaningful way to support community-led tourism and gain a meaningful perspective from people who have been historically oppressed and silenced.

Studying context before you go

By now, we all know about picking up at least a little of the local language, which is awesome. Levelling up a bit could mean learning more about the local context: the history, major events, cultural nuances, and the colonial context that shaped a place. Knowing even a little helps you pick up on cues and understand why things are the way they are. Books, articles, documentaries, news, podcasts, even dramas based on real events… it all adds layers to your trip and helps you show up with more awareness.

That's my list! I'm about ready to ring in 2026 and see where this new year takes me.