Five things to do ASAP if you want to travel more in 2025

Here's how to start your travel journey in 2025 -- without breaking the bank.

If your New Year's resolution, or goal, is to travel more this year, know that it can be done. It can be scary to make new plans, especially given the price of travel these days, but it's possible. You can do it -- and you don't have to go broke trying.

Here's a realistic -- and simple -- guide to five steps you can take to help make your 2025 travel dreams come true:

1. Know that travel is within reach (with the right planning)

It's important to know (and believe) that travel is for everyone. Wealth or status are not requirements to see the world; the world is for everyone to experience and enjoy, as long as they do it respectfully and within their own means. Travel is for everyone. The first step is to believe you can actually do it, and then hold yourself accountable to plan and make it happen on your time.

2. Open a travel fund

A travel fund is an ongoing account -- think a savings or separate checking account -- that houses travel money. It works best when it's paid into as if it were a bill.

For example, if your budget for travel is $1200 this year, it's wise to put at least $100 each month into your travel fund. Whether it's $50/week or $50/month, whatever you can afford should be put into that account on a regular basis. To make it easier, you can even add the account as a direct deposit from your employer. Designate your monthly amount and have it directed there automatically.

Plus, there are ways to double the impact for your travel fund. Banking at a community-focused or locally-owned bank can help you get into the habit of saving for travel while also supporting your local community. Some examples of community-focused banks include Mechanics & Farmers Bank (based in North Carolina), OneUnited Bank (online) and Citizens Trust Bank (based in Georgia). Smaller banks often have lower fees and are more customer-centric, too, so it's a triple win!

Like you pay your rent/mortgage, electricity bill, or car note each month, your travel fund should be treated the same. Building this habit will greatly improve your chances of traveling more in 2025.

3. Apply for -- or renew -- a passport

If possible, apply for that passport. At $165 for United States citizens, you have access to visiting countries around the world. A passport is good for 10 years and adds lots more destinations to your potential travel list.

There are great places to see right here at home, but trust me, once you start going, you’ll want to see even more. A valid passport gives you the option to choose.

If you're applying for a passport, use our passport guide to learn what you'll need and how to get one -- or renew yours.

4. Get a flight deal membership

Flight deal memberships, like Going -- one of the best around -- give you access to flight deals you might miss on your own. Going's premium membership is $49/year and grants you access to daily flight deals from your home airport.

The app is easy to use and the deals are sometimes unbelievable -- like the $250 RT deal to Paris in 2023 or $400 to London in 2024. Trust me; Going is worth it.

Learn more about the membership here.

5. Book that flight

One of the most important tips on this list is about keeping your word to yourself. If you've checked off the boxes on this list, it's time to book a flight.

You can use your travel fund to figure out what your flight budget might be and then use Going to maximize your location potential.

You might not be able to visit your ultimate bucket list destination (ahem, Dubai / Maldives / Phuket) just yet, but making that first trip happen will be deepen your commitment to your goal of traveling more. Maybe you check off one of your smaller or shorter trips.

Even if it's just a quick overnight, the point is to reward yourself for saving and to keep your word.