“Six Resolutions for Enhancing Your Travel Experience in 2024”

As we approach the imminent arrival of 2024, the prospect of a new year brings with it a customary array of New Year’s resolutions. From the familiar commitments to hit the gym more, reduce sugar intake, and read more, the onset of the new year serves as an opportune moment for personal resets.

While these resolutions may often falter, the underlying intention to reassess aspects of life for positive change remains sound. This principle extends to the realm of travel, becoming increasingly relevant as we step into 2024. Whether you’re a novice explorer or a seasoned globetrotter, the dawn of a new year provides an excellent opportunity to conduct a comprehensive review of individual travel strategies and perspectives. By making thoughtful adjustments, one can ensure that travel experiences in 2024 and beyond are not only more seamless but also more rewarding.

Even for those who may not have immediate travel plans in the coming year, there are resolutions that can be made, setting the stage for future years of exploration and discovery. Here, we delve into some of the top resolutions that are easily achievable and guaranteed to enhance your travel experience in the new year and beyond.

1. Audit Your Airline and Hotel Loyalty: It is essential for every traveler, whether occasional vacationer or seasoned road warrior, to be enrolled in loyalty programs offered by airlines, hotels, and car rental companies. Enrolling in a free loyalty program ensures the accumulation of points for future travel, while frequent travelers can attain elite status with associated perks such as upgrades and priority support. The beginning of a new year is an opportune time to review the status of loyalty accounts, ensuring their active status and safeguarding points from expiration. Awareness of individual loyalty programs’ rules on point expiration is crucial, as each program has its own regulations.
2. Expeditious Airport Experience with CLEAR: Navigating airports can be a source of frustration due to long lines and crowds. Signing up for CLEAR, an expedited airport security service utilizing biometrics for identity verification, allows travelers to bypass regular security lines. While this time-saving service typically costs $189 per year, there are various ways to obtain discounts or even free membership. Some premium credit cards, such as The Platinum Card from American Express, offer reimbursements for CLEAR’s annual fee.
3. Enroll in Global Entry for Seamless Immigration: Returning home after an international flight often entails long lines at customs and immigration desks. Global Entry, a program facilitated by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, provides expedited entry for qualifying travelers. Enrollees can skip paperwork and long lines by using dedicated Global Entry kiosks. The $100 fee for a five-year membership also includes enrollment in the TSA PreCheck program, expediting security procedures.
4. Secure Access to Airport Lounges: Enhancing the airport experience can be achieved by visiting airport lounges, offering a relaxing environment with complimentary food and drinks. Various options exist, including airline-branded lounges, card issuer-branded lounges (e.g., American Express Centurion Lounges), and third-party lounges accessible through programs like Priority Pass. Premium travel credit cards often provide complimentary lounge access as a cardholder perk, making it essential to choose the right credit card for this purpose.
5. Environmental Considerations: In an era of climate change, travelers bear a responsibility to minimize their environmental impact. This can be achieved by opting for sustainable travel options, such as airlines using biofuels and choosing high-speed trains over planes where feasible. Prioritizing purchases from companies emphasizing sustainability, particularly in travel gear, contributes to eco-friendly practices. Minimizing plastic waste, conserving water, and selecting environmentally friendly activities are small yet impactful steps toward combating climate change during travels.
6. Explore New Destinations: The essence of travel lies in discovering new places, experiencing novel sights, sounds, and cultures. Revisit your travel bucket list and select a destination you haven’t explored before. The thrill of encountering unfamiliar landscapes and immersing oneself in diverse cultures enriches the human experience and broadens perspectives.

In conclusion, these resolutions encompass practical steps to enhance various facets of the travel experience. From optimizing loyalty program benefits to prioritizing environmental sustainability, each resolution contributes to creating more enjoyable and responsible travel adventures in 2024 and beyond.