100+ SMART Travel Goals

This page features a curated list of travel goals. I created it as a source of inspiration for my 100 life goals project and wanted to share it with others in hopes of inspiring them to create their own goal list.

There is an overabundance of bucket list ideas circulating online that lack the necessary specificity, measurability, and time-bound nature to make them actionable goals. Therefore, I curated a list of SMART goals that are more specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.

Whether you're young or old, there's something on this list for everyone. So, read on to discover some of the best travel goals that can help you transform your life and achieve your travel dreams.

An important note before scrolling down:

The list below includes 100+ travel goal ideas, but if you're looking for a bigger list then download my book, The SMART Bucket List.

It includes a list of 1000+ SMART goal ideas from various categories, such as fitness, travel, personal growth, and more. Each goal is crafted to meet the SMART criteria, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to create a truly actionable goal list.

Click here to download it for FREE. Additionally, you’ll get my Design Your Dream Year workbook, containing a proven step-by-step action plan to check off those big goals on your list.

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* One more thing, if you decide to take part in any of the goals listed below, you do so entirely at your own risk. Some of the goal ideas listed here can be risky, so seek out guidance if you decide to try them out, especially the challenging ones.

With this in mind, let's rock and roll!!

100+ SMART Travel Goals

SMART Landmark Travel Goals

Embarking on a journey to visit landmarks such as the Great Wall of China is not only a visually stunning and awe-inspiring experience, but it can also provide immense personal growth benefits. From gaining a deeper appreciation of the world's natural wonders to developing a sense of purpose and introspection, the transformative effects of such travel can be life-changing.

Here are a few specific examples of SMART goals that you can set for this type of travel:

• Visit Machu Picchu within the next 2 years
• Visit the Great Wall of China within the next year
• Visit the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam within the next year
• Visit the Colosseum in Rome within the next year
• Visit the Petra archaeological site in Jordan within the next 3 years
• Visit the Alhambra palace in Granada, Spain within the next year
• Visit the Acropolis in Athens within the next year
• Visit the Palace of Versailles in France within the next year
• Visit the Great Pyramids of Giza in Egypt within the next year
• Visit the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona within the next year
• Visit the Taj Mahal in Agra, India within the next year
• Visit the Forbidden City in Beijing within the next year
• Visit the Palace of Westminster in London within the next year
• Visit the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes within the next year
• Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris within the next year
• Visit the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro within the next year
• Visit the Acropolis in Athens, Greece within the next year
• Visit the ancient city of Pompeii in Italy within the next year
• Visit the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco within the next year
• Visit the Tower of London within the next year
• Visit the Vatican City in Rome within the next year
• Visit Machu Picchu in Peru within the next year
• Visit the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul within the next year
• Visit the temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia within the next two years
• Travel to Australia to see the Great Barrier Reef within the next three years
• Visit the Galapagos Islands within the next three years
• Visit Iceland to see the Northern Lights within the next two years
• Visit the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam within the next year
• Travel to Australia to see the Great Barrier Reef within the next three years, booking the trip by the end of this year

SMART Luxury/Alternative Travel Goals

Have you ever thought about staying in unusual places during your travels? It can be an amazing way to grow personally and experience new perspectives. For example, imagine staying in a houseboat in Amsterdam. This kind of experience is different from the usual hotel or apartment stay and can challenge your way of thinking and living. It can help you become more adaptable and resourceful as you navigate through unfamiliar environments. Plus, it's a great way to create lasting memories and cherish the diversity and beauty of the world.

Here are a few specific examples of SMART goals that you can set for this type of travel:

• Stay in a houseboat in Amsterdam within the next year
• Stay in a yurt in Mongolia within the next 3 years
• Stay in an igloo hotel in Lapland within the next 2 years
• Spend a week on a houseboat on the backwaters of Kerala within the next 2 years
• Stay in a castle hotel in Scotland within the next 2 years
• Stay in an eco-lodge in the Amazon Rainforest within the next 3 years
• Spend a week in a treehouse in Costa Rica within the next 3 years
• Spend a week in a yurt in Mongolia within the next 3 years
• Stay in a traditional ryokan in Japan within the next 3 years
• Spend a week on a houseboat on Lake Powell within the next 3 years
• Stay in an ice hotel in Sweden within the next 4 years
• Stay in an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora within the next 2 years
• Spend a week in a beachfront villa in Bali within the next 2 years

SMART Epic Journeys Goals

If you're looking for a transformative and rewarding experience that can help you grow personally, going on epic journeys might be just what you need. These kinds of journeys are all about stepping outside of your comfort zone and taking on new challenges, which can help you become more resilient, confident, and self-reliant. For instance, imagine cruising down the Nile River and discovering ancient history and cultural heritage, all while learning new languages and customs. These kinds of journeys expose you to new perspectives and experiences, helping you develop empathy and compassion while expanding your communication skills.

Here are a few examples of SMART goals in this specific area of travel:

• Take a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to San Diego within the next year
• Take a road trip through the Scottish Highlands within the next 3 years
• Go on a road trip through the Australian Outback within the next 2 years
• Take a road trip along the California coast with the family during the kids' spring break
• Take a roadtrip trip to explore national parks in Utah next year
• Take a road trip to Yellowstone National Park during the summer of next year
• Take a road trip to explore the Grand Canyon in Arizona within the next 2 years
• Take a train journey on the Trans-Siberian Railway within the next 5 years
• Take a cross-country rail trip across the United States within the next 2 years
• Take a family trip to Hawaii to learn about Hawaiian culture within the next 3 years
• Go on a backpacking trip in the Andes Mountains within the next 4 years
• Spend a week exploring the ancient ruins of Athens within the next 2 years
• Spend a month exploring the Galapagos Islands within the next 4 years
• Explore the European countryside via rail, taking a scenic route from Amsterdam to Vienna and visiting at least 5 other countries along the way, within the next 3 years
• Take a cruise to Alaska within the next three years
• Cruise down the Nile River within the next 5 years
• Take a river cruise down the Danube within the next 2 years
• Spend a week on a cultural immersion program in Morocco within the next 3 years
• Take a luxury rail journey on the Eastern and Oriental Express from Singapore to Bangkok, including a private cabin, fine dining, and sightseeing, within the next 2 years
• Take a solo rail trip to Japan, visiting Tokyo, Kyoto, and other cities on the Shinkansen bullet train network within the next 18 months
• Take a solo road trip to Australia, exploring the vast countryside from Perth to Sydney on the Indian Pacific, within the next 2 years
• Take a road trip to New Orleans during Mardi Gras, joining in the festivities and experiencing the city's rich culture and history, within the next 2 years
• Take a scenic cruise through the Norwegian fjords, stopping at picturesque towns and villages along the way, within the next 2 years
• Complete a multi-day trek to Everest Base Camp in Nepal, reaching an altitude of at least 17,500 feet, within the next 3 years

SMART Travel Experiences Goals

Travel experiences can be one of the most profound ways to grow and develop personally. It's a chance to immerse yourself in different cultures, engage in unique activities, and challenge your perspectives, which can broaden your understanding of the world. For instance, imagine going on a safari in Kenya. This experience can help you appreciate the natural world's beauty while learning about conservation efforts and wildlife management. Or, consider spending a week on a meditation retreat in Bali, where you can learn mindfulness, self-awareness, and emotional regulation while disconnecting from the distractions of everyday life.

Here are some examples of SMART goals that you can set for this type of travel:

• Go on a wine-tasting tour of Napa Valley within the next year
• Go on a safari in Kenya within the next 3 years
• Go on a whale watching tour in Alaska within the next year
• Spend a week on a meditation retreat in Bali within the next 3 years
• Spend a week on a yoga retreat in India within the next 3 years
• Spend a week volunteering in a rural village in Tanzania within the next 4 years
• Go on a Disney Land vacation with the family within the next 2 years
• Go on a surf trip in Hawaii within the next 2 years
• Visit the Blue Lagoon in Iceland within the next year
• Spend a week skiing in the Swiss Alps within the next 2 years
• Take a photography tour of Iceland within the next 3 years
• Take a language immersion course in a foreign country within the next year
• Go on a food tour of Italy within the next 2 years
• Go on a culinary tour of Japan within the next 2 years
• Go on a glacier hiking tour in Iceland within the next 2 years
• Attend a traditional tea ceremony in Japan, learning about the history and cultural significance of the practice, within the next year

SMART Festivals & Celebration Goals

Attending festivals and celebrations can be an incredible way to foster personal growth and development. When you travel to festivals, you immerse yourself in a unique cultural experience that is full of energy, excitement, and joy. This can help you gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the diverse ways in which people celebrate their cultures and traditions. For instance, attending the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro can give you a new perspective on the power of community, as you witness the collective joy and celebration of millions of people coming together. Similarly, attending the Holi Festival of Colors in India can help you let go of inhibitions and embrace the power of connection and human interaction.

Here are a few examples of SMART goals that you can set for this type of travel:

• Attend the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro within the next 3 years
• Attend the Dia de los Muertos celebrations in Mexico within the next 2 years
• Attend the Holi Festival in India within the next 2 years
• Attend the Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans within the next year
• Attend the Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, experiencing the food, music, and beer culture of this iconic event, within the next 2 years
• Attend the Full Moon Party in Thailand within the next 3 years
• Attend the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona within the next 2 years
• Attend the next Summer Olympics
• Attend the Burning Man Festival in Nevada, USA, within the next 3 years, experiencing the art, music, and community of this unique event
• Visit Rio de Janeiro during Carnival, watching the parade and experiencing the vibrant atmosphere, within the next 18 months
• Explore the colorful and elaborate Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico City, visiting museums, markets, and cemeteries, within the next year
• Attend the Coachella music festival in California, USA, watching live performances by my favorite artists and discovering new ones, within the next 12 months
• Visit the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival in China, admiring the incredible ice sculptures and enjoying winter sports, within the next 3 years
• Take a trip to India during Diwali, experiencing the vibrant lights, music, and food of the country's biggest festival, within the next 2 years
• Attend the La Tomatina festival in Bunol, Spain, participating in the tomato fight and experiencing the local culture, within the next 18 months
• Take a trip to Thailand during Songkran, experiencing the traditional water festival and learning about the country's culture and history, within the next year
• Attend the Sundance Film Festival in Utah, USA, watching independent films and meeting filmmakers and actors, within the next 12 months
• Visit Edinburgh, Scotland, during the Fringe Festival, experiencing the world's largest arts festival and enjoying the city's history and architecture, within the next 2 years
• Attend the Holi Festival of Colors in India, experiencing the colorful powders and music of this joyous celebration, within the next 18 months
• Take a trip to Japan during the Cherry Blossom Festival, admiring the stunning blooms and experiencing the country's unique culture and food, within the next 3 years
• Attend the Rioja Wine Harvest Festival in Spain, experiencing the wine-making process and enjoying the food, music, and culture of the region, within the next year
• Attend a major international music festival, such as Coachella or Glastonbury, within the next 2 years, seeing at least 10 different artists perform live

SMART Romance Travel Goals

Romantic travel can be a great way to foster personal growth and development in your relationship. When you travel with your partner to romantic destinations, you create new shared experiences and memories that can deepen your connection and enhance intimacy. For example, taking a romantic trip to some remote island can give you an opportunity to disconnect and focus on each other. You can enjoy quality time together, relaxing, exploring new surroundings, and trying new things. This can help you build trust and strengthen your bond as a couple.

Here are a few examples of SMART goals that you can set for this type of travel:

• Take a honeymoon trip to Bora Bora and stay in an overwater bungalow for at least a week within the next year
• Renew our vows on a secluded beach in the Caribbean, with a private ceremony and a romantic dinner on the sand within the next 2 years
• Plan a surprise weekend getaway to a cozy cabin in the woods, complete with a fireplace and hot tub, within the next 6 months
• Book a romantic river cruise in Europe, visiting at least 4 different countries and enjoying gourmet dining and entertainment along the way within the next 3 years
• Take a couples' cooking class in Tuscany, Italy, learning to make authentic pasta and enjoying local wine and cheese within the next 18 months
• Spend a week in Bali, Indonesia, indulging in spa treatments and enjoying the beautiful beaches and temples within the next 2 year
• Take a road trip along the California coast, stopping at romantic destinations such as Big Sur and Napa Valley within the next year
• Plan a surprise date night in Paris, France, including a private boat ride on the Seine and a romantic dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant within the next 6 months
• Attend a destination wedding in Mexico and extend the trip to enjoy a romantic beach getaway, with activities such as snorkeling and horseback riding within the next year
• Book a luxury safari in Tanzania, staying in a private tented camp and seeing the Big Five animals in their natural habitat within the next 3 years
• Take a romantic hot air balloon ride over the Napa Valley, followed by a private wine tasting and gourmet lunch within the next 2 years
• Plan a surprise weekend trip to New York City, including tickets to a Broadway show and a carriage ride through Central Park within the next 6 months
• Take a couples' yoga retreat in Costa Rica, practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques in a beautiful natural setting within the next 18 months
• Visit the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru, hiking the Inca Trail and enjoying a romantic dinner with a view of the mountains within the next 3 years
• Book a private yacht charter in the Greek Islands, exploring the crystal clear waters and enjoying sunset dinners on deck within the next 2 years

Other Travel Goals

Overall, traveling can be one of the most enriching experiences you can have in your life. It exposes you to new cultures, people, and ways of thinking that can challenge your assumptions and broaden your understanding of the world. When you travel, you have the opportunity to step outside of your comfort zone and try new things, whether it's trying new foods or engaging in different activities. This can help you build resilience, adaptability, and confidence. It also provides opportunities for self-reflection and introspection, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your place in the world.

Here are a few more examples of SMART goals that you can set in the area of travel:

• Visit at least 10 countries in the next 5 years
• Visit three new countries within the next two years, spending at least two weeks in each country
• Visit all seven continents before turning 40, completing the goal within the next 10 years
• Achieve status as a top-tier frequent traveler with a major rail company by logging at least 50,000 miles in the next 12 months
• Visit every single station on the New York City Subway system by the end of next year, taking a picture at each stop as evidence
• Plan and book a multi-generational family vacation by rail, including grandparents, parents, and children, to a scenic destination in the next 2 years
• Visit the Seven Wonders of the World, including the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal, and the Colosseum, within the next 10 years

More Goal Ideas?

Click here to get 'The SMART Bucket List' for FREE — It includes a list of 1000+ SMART goal ideas from various categories, such as fitness, travel, personal growth, and more. Additionally, you’ll get my Design Your Dream Year workbook, containing a proven step-by-step action plan to check off those big goals on your list.