Around 80% of people abandon their New Year’s resolutions by February, and only 1% stick to them for a full 12 months, according to the results of a Forbes Health poll.
Despite this, around 30% of us set resolutions in motion every year, knowing all too well that that “new year, new me” feeling will probably turn into a guilty shrug before Valentine’s Day rolls around.
But maybe the problem isn’t your resolve. Maybe it’s the pressure.
What if, instead of chasing self-improvement, you turned 2026 into the year of unapologetic joy?
“Forget the mandatory cleanses, retreats, pilgrimages, and notebooks full of goals. Consider travelling just because it brings you closer to your favourite people or lets you eat dessert for breakfast without the guilt. If the only reason you need to pack your bags is ‘because it looks fun,’ you’re already miles ahead,” says Antoinette Turner, General Manager at Flight Centre South Africa.
Why we actually travel (and why it’s more than enough)
Self-improvement is rarely the main reason behind South Africans’ holidays (no matter how hard we try to convince ourselves it is – or should be!). According to Flight Centre’s global PR survey, our motivations are unapologetically about joy.
- 66% of Saffas travel to spend time with loved ones.
- 63% seek adventure and excitement.
- 57% want to experience new cultures.
- Another 57% travel to indulge or treat themselves.
- And a full 83% say that travel is important for their mental health and overall wellbeing.
Science backs this up. The World Happiness Report 2025 shows that connections, whether made around a table or during a misadventure abroad, are at the heart of genuine, lasting happiness. The report states that people who share meals, adventures, and ordinary moments with others consistently report higher levels of happiness, regardless of age or background.
Simply put, happiness isn’t a solo pursuit. The act of travelling together, whether with partners, family, friends, or even new acquaintances, boosts our sense of belonging and trust. Even brief connections, like a friendly chat with a stranger on a group tour or a spontaneous team-up on the road, can have measurable impacts on our wellbeing.
The report also highlights a rise in benevolent acts since the pandemic: sharing with and supporting others are all up about 10% compared to pre-2020 levels. That’s a powerful reminder that, in a world that sometimes feels disconnected, choosing to experience something together does more for our mood and mental health than almost any forced “solo self-improvement” ever could.
So, if your only motivation for travel in 2026 is to connect with others or simply enjoy yourself, you’re not missing the point. You’re living it.
Where joy leads: Ideas for the anti-resolution trip
The possibilities are as wide open as your imagination:
- Embark on a local food tour in a city famous for street eats.
- Grab your friends or family for an adventurous road trip without the spreadsheets or goal-setting.
- Plan a “do-nothing” beach escape, where your only mission is relaxation.
- Chase a bucket-list moment, just because it’s been on your mind for years.
How you travel matters, too. More South Africans are prioritising comfort and delight in the journey, not just the destination. In the past year, there’s been a notable jump in travel upgrades (27% of travellers booked business class, a noticeable jump of more than 20% compared to last year), according to Flight Centre’s Year In Travel 2025 report. After all, more legroom means more joy!
And when planning feels overwhelming, keep it simple. 97% of South Africans value the expertise of a travel expert to make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Because less stress. Need we say more?
2026: The year you finally go
If there’s one thing the past few years have shown us, it’s that life’s too unpredictable to keep your best plans on ice. That dream trip you’ve bumped down your list since 2022? There’s no better time than now to finally make it happen.
You don’t need a milestone birthday or a perfectly timed career break. Wanting to see the world, just because you can, is enough. In fact, it might be the best reason of all.
So, if you’ve needed a sign, this is it: give yourself permission. Make 2026 the year you simply go – no justification or transformation required.
