5 Travel Resolutions for a New Era of Exploration (Aviation Edition)

Over the last few years, how we travel—and why—has shifted dramatically. Instead of cramming as many sights into a short trip as possible, more people (including pilots and frequent flyers) are seeking meaningful, mindful ways to see the world from above. Below are five fresh New Year’s resolutions—now with an aviation twist—along with tips, tricks, and deal-finding strategies for the professional pilot, hobbyist flyer, or passionate frequent traveler.

1. Embrace Slow Travel

What It Is: Rather than rushing from airport to airport, slow travel encourages taking your time—whether you’re flying a small aircraft cross-country or simply enjoying longer layovers to explore a stopover city.

How to Do It & Score Deals:

• Extended Layovers: Some airlines (like Icelandair or Turkish Airlines) offer free or low-cost stopovers, turning your layover into a mini-adventure.
• General Aviation Getaways: Private pilots can plan scenic routes with extra days at each landing strip. Check with local Fixed Base Operators (FBOs) for overnight tie-down deals and discounts.
• Local Exploration: Once you land, immerse yourself in local communities. Browse Airbnb Experiences or local tourism sites for low-key cultural events.

Why It Matters: A slower pace allows you to deepen your understanding of each destination—both on the ground and in the air.

2. Opt for Micro-Adventures

What It Is: Micro-adventures are short, close-to-home escapes that pack plenty of excitement without a big time or financial commitment. Pilots can even turn a short flight into a quick getaway at a nearby airport.

How to Do It & Score Deals:

• Day-Trip Flights: For licensed pilots, pick a neighboring airport known for a great diner or scenic approach, and make a day of it. Flying clubs often split costs, making it more affordable.
• Discount Activities: Combine your flight with a local excursion—Groupon’s “Things to Do” might list outdoor adventures or museum passes near your chosen airport.
• Gear Rentals: If camping near smaller airports, sites like Outdoors Geek or Arrive Outdoors let you rent gear so you can pack light in your plane’s limited cargo space.

Why It Matters: These bite-sized adventures help you scratch the travel itch without needing a full vacation, keeping your pilot skills sharp and your spirit of exploration alive.

3. Experiment with Workcation Getaways

What It Is: With remote and hybrid work, you can maintain productivity anywhere—turn your frequent business flights into extended stays or fly yourself to a new locale for a working retreat.

How to Do It & Score Deals:

• Frequent Flyer Programs: Rack up points (or miles) through your airline’s loyalty program, then redeem them for seat upgrades or weekend getaways. Delta, United, and American often run promotions for bonus miles.
• Coworking Passes: WeWork or DayPass memberships offer flexible desks worldwide. Tie this into your flight plan—land in a city with a local coworking space, stay for a week or two, then move on.
• “Bleisure” Travel: Turn mandatory trips (e.g., aviation conferences or business meetings) into micro-vacations by adding a few extra days. This is especially easy if you’re a contracted or corporate pilot flying a scheduled route.

Why It Matters: Balancing work with travel can reduce burnout and increase creativity, all while checking new destinations off your list.

4. Go Green with Carbon Offsets

What It Is: For both commercial passengers and general aviation pilots, there’s a growing focus on reducing the environmental impact of flying. Carbon offsets and sustainable flying practices help lighten your footprint.

How to Do It & Score Deals:

• Offset Programs: Some airlines, like JetBlue and Icelandair, allow offsets during booking. For private pilots, organizations such as Gold Standard or Cool Effect let you fund climate projects based on flight hours or fuel consumption.
• Fuel Discounts: Watch for FBOs offering sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) or greener alternatives. Sometimes these come with discounted ramp fees or loyalty programs.
• Intermodal Journeys: If a leg of your trip is short, consider taking the train or bus to reduce total air miles—sites like Rome2rio help plan multimodal routes.

Why It Matters: Ensuring that aviation remains conscious of its environmental impact helps preserve the destinations you love to visit (and fly over) for years to come.

5. Follow Your Curiosity with Themed Trips

What It Is: Rather than a generic itinerary, design your travels around a particular passion—be it historical airports, aviation museums, scenic flight routes, or an airshow circuit.

How to Do It & Score Deals:

• Airshow Bucket List: Plan a year of events like EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh or the Paris Air Show, (or even Aviation Oil Outlet’s favorite, Sun ‘n Fun in Lakeland, Florida) and tie in local sightseeing. Early registrations often offer discounted tickets.
• Museum Hopping: Check out the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., or the Imperial War Museum Duxford in the UK. Some have reciprocal memberships that grant free or reduced entry.
• Scenic Flight Corridors: Plot a “flightseeing” route—like hopping along the coast of Maine or traversing the Rockies. Online pilot forums or apps (ForeFlight, Garmin Pilot) often have route suggestions and insights on interesting stops.

Why It Matters: By focusing on an aviation-themed itinerary, every destination and airport feels like part of a bigger story. You’ll return home with new knowledge, unforgettable views, and a deeper passion for flying.

Final Thoughts

These five resolutions help you explore the skies (and the ground) with more intention—whether you’re a commercial pilot, a weekend hobbyist, or just someone who loves to travel often. Slow down to savor each stop, slip in micro-adventures, mix work with scenic getaways, prioritize sustainability, and let your passion for aviation guide your trips. Here’s to high-flying, responsible, and deeply rewarding travel in the coming year!