What are the top travel planning tips for the new year according to Carolyn Scott?

Hi, I’m Carolyn Scott-Hamilton from The Healthy Voyager. Here are my top travel planning and budgeting tips for the new year:

• Define your travel goals: Relaxing beach break, adventure, or cultural trip—know your “why” before you plan.
• Research and plan ahead: Check visas, seasons, local customs, and book early for better prices.
• Set a realistic budget: Include flights, stays, food, activities, insurance, and an emergency cushion.
• Use budgeting tools and points: Apps like Mint/TravelSpend and miles cards help stretch your money.
• Be flexible: Off‑peak dates and lesser-known destinations are usually cheaper and less crowded.
• Optimize lodging and transport: Consider budget hotels, guesthouses, suburbs, and local transit instead of taxis.
• Eat local: Skip tourist traps, try neighborhood spots and markets for authentic, budget‑friendly food.

Which of these do you want to dive into more for your own trip?