A new year brings new beginnings, new chances, and of course new resolutions! So why should travel be any different? Let’s make some resolutions to make our travel lives even more epic.
Here are a few ideas I had.
Unplug. Resolve to unplug on a trip this year. While I know you will take pictures and post them to social media, wait until you get home. While on your trip, do not log on to social media, check email, or hook up to wifi. Be completely present in the moment and in the experience.
Pack light. For one trip, carry on only! Do not check a bag, and definitely, do not buy a new suitcase while on vacation to accommodate all the shopping. Pack only what you need.
See someplace new. This doesn’t have to be expensive. I am in North Carolina. But I have never been to Alabama, New Orleans, or Detroit. 2020 seems like a perfect time to get in my car and explore some of these places.
Visit a famous national park. If you are in Vegas, take a day trip to the Grand Canyon. It is so beautiful. Maybe visit Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado or Yellowstone in Wyoming. Who knows, the options are unlimited.
Go Solo. Gone are the days of waiting for your friends and family before you can book your next trip. If there is someplace you want to go, GO! Book it as a solo trip, and if your friends come around later, they can be added to the reservation. But don’t wait. I’ve missed out on good sales, and great experiences waiting on others. In 2020, go alone and love every minute!
Embrace the weekends. So many times, we use the weekend to catch up with the things we couldn’t squeeze in during the week. We are adults, and there is no way to get rid of this totally. But reserve some of those weekends for yourself. Catch a movie, a book, a train, or even a plane. Treat yourself. Care for yourself for once.
Get your passport and/or Real ID. If you plan to catch a flight anywhere after October, you will need one or the other. If you don’t have your passport, it’s time to get it. No excuses, this is the year to get it done. Amazing experiences are not far behind. And if you’re like me, it’s time to get that real ID. It’s not going away guys. We have to face it and get it done!
Upgrade. I know I know. Money is tight. So I’m not saying do this all the time. But just once this year. SPLURGE! Upgrade to first or business class. Get a private car to your resort. Skip that standard room.. Get yourself an oceanfront room, a swim out suite, or butler service. Pick that resort that’s a couple of hundred dollars out of your budget. Just once, upgrade one portion of your next trip.
Make a bucket list and cross something off. How long have Egypt, Europe, or Dubai been on your bucket list? How long have you been thinking of ziplining, bungee jumping, or snorkeling? Well this year, physically write down your bucket list…. And before the end of the year cross something off.
Wander. Wanderlust is defined simply as a strong desire to travel. If this describes you, I say make sure you do it. Wander, go someplace, any place this year. Just don’t sit at home and wish you would’ve.
The key to getting your resolutions accomplished is to make them realistic and attainable. I really think these are reachable goals.
So, let’s do it!
Happy New Year!!