New Year means new resolutions. To some, this might mean trying out a new hobby, quitting bad habits, or saving money.
For travelers out there, this might mean venturing into new and exotic places, and creating new experiences. If you want more suggestions, here’s a list to those whose new year resolution is to travel more:
1. Pack Smarter and Lighter
Bring stuff that you only really need while you are travelling. It is important to have a checklist to make sure you only bring things that you will actually get to use. Research on the weather of the country so you know what clothes to bring. Besides, do you really need to bring 14 pairs of pants and 3 pairs of shoes?
2. Explore places that are near you.
Some people have travelled the world yet do not know the hidden gems just outside their own town. This is actually a common scenario. So next time a friend or family comes over to visit, why not travel together around your area? If you are living in the US, discover an outdoor bike racing track in New York City, explore an abandoned Nazi camp in Los Angeles; or find out about this technicolor church in Washington, D.C.
3. Make new friends and have a global education.
For those who go on exotic trips with family or loved ones, try to go out of your comfort zone and make new friends. You can learn about the place you are visiting by exchanging stories with a local.. and if you’re lucky, this local may know more than your usual travel articles. Go ahead, be friendly.
Travel can give you that global education that you will not be able to find in a traditional classroom. Next vacation, try to learn a new language, taste a different food, learn a new culture, learn a different way of living.
4. Travel Responsibly
Try to be a short term volunteer while you’re visiting a new country. You can do this in a farm or with different non profit organizations.
5. Unplug and disconnect from the internet
In this increasingly connected world, social media and the internet in general can sometimes stress you out. Nowadays, it is healthy to have a break, go offline and have that digital detox. Go camp in the woods, or just travel to a different place to relax. Highly recommended for those with toxic office work.. Do it if it means saving your sanity too.
So have you got a travel resolution to add? Feel free to add in your comments
