It’s easy to scoff at New Year’s resolutions. And it’s true that January 1st is an arbitrary date — but it’s also true that you could make resolutions at any time of the year, and it’s certainly true that resolutions are often forgotten. (Looking at you, gym membership.)
But the reality is that you probably aren’t making resolutions on, say, April 27th. And this is as good of a time as any — arguably it’s the best time — to take stock of your values, to push yourself with new goals, and to make some resolutions that can actually stick.
It’s time to think about your travel goals for next year. (Photo Credit: @angelaconners)
Are you looking to relax? Or for an adventure? (Photo Credit: @angelaconners)
And you love to travel. So why not resolve to travel better?
Travel Goal #1: Slow it down
Promise yourself that for at least one trip, you will brainstorm all of the things that you want to do at the destination — the museums, the tastings, the vineyards, the tours, the hikes, the restaurants, the other tours — and then cut your list in half. Instead of go-go-go hustling from event to event, you’ll find yourself savoring each one.
Travel Goal #2: Level-up your travel photography
If you’re a total beginner, just a little bit of instruction goes a long way, and online courses (like the ones at Udemy) provide plenty of bang for your buck when it comes to learning how to take stunning travel photographs.
Be intentional about taking memorable travel photos. (Photo Credit: @celebratorychels)
If you already have the basics covered? Push yourself to the next level. Maybe travel with a light-weight collapsible tripod, explore those features you’ve ignored on your DSLR, or even commit to more “photo-missions” like waking up before dawn to capture that sunrise over the mountain.
Travel Goal #3: Visit a new country for the first time
Perhaps this is the most obvious goal? Maybe, but that doesn’t make it a bad one. (We believe it may even be the best one.) Think about that one far-flung destination that has always been on your wish-list — then make it happen.
Travel Goal #4: Get physical
Plan at least one trip that’s anchored around something physical or outdoorsy – maybe it’s hiking, or maybe it’s biking or trekking or skiing or wind-surfing…Literally anything as long as it’s not Segway-ing.
Start the new year right and explore the locale from a new perspective. (Photo Credit: @angelaconners)
And don’t forget — you can always opt to bike around town and take in fresh views with a complimentary Kimpton PUBLIC bike.
Travel Goal #5: Volunteer while traveling
Virtually everywhere you go, from Tokyo to Morocco to the hills of Kashmir, there will be some kind of way to get involved and help the local community. Maybe it’s helping with sea turtles and marine conservation, or giving care to the elderly, or getting food to needy children in Medellín.
Whatever is is, this opportunity will almost certainly be the highlight of your trip.
Travel Goal #6: Flip your travel genre with a friend (or family) trip
Take at least one trip with a new cast of characters. If you always travel with your partner and/or family, then do a friends-only trip. If you always vacation with your friends, then take a trip with your family — any member of your family.
Enough said. (Photo Credit: @canaryhotel)
Because furry companions are the best travel companions. (Photo Credit: @erinperry)
We often think about the variety of our destinations, but we rarely consider the variety of our companions.
Travel Goal #7: Embrace spontaneity
Commit to just once — just once! — deciding on a Thursday that you will go somewhere that very weekend. Maybe it’s a last-minute flight bargain. Maybe it’s a road trip. Or maybe you use a site like PackUpandGo to have them plan a surprise itinerary. The point is that you don’t overthink it — you just go.
Travel Goal #8: Take it solo
Literally anyone, in virtually every phase of life, can carve out the time for a solo trip. It can be done. This doesn’t need to be a ten-month life-affirming odyssey exploring every country in South America or a backpacking trip through Europe. It could be as simple as a day-trip all by your not-so-lonesome.
Opt to go solo this year — you can do it. (Photo Credit: @angelaconners)
Travel Goal #9: Try to learn another language
The key word here is try — the effort is what counts. The resolution isn’t to be fluent by the end of the year, but even your attempt to get the basics down will endear you to the locals and give you a richer sense of the culture that you’ll be immersing yourself in.
Travel Goal #10: Go offline
I once lost my iPhone on a boat in Thailand, where it fell to the bottom of the Indian Ocean. Instead of trying to replace the phone while traveling, I tried to replicate all of its functions with a watch, paper maps, paper notebook, flashlight, and an old-timey clock that I used as my morning alarm.
Take the leap and go entirely offline — at least once. (Photo Credit: @missenocha)
We guarantee you will notice details that you never would have seen otherwise. (Photo Credit: @canaryhotel)
And… Honestly? The rest of the trip was incredible, one of the best vacations of my life. I was forced to be present, to avoid screen-time, to chat with strangers and make new friends. So as a resolution — or think of it as an experiment — just once, try leaving your phone at the hotel.
But maybe don’t toss it in the ocean.
