As we enter the new year, resolutions may be at the forefront of your mind. Whether it be hitting the gym harder, eating healthier, or forming a meditation routine, you’re already familiar with the most common ideas of self improvement. Why not make a different kind of resolution this year? One that involves your travel plans. Here are 10 travel resolutions to make in 2023.
Travel More Sustainably
It’s no secret that travel can be hard on the environment. From carbon emissions to plastic water bottles, the environmental effects of travel can have devastating impacts on the world and on developing countries. Make a resolution in 2023 to travel more sustainably. A few simple ideas might be offsetting your carbon emissions, traveling by train or other means of electric transport, or investing in a reusable water bottle that you can carry with you while traveling abroad.
Go Somewhere You’ve Never Been
Instead of using your time off for a week at your annual beach hang out, why not go somewhere completely new? Whether you want to plan an extensive vacation abroad or take off on a spontaneous weekend trip to a nearby destination that you’ve always wanted to visit, look outside your regular routine. Exploring a new place can be exhilarating and inspire creativity, plus figuring out a new destination is a great mental exercise and boost in self confidence.
Give Somewhere a Second Chance
We all have a story about the worst vacation we’ve ever taken. Maybe it impacted the way you view a certain state, city, or country, or made you decide that you’d never return. Why not challenge your views and plan a return trip to a place that left a bad taste in your mouth? Destinations are constantly changing and the new year is all about fresh perspectives. Who knows, maybe you can rewrite the story of that destination.
Take a Solo Trip
One of the most popular trends in travel the last few years has been solo travel. if you haven't hopped on the band wagon yet, get outside your comfort zone plan a solo trip to a place that you’ve always wanted to go. If international travel to another country on your own seems too daunting, you could travel to a nearby city you’ve always wanted to visit or even take a staycation in your hometown to give yourself the space to clear your mind and set your intentions for the new year.
Eat Something Out of Your Comfort Zone
Whether it’s eating alligator in Florida, beef tartare in France, or sauteed crickets in Thailand, eating something out of your comfort zone can be a memorable moment on a trip. Maybe you’ve always wanted to say you’ve eaten poisonous blowfish in Japan or still wiggling octopus in Seoul. Whatever your odd eats may be, let your taste buds lead your travels this year.
Check Off a Bucket-List Item
Most people have something on their bucket list that’s related to travel. Whether it be something as fantastical as seeing the northern lights in the Arctic Circle or something closer to home, like attending a baseball game at Wrigley Field, prioritize your dreams this year by crossing something off your bucket list. If you’ve never created a bucket list before, this is the perfect time of year to sit down, reflect on the past 12 months, and think about what you want out of the year ahead.
Be More Spontaneous
Have you ever wanted to throw a dart at a map to decide your next travel destination or show up at the airport and book a ticket on the next flight? Make a vow to be more spontaneous with your travels in the coming year and see where it leads you. Oftentimes just saying yes is the most important step.
Pack Lighter
With the return of travel this last year, we’ve seen and heard the horror stories of lost luggage, suitcases piled high in the back room of airports. Make an attempt to pack lighter this year and rid yourself of the worries of missing baggage and luggage fees by resolving to go carry on only. Advancements to backpacks and carry-on suitcases have improved dramatically in the last few years, making it even easier to squeeze extra clothes and all of your travel tidbits in.
Give Back
There’s no doubt that traveling to new places gives us so much. Why not return the favor? Whether you volunteer at a local animal shelter or choose to patron restaurants and businesses run by local people, there are plenty of ways to leave a positive mark on the places you visit. While your heart might be in the right place, be sure to double check that your volunteer ventures are ethical before participating. Some things to watch out for are the costs involved with volunteering, if local people are also involved, and whether or not you’re qualified to do the work.
Try Out A New Language
Have an upcoming trip to a destination that doesn’t speak your native language? Why not set a New Year’s resolution of learning a new one? Today’s tech focused world makes learning a new language even easier with apps like Duolingo, iTalki, and Pimsleur.
