New Year Resolution Travel
If you are a traveler or have resolved to travel more in 2020, then here are 7 New Year’s resolutions for the traveler in you. We all tend to declare annual decrees about diet, exercise and saving money. But how do we integrate those into the traveler’s lifestyle? Follow these New Year’s Resolution for Travelers to find out.
Table of Contents
1. New Year’s Resolution for Travelers: Eat Healthy
The diet in other countries is often more healthy than eating habits in the United States. Get adventurous and experiment with local foods when you travel. Eat vegetarian cuisine in Kerala or Bangkok. In Italy, you’ll follow the Mediterranean Diet without even trying.
Use this New Year’s resolution for travelers to sample something you wouldn’t back home. Like quinoa in Peru. Then chances are that once you try these healthy foods afar, you’ll start working them into a healthier diet back home. Who knew that New Year Resolution Travel could help you eat healthier?
But look what’s next …
2. Get Active: the second New Year’s Resolutions for the Traveler
To get active as a traveler, run a marathon in a city you’ve always wanted to visit like my friend Ruth Hickman does. Or walk the Camino de Santiago – that’s where I met Ruth. Too much for you? (I’m not a marathoner, either.)
Then think walks along the beach, exploring the local market on foot or bicycle, and, alternatively, booking a kayak adventure on your next cruise. You needn’t spend valuable vacation time in the hotel fitness center when you’re an adventurous traveler. But you must remember, active travelers need to drink plenty of water.
A perfect segue to the next New Year Resolution Travel …
3. Travel Eco-friendly
‘Travel eco-friendly’ is one of the best New Year’s Resolutions for travelers. Ditch plastic bottle consumption by using reusable water bottles. You’ll help keep plastic out of our oceans and landfills. And you’ll keep harmful chemicals out of the air in places like India and Africa where plastic refuse is burned. In the US, I politely refuse the offer of a cold bottle of water in a shuttle or at hotel check-ins. That’s because I bring my own hydration in a refillable container.
This New Year’s resolution for the traveler also harkens back to #2. By propelling yourself via foot, bicycle or kayak, you’ll also reduce gas consumption and so, too, the resulting air pollution. What are other ways that you could be an eco-friendly traveler? Check out Green Suitcase Travel.
4. Limit over-planning - even if you're a perfectionist
Resisting the urge to over-plan your vacation time is a perfect New Year’s resolutions for the traveler in you. Let your journey unfold before you by leaving space for unexpected detours, chance meetings or time to appreciate your new surroundings. As a result, you’ll have a more fulfilling journey.
That leads to the next New Year’s Resolution for travelers …
5. Wonder
This year, resolve to bring ‘wonder’ along on your 2020 travels. Being intentional about finding the ‘wonderful’ in your new surroundings – and the people you meet – will fill you with appreciation. This New Year’s resolution for travelers helps you stay in the present moment and appreciate the ‘now.’
Is there anything worse than traveling with someone who is continuously comparing the place with another place they’ve visited? Or referring to the ‘last time’ they were there? It’s difficult enough to stay in the present moment without having a companion who persistently pulls you into the past. Sometimes I find that companion is myself, btw!
Mindful travelers, those who concentrate on the wonder of a place, often turn off their cellphones or cameras for a set period. It’s challenging to do that, but when I do, my sense of wonder multiplies.
Serious travelers do their research. Let’s shift to the next New Year resolution travel …
6. Adapt to the customs of the country you visit
Resolve to adapt to the customs of the country you visit with the #5 New Year’s resolution for travelers. You’ll have to do a little research – like doing a quick Google search – to learn about customs or what might be offensive in the region that you plan to visit.
You certainly want to avoid being the ‘Ugly American’ by unknowingly committing a faux pas. Like hugging a new French acquaintance. Or answering ‘no’ to a Japanese person’s question. Touching the produce at a Spaniard’s fruit stand. Speaking loudly on your smartphone or in conversation at a restaurant or bar.
Or posing for a photo in a Muslim country with your shoulders and legs uncovered.
7. New Year’s Resolutions for the Traveler: Pack light
The last but not least, New Year’s Resolutions for the Traveler is ‘pack light.’ There’s nothing that can weigh down your mind and spirit more than excess baggage. I have found that by packing light, I declutter my mind when traveling. I don’t have to worry about what to wear. I have little to choose from! I don’t get frustrated by brooding, “where did I pack that?” Because I’m carrying less luggage with fewer compartments to look through.
Packing light not only is good for your peace of mind, but it’s also good for your body. Smaller bags mean ease of traveling while getting on and off public transportation, walking up three flights to your Paris BnB or hoisting your luggage into overhead compartments on the train to Barcelona.
Save money by packing light
With increased airline charges for carry-on and checked bags, you can also save money by packing light. Moreover, with undersized luggage, you won’t have space to buy a bunch of Made-in-China trinkets. That will save you even more cash-o-la that you could put towards making memories with fun experiences. Memories are the best souvenirs, btw. In conclusion, there are many benefits to adhering to this New Year Resolution Travel. How to pack light? Read my tips.
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As is common in the travel industry, UNSTOPPABLE Stacey was provided with accommodations, meals, and other compensation for the purpose of review. While it has not influenced this review, the Arizona travel writer believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest.
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2 thoughts on “7 New Year’s Resolutions for Travelers Who Are Serious This Time”
These are GREAT! I especially like the Pack Light tips. I have a meeting with my group going to Israel next week, and I’ll share this article with them. 😎
Thanks so much, Julie! I am so excited about your upcoming Israel trip! Please keep us posted via Social Media about your Israel trip. I’d love to post some of your photos here on this blog if you’d narrate with captions! Blessings for your Way.