Here are five new year’s resolution ideas for travelers:
1. Play tourist in your hometown
No matter how you feel about the word staycation, there are many of reasons to vacation in your hometown. You can discover things that you may have taken for granted and see your city, town, or country with a fresh new perspective. Check with your local visitor bureau or tourism office for the “must see” destinations in your area. If nothing else, you’ll be a great tour guide the next time you’ve got out of town guests!
2. Try a new food each day
On your next vacation, add a little spice to your life by trying at least one new dish a day! Sure, it’s nice to stick with old favorites too, but varying your choices will give you new insight to other cultures and ways of life. Ask your hotel concierge, or try asking a local resident you meet during the course of the day to recommend a hot spot. Step out of your comfort zone and you might just find a new favorite!
3. Unplug and unwind
Our world is getting smaller and smaller and these days, it’s often difficult (and sometimes downright impossible!) to completely let go of the technological ties that bind us. See if you can go for a day without checking email, watching TV, or playing games on your new iPhone. Take along a good old-fashioned book if you really need distraction. If you want to really connect with your destination, why not bring along a travel journal? Challenge yourself to use all your senses in describing the way a place looks, smells, feels, and of course about the new tastes you’ve experienced! Even a digital camera can sometimes distract you from truly experiencing your destination – try using the lenses of your eyes instead!
4. Support the local economy
Whether we realize it or not, our tourist dollars have a huge impact on the local economy of any place we visit. Rather than eating at chain restaurants, try supporting a “mom and pop” eatery or pick up lunch at a farmer’s market. Forgo shopping at the large, commercial malls and get your souvenirs at a market or from a local craftsman. This year, resolve to think about where your money is going and to make responsible choices by supporting sustainable industries or vendors.
5. Get out and go!
There are many deals to be had this year and so many places to see! Putting travel on your new year’s resolution list is a great way to see the world. Why wait?
Photo of travel journal by Retro Traveler
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