Does anyone else feel like 2019 just flew by?! Not only are we into mid-January already but it’s also the start of a new decade! Before you lock in your new year’s resolutions – check out these 7 travel resolutions every traveler needs! You don’t need to take on all of them – just pick a couple, and they will get you closer to your travel goals. Plus they’re way more exciting than going to the gym!
Sustainable travel supports the local environment instead of putting more pressure on it and exploiting its resources. In other words, it encourages the exploration and conservation of natural environments while keeping visitor impact low. This could mean doing something as little as traveling with a reusable water bottle, to making a point to contribute the local economy such as; using a local tour guide, dining and shopping at locally owned establishments and cycling or walking instead of driving.
Easier said than done, we realize, but if visiting a far off land in the next year or two is on your bucket list – wouldn’t it be great if you knew the language (or at least a few words and sentences to get you by)? There are many apps to help you with this such as Rosetta Stone, Duolingo, Memrise, or Babble – and if all else fails, you can always buy a phrasebook to study. This way, every time you practice you can picture yourself in Japan (Japanese is my current language of choice), France or wherever you’re dying to go. It makes your bucket list items that much more exciting this way!
Perhaps this should be #1 on the list because let’s be real, travel isn’t cheap and most of us must plan and save for it! Put aside a little each month solely for travel – which may mean prioritizing travel over certain material things. You tell me, doesn’t prioritizing experiences over stuff sound more appealing and rewarding? We certainly think so!
We had to put this on the list because it boggles our minds and truly keeps us up at night the fact that people don’t use up all their allotted annual vacation time. If any of you fall into this bucket, perhaps reframe it in your mind as SELF-CARE. And remember, you don’t have to fly somewhere far to have a holiday. Save on airfare by exploring a new destination in your own country or city!
Looking for travel inspiration or just want to get more reading in this year – either way these books are sure to inspire your inner wanderlust.
In A Sunburned Country Catfish and Mandala by Andrew X
Beyond the Sky and the Earth by Jamie Zeppa
A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle
Turn Right at Machu Picchu by Mark Adams
Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo
Not having to lug around heavy suitcases just makes life easier, not to mention, saves you time waiting at the carousel! Consider using packing cubes, the roll some fold some method and creating a mini-capsule wardrobe to help you optimize your packing space – check out this helpful post containing – 7 packing tips to make your next trip a breeze! Follow @plustravelgroup on Instagram for more travel tips and inspiration!
There is always something new to learn about where points and miles are concerned – make an effort to learn more! By expanding your knowledge of the points and miles world, the more places you’ll be able to visit without breaking the bank. And who isn’t all about taking the trip of your dreams for virtually free?
Make this a year about prioritizing experiences over stuff! And you know that trip you’ve been dreaming of taking, just go ahead and book it – or at least come up with a plan for how you’re going to do it, and then hold yourself accountable! When you’re ready to plan your next dream getaway, we’ve got you covered – click here to speak with one of our expert vacation consultants. 😉
Written by Kim Keith