Typical New Year’s resolutions for 2019 include all the usual suspects — lose weight, go to the gym, save money, be a better person, etc. But those of us sick with the travel bug are resolved to travel more in 2019. Whether your resolution includes specific destinations or just a general desire to see and do more, we've got some suggestions for you. Consider these ten travel resolutions that cover everything from destination planning to logistics.
Visit Someplace New
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If you’ve never been to Banff, Canada or Dubai in the Middle East or Estonia in Eastern Europe, this is the year to do it. Avoid the same tired trips you’ve taken many times before. Everyone loves Italy, but if you’ve spent the last four summers there, it’s time to branch out. Croatia isn’t too far, or Albania. Ignite your traveling spirit with a fresh location on a continent you’ve not yet seen.
Stay a Little Longer
There are visits and there are experiences. Trade in your 2019 vacation for an experience. Stay a little longer and get to know a community or a culture. It’s getting easier and easier to work remotely these days, and you may be surprised how many companies are willing to support sabbaticals for their staff. If you’re not sure how long you can stay in foreign countries, consult the U.S. Department of State.
Introduce Someone to Your Favorite Place
When you just can’t pull yourself away from the destination you love best, take someone with you who has only heard your stories and seen your pictures. When you travel to your favorite place with a friend or loved one who has never been there, you’ll experience it from a different perspective that will enrich what you already cherish about your favorite village, town or beach.
Travel Solo
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Ah, sweet solitude. Sometimes, you just need to get away from everyone and everything. Let 2019 be the year of you, when you take yourself on a trip and immerse yourself in being rather than doing. I’ve had some success with this in Asheville, North Carolina, where I love the drum circles, excellent hiking and fun local culture. Another good choice is Bali, where you can sink into a meditation class or a yoga retreat.
Pack Up the Kids and Go
Don’t let your little darlings hold you back from all the travel you want to do. If you’ve been putting off a big trip or even just a weekend getaway because you have little ones, throw them into the car or pack them onto a plane and get out there. It’s good for them. According to experts, family vacations increase happiness in children. You’ll also get a chance to build strong parent/child relationships, make memories and give them a bigger view of the world.
Upgrade Your Travel Tech
We’re going to assume you have your GPS and your smartphone charged up and full of the latest apps and maps. Bluetooth earbuds, check. What about an optical camera lens for your phone or tablet? There’s no need to bring your big camera because this lens has an optical zoom and image stabilization. It’s small and fits easily over any iPhone or Android. You might also consider a pocket-sized wireless router that includes USB storage so you can stay connected wherever you are.
Switch Your Comfort Level
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Make a resolution to stay somewhere different. If you usually insist on 5-star hotels with every possible luxury, see what it’s like to stay a night or two in a hostel. If shared bathrooms and couch surfing is usually the way you wander, budget a nice hotel for yourself this year. It’s all about balance.
Seek a Small Town
Small towns making great destinations in 2019 are in Europe, Asia and the U.S. Instead of planning a trip around Nice, consider the mountaintop village of Vence when you’re hoping to get to the south of France. Just outside of Hong Kong is the village of Kaiping, a scenic town that’s also on the UNESCO World Heritage list. In America, try Cassadaga in Florida, a town of spiritualists and psychics. You could also check out Maharishi Vedic City in Iowa, a town founded by a yogi and governed by the principles of natural law.
Brave a Big City
Maybe you need the action of a metropolitan area. In that case, consider Austin, which has become popular in Texas for its barbeque, arts scene and natural trails for hiking and biking. Head to London to comment on the royals or listen to Parliament argue about Brexit. Other big city destinations you may resolve to see in 2019 could be San Francisco, Sydney and Nairobi.
See Something Endangered.
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The thrill of ecotourism has come and gone for many travelers, but you should make a resolution to see something endangered in 2019. That might be a glacier or a rainforest or some wildlife. This resolution provides a good excuse to book a trip to the Amazon, Antarctica or low-lying Caribbean islands that are a few hurricanes way from extinction.