According to the results of a recent survey, two thirds of adults in the U.S. resolve to travel more every year. Some get specific, with a list of destinations and a plan, while other simply want to see places they’ve never seen before. As we say goodbye to 2015 and welcome the new year, it’s a great time to take stock of your travel-related hopes and dreams and decide which ones to focus on right now.
We know traveling isn’t always simple unless you’re retired, wealthy or both. It’s a lot more complicated that booking a last-minute flight, jumping into your sports car rental and driving off into the horizon. But incorporating more travel into your life is easier than you think. Here are 10 sample travel resolutions to make for the new year:
1. Resolve to integrate travel more into your life however you can. If you can work remotely, you can always extend a vacation a few extra days and work from your destination. If you have close friends or family members who live in an exciting area, ask to stay with them to save costs, look for a good car rental discount and explore. If you have the opportunity to go on a business trip, see it as a free way to discover somewhere new.
2. Resolve to let go of expectations. Some people put such high expectations on a vacation that they’re destined to be disappointed. You’ll never have enough time to do everything you’d like to do, so appreciate everything you get to see and experience.
3. There’s a quote that says “Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.” Live by that this year, even if the someplace new is a neighboring town or nearby city.
4. On that note, resolve to explore your own backyard more in 2016. So many people spend all of their vacation days traveling to far off destinations and miss out on the beauty of their own states. Try new restaurants in your city, browse the shops you never have time to check out the nearby tourist attractions. There’s nothing wrong with reminding yourself of the reasons you live where you do.
5. Resolve to take at least one road trip, even if you’re not the biggest fan of driving...in fact, take one especially if you don’t care for driving. Sometimes there’s no better way to discover a new favorite place and see all kinds of sights you’d miss by taking a bus or train. A hybrid car rental will ensure you get the best gas mileage and have a comfortable ride.
6. Whether you’re a shy introvert or an outgoing person, resolve to have a conversation with at least one local of every town you visit. Most of the time, it’s the locals who know the best restaurants, coffee shops, lesser known spots to visit and the best routes to take to get to them.
7. If you haven’t ever done so, resolve to look into airline mileage programs and hotel loyalty programs. Many people shun them because they don’t think they travel often enough to benefit or they don’t want to be “tied down” to one airline or hotel chain. But talk to a few people who have flown internationally for free or enjoyed cheap luxurious accommodations and you’ll realize it’s something to be considered. Even if you only fly once or twice a year, you’ll rack up airline miles that will eventually pay off. Two words: elite status.
8. Resolve to use your paid vacation time, if you have it. Use it all, especially if you can’t roll it over into 2017! Your company gives you the time for a reason—studies show that employees who take regular breaks to disconnect are more productive in the long run. Even if you can’t get away, you can use the time to explore your own city.
9. Resolve to prioritize travel over material things. A one week vacation might be more temporary than new clothing or appliances, but the memories will last a lifetime. Regular travel makes a lasting positive impact on our mental health.
10. Resolve to travel alone at least once. This might seem like second nature to some and a terrifying concept to others. But think of a dream vacation where you can sleep when you want to sleep, see only what you want to see and spend some real time disconnecting and living in the moment. It’s hard to do that with another person around, even a significant other. Whether it’s a quick weekend getaway or a four week journey across Europe, try to take one solo vacation in 2016.