18/01/2020
Still haven’t finished listing down your New Year’s resolutions? I’ve rounded up a few awesome New Year’s resolutions that both travel junkies and aspiring travelers should make for 2020!
New Year’s resolutions normally represent the changes that people want to make in the new or upcoming year. For some folks, their New Year’s resolutions include shifting to a new career, saving money, trying a new hobby, quitting a bad habit or losing weight. But for most travel junkies, the start of a new calendar year brings an inspiration to plan a bigger and more exciting adventure than the previous year. As their travel experience grows, so does their desire to discover places that are more exotic, thrilling or diverse. Whether you’re a keen traveler or someone who wants to make 2020 a year of adventures and travel, here are some cool ideas for your New Year’s resolutions.
1. Travel somewhere that is out of your comfort zone
Challenging yourself once in a while is healthy and a good thing for travelers. Lazing by the pool on a sunny afternoon is nice and relaxing, but it is by no means the most rewarding and exciting form of travel. Try to take a step outside your comfort zone, by experiencing the bucket-list worthy adventures in nearby places. Alternatively you may also go on a nature expedition such as trekking or camping.
2. Take more solo trips
We believe that travelling solo more often is one of top New Year’s resolutions in 2020 for travelers. And, if you have yet to go on a solo trip, 2020 is the perfect time to take a leap of faith. While sharing a getaway with a bunch of buddies and family is fun and pleasant, traveling alone is an empowering and eye-opening journey that will let you discover more about yourself and the realities of our planet. Not to mention, it will give you a chance to be yourself and do some bizarre things without the prying eyes of your gossipy friends. To top it all off, traveling solo lets you become the boss, and the captain of your voyage.
3. Embrace the great outdoors
For most travelers, it’s easy to indulge on indoor activities, mouthwatering dishes and cozy nights in a ritzy hotel, especially when winter sets in. But to get the most from your travel escapades, you need to embrace Mother Nature and her majestic masterpieces. For 2020 , try to spend more time on the great outdoors.
4. Be a weekend warrior
One of the coolest New Year’s resolutions for aspiring travelers in 2020 is to become a weekend warrior. Even though these trips are rather short, weekend getaways are far better than a couple of days of watching Netflix movies in your couch or bedroom. Hop on a bus or boat ride on a Friday evening, and get back home feeling more euphoric on a Sunday evening. You’ll get to see quite a few new cities and destinations every year, this way.
5. Get up early and watch the sun rise
Nobody wants to wake up early, and drag him or herself out of the bed in the dark. Still, waking up early to catch sight of a sunrise is a rewarding experience that you must do at least once in your escapades. As a matter of fact, it should be on top of your list of New Year’s resolutions in 2020. Think about watching the beautiful sun rise over DSB or Beautiful beaches in Negros.
6. Explore your own backyard
Don’t overlook your city or province which has its own history as well as s incredible collection of noteworthy sights and intriguing diversions. If you live somewhere in Negros , national parks are by far incredibly beautiful and blissful places to visit in 2020. Furthermore, they are free, and you can get there without spending thousands of pesos on airfare and accommodations.
7. Digital detox
How often do you check your emails and texts during the day? How hard is it for you, on a scale of one to ten, to leave your smartphone at home or hotel while you head out for the day? Let’s face it, people nowadays are so dependent on these digital innovations that it would be a practically impossible for them to go without these gadgets for an extended period of time. From digital maps and language translators to solving simple mathematic problems, we rely on these techie tools in nearly every aspect of our travels and in life in general. But the thing is, the whole point of going on a getaway or adventure is to relax, unwind and escape the daily grind. Of course, it’s essentially impossible to accomplish pure relaxation during your trip when you’re surrounded by digital distractions that connect you to all your troubles in the office or at home. So, for 2020, make a serious attempt to literally disconnect during your travels. Trust me, it is truly one of the best New Year’s resolutions to make this year. Free from buzzing cyber world, unplugging will make you more involved in the experience as well as more attentive to the places you’re visiting. Not to mention, you’ll feel a lot better and more relaxed without your favorite gadget or smartphone by your side.
8. Immerse yourself
Digitally disconnecting yourself will bring you to the next entry of our list of New Year’s resolutions for travelers in 2020. As you unplug yourself from the brutal digital world, you’ll get to treat yourself to a fascinating trip that allows you to blissfully experience the local food and culture. With no online gossips, news and viral photos to occupy your time, you’ll surely have more time to delve into the culture and history of the place you’re visiting. There are a lot of ways to immerse yourself into the place you are visiting.
9. Research diligently before traveling
Doing more research on the place you’re visiting is a must-include entry to your list of New Year’s resolutions for 2020. The more educated you are about the place you’re visiting, the more prepared you will be to experience it. Try to spend more browsing travel vlogs or DIY travel tips. With the help of these online sources, list down the addresses of all the attractions that interest you. Then, print out a map, and mark all the landmarks, bars, museums, galleries and restaurants that you wish to visit. That way, you’ve got all the best spots on hand whenever you need them. Plus, the more diligent you do your research before you leave, the less you will need to rely on your tablet or smartphone.
10. Take the bus, bike, train or walk
These options will not only save you a great deal of money and energy, but they will also let you see more of the place you are visiting. Your money will remain in the local economy, and you will get to spend more time with the locals. As far as I’m concerned, it’s a win-win situation for both parties.
11. Master the art of packing
You are going on a trip, and not shifting base to another country. Pack lightly and carry only the bare essentials for your next trip. Take a cue from travelers, backpackers or mountaineers, and master the art of packing.
12. Go on an unplanned getaway – one of the crazier New Year’s resolutions for travelers
Have a strong appetite for adventure? One of the New Year’s resolutions that you should make in 2020 is to make a last-minute booking, and go an impromptu getaway to anywhere. No planned travel itinerary, no research and no hotel reservations. Just land at the destination, and from there, figure out everything for your vacation. Although this idea sounds a bit scary and crazy to some people, it is absolutely a fun and exciting experience that you will cherish for years to come. Not a bad addition to your list of New Year’s resolutions, right?
13. Don’t stick to tourist hot-spots
Sure, they are popular and nice for reason, but wouldn’t it be great and wonderful if you could spread your travel wings and explore lesser-known places in and around your destination? Read travel blogs, chat with the locals, and spend a few hours wandering around aimlessly because you might end up discovering some exciting things to do and hidden treasures. And by the way, even if you don’t travel very often, you should seriously consider this idea, when building a list of New Year’s resolutions for 2020.
14. Be in the moment
Traveling can be pretty stressful and hectic, even for seasoned backpackers. As a matter of fact, it can leave you sensitive and extra concerned about ticking everything off your list of things to do. When these things happen, stop, and take a deep breath. Forget about the bus schedules, closing times, and fitting in that trekking trip before lunchtime. Take a look around, enjoy the sights, listen to the crashing waves on the shore, observe the locals in the habitat, and feel the sands. Slow down, and experience the delight of the place you have worked so hard to get to. Got a couple of New Year’s resolutions that we haven’t mentioned in this list? Please share them with us through the comment section below. Cheers!