2016 has arrived at last–and with it, for many of us, comes a whole lot of introspection and resolutions about how this year is going to be different from the last. All around the world today, people are shaking off their hangovers and making plans for things they want to accomplish/stop/change/improve in the next 366 days.
And you know, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. (I have my own list, written last night, scrawled in my notebook as I type this). No judgment on resolutions from me!
Over the years, like many people, I’ve had mixed results with New Year’s resolutions. Some I’ve kept (going to the gym more regularly; yay!), some have fallen by the wayside. But there’s one resolution that always tops my list, and that I never fail to make a reality: I will travel somewhere new this year.
The simple truth I’ve discovered is that travel is the best new year’s resolution you can make. Why is that? Well, several reasons:
- It’s achievable. One big benefit of resolutions is that they give us something to strive for; who doesn’t love having a goal to pursue? But it helps if that goal is at least somewhat attainable. You may not read 100 new books this year or become fluent in Swahili or get to the gym every day, but you can almost certainly squeeze in a weekend away at some point in the next 12 months. And in that case, you’ve met your goal and fulfilled your resolution! (Which is not to say you shouldn’t even aim higher, but it’s a start!)
- It’s positive. So many resolutions and goals we set for ourselves at the beginning of the year may be well-intentioned, but they’re also kind of depressing. Lose 20 pounds; stop drinking so much; save more money. Now, all these things are probably good ideas, but the getting there isn’t likely to be too enjoyable. We’re focusing on parts of our life that we don’t like and want to change, and necessary that may be, but it’s kind of hard to get excited about it. Travel, on the other hand, is a completely positive resolution: I want to see more of the world; I want to explore; I want to challenge myself to gain a new perspective. It will benefit you enormously, and not in an “eat your vegetables” kind of way.
- It’s often necessary. I know so many people who say they want to travel, but don’t make it a priority. Well, friends, here’s your chance! It’s a new year, you’re figuring out what you want to prioritize in your life for the next 12 months. Why not put “travel more” right at the top of the list? If you do, you’ll be more motivated to make it actually happen, and that’s important. Like anything else in life worth having, travel isn’t going to fall into your lap by sheer luck and happenstance. No one is going to walk up to you in the street and offer you a free cruise to Mexico or plan your summer trip to Europe for you. You have to do it yourself, and that takes some work and planning (though perhaps not as much as you might think). So make a resolution to keep travel as a high priority for yourself next year, and then take steps to make it happen. The new year could be just the kick you need to turn your travel dreams into reality!
- It’s fun! The best reason of all to resolve to travel more: it’s fun! Chances are, if you are interested enough in travel to read blogs about it, then it’s something you really want to do. Wouldn’t it be nice to achieve a goal that’s enjoyable from start to finish, and not just looking back on it after it’s accomplished?
Bottom line, life is short. Chances to travel can be fleeting. So if travel is what you want, make your resolution and don’t let anything stand in your way. Go out and explore Europe, Africa, Central America, Southeast Asia, or a city near your home….whatever’s calling to you.
Make 2016 your Year of Travel!
Is travel one of your New Year’s resolutions (if you make them?) Any exciting travel plans/goals for the year ahead?