Travel Resolutions for 2021
Friends, can you believe 2021 is finally here? We all know that 2020 was a crazy year with unique challenges. We’ve relished on treasured memories from past trips, found safe adventures closer to home, and dreamed about that bucket list trip we want to take when it’s possible to do so again.
As I am making my own travel plans for 2021, I’m thinking about things a little differently than I usually do. I’m focusing on taking really meaningful trips with my family and taking action on the experiences that have been on my own bucket list. And, I’m thinking about how I can continue to travel safely and leave a positive impact on the destinations I’m visiting.
These are some of my own resolutions that I continually strive for. I hope they give you some inspiration for your own travels as well.
Always try something new
Any time I visit a new destination, it’s important to me to plan experiences that are unique to that place, eat local cuisine, talk to the locals, and learn a few words of the language. I strive to do these things so that I can better understand the culture and way of life and learn more about the country and its people.
Some of my favorite travel experiences include taking food market tours in places like Colombia and Peru, going to a soccer match in Spain, trekking into a glacier in Iceland, and staying in a traditional Japanese home with a local family. All of these things have given me unique memories of my travels.
Travel more sustainably
Think about how your travels affect the environment. I’ll admit that this is something I’ve only been really in tune with for the last few years, so I feel like I am still improving. I always carry a reusable water bottle, reusable baggies, and a bamboo toothbrush, and I aim to minimize plastic waste. I’m also trying to be aware of things like energy and water usage during my trips. And, I’ve been trying to discover more eco-resorts and support tour companies and hotels with sustainable initiatives, both in my own travels and those I’m offering to my clients.
Travel lighter
Any parent knows that traveling light with two small children is nearly impossible. Gone (for now) are my days of traveling abroad with nothing but a backpack. Regardless, I’m always trying to find ways to pack less and more efficiently, as I’ve found that less stuff equals less stress for me. I started using packing cubes and packing laundry supplies. And, I’ve been working on finding versatile items for our wardrobes that we can use all the time. Now if only we could get rid of those pesky diaper supplies. ;)
Spend locally
As Exploroholic is a small business, I know how important it is to support small, local businesses whenever possible. When I’m traveling, I try to eat at locally owned restaurants, shop at small stores, and book with local tour guides. I’ve found by doing so that I also get a more authentic experience of my destination and get to know its people better. I’ve been striving to bring these same experiences to my clients’ trips as well.
Make a plan for that big trip
Plan and budget for that bucket list trip you’ve been dreaming about. 2020 has been the year to show us how important it is to seize the moment. If there are experiences that we want to have and memories we want to create, don’t keep waiting for “one day.”
For me, I have a big trip coming up soon to Egypt. Seeing the Great Pyramids has been on my list for a long time, and I couldn’t be more excited to be making it happen. I’m also making solid plans and budgeting for big trips to India and Southern Africa over the next 2 years.
If you have any questions about making a plan and budget for that big trip on your list, please reach out to me any time. I’m happy to help.
What are your New Year's resolutions for 2021? What’s on your travel bucket list?
If you’d like to talk about your plans or next great adventure, email me any time.
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