It’s mid-February, which means that most of us who made New Year’s resolutions have already given up on them. I’m not here to make you feel guilty; instead, I’d like to offer an alternative set of resolutions that you can still achieve this year.
Unless you’re taking a group to some wintery destination, chances are that you’re staying put until the worst of the cold weather passes. That puts you in a great position to do some planning for trips you’ll take later this year or even in 2016.
As you’re planning, consider making some travel resolutions for the coming year. Breaking out of your routine and trying new things can help make your trips fresh and exciting, especially if you’re taking a group to places they’ve been before.
With that in mind, here are six travel resolutions I suggest you try.
1) Visit a National Park.
The national park system is one of the jewels of America, and it preserves our greatest national treasures. We all saw last year how devastating it was when the parks closed during the government shutdown, and we need to stop taking them for granted. A park visit will add a great element to any group trip.
2) Visit a big city.
The collage of sights, sounds, scents and experiences that come together in a metropolis make unforgettable travel memories, and they often can’t be replicated in smaller destinations. Whether you travel to New York, Chicago, Paris, Istanbul or Rio de Janeiro, a visit to a big city will give your travelers a thrill that they’ll be talking about for years.
3) Travel a back road.
On the flip side, America’s byways and small towns exude a charm, an authenticity and a warm sense of welcome that can melt the heart of even the most jaded city dweller. If your travels usually take you from one metro area to another, resolve to travel the back roads this year to experience beautiful scenery and the best of small-town America.
4) Taste something new.
One of the great joys of travel is experiencing the wide world of cuisine as we go. Unfortunately, it’s all too easy to boil group dinners down to a choice of chicken, beef or fish. Let’s all commit to remedy this situation by trying something new everywhere we go and encouraging our travel companions to do the same.
5) Travel abroad.
International travel is a powerful drug: Try it once, and you’ll be hooked immediately. Although it can seem intimidating to plan trips to foreign countries, tour operators and travel pros can make it seamless and enjoyable. Taking a trip outside your geographical comfort zone could change the lives of your travelers forever.
6) Try the impossible.
The world of travel is brimming with exciting new opportunities, but many travelers shy away from trying things they don’t think they can do. I say go for it: Try a zip line, a paddleboard, a round of golf or a hands-on art project. You may discover an inner strength you never knew you had… and you’ll have a great time doing it.
