7 Travel Resolutions and How to Keep Them

It’s the time of the year again. With the brand new year comes the need to be better and do better. The appeal to be an improved version of ourselves is strong at this particular time and that’s why even though most of us fail at keeping our resolutions, we still religiously write our lists every year.

I have been a frequent traveler last year and my travels have taught me a lot. In the process, I’ve come to know myself better, my preferences, what works for me and what doesn’t. This is where travel resolutions come in handy. My goals will determine how I will travel better this year.

With the help of some friends who also love traveling, I listed down seven travel resolutions and suggestions on how to stick to them.

1. Pack lighter/smarter.
There are a number of things to consider when packing: the weather of the destination, the number of days/nights you’ll be staying, the kind of trip (business/pleasure), among others. With these things in mind, make a list of things to bring. If you’re a frequent traveler like me, you probably have a standard list which you just modify per trip, adding and removing items as you see fit. I also have a toiletry bag with the essentials on it and I just grab it when the trip comes.

As for clothes, it pays to bring basics and transitional clothes that allow you to mix and match. Bringing extra undies are recommended, as well as having an extra set of clothes in your hand carry, just in case you lose/misplace your luggage.

2. Try your hand at solo traveling.
This is something I technically haven’t tried and would love to experience in the near future. If you’re doing it for the first time but you’re concerned for your safety, as you should be, pick local destinations. Batanes is highly recommended. (Update: I’ve done it in Bangkok and it was glorious!)

Find the right balance between spontaneity and caution. I can’t stress enough how important it is to research about your destination. Be observant and trust your instincts.

3. Travel as cost-effectively as possible.
You can’t put a price on a great experience but it doesn’t mean you have to break the bank just to get to that dream destination. As previously mentioned, it pays to do a good research to know more about the destination, including the possible expenses during the trip. Most travel blogs post their itineraries and budget breakdown. Airlines also frequently offer seat sales so places that previously seemed unattainable are now possible. And with alternative lodging sites like Airbnb, Couchsurfing, and Worldpackers, you get cheaper or free options for accommodation without necessarily sacrificing comfort.

There will be times that you will feel like splurging and that’s okay; you don’t have to deprive yourself. The key is getting more bang for your buck — knowing that you’re paying the right price for the right product/service.

4. Learn the local language.
There’s no better way to connect with locals than learning their language or dialect. Language is a large part of one’s culture and to speak a foreign language is to somehow experience that culture. Most locals, especially those who live in touristy places, adjust to tourists by speaking the most widely used language (i.e. Tagalog or Filipino in the Philippines when speaking to a fellow Pinoy, English when speaking with foreigners) but they appreciate it if you know and use a few words in their dialect. You don’t have to be fluent but knowing the basics (thank you, hello, good morning, sorry) can come a long way. Plus, it earns you bragging rights with your friends. 😉

5. Travel mindfully.
Mindful traveling is a huge concept and it can come in a lot of forms. But if I can summarize it in one word, it’s this: awareness. Be aware of yourself, the destination, and the locals. Be in the moment and pay attention to the things and people around you. Soak it all in. And remember the Leave No Trace principle: leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures, kill nothing but time.

6. Travel spontaneously.
With all my mentions of research, it’s also good to be spontaneous from time to time. Most of my favorite travel moments were the unplanned ones, surprises that came about when I was just going with the flow.

Research still plays a role in successful spontaneous trips but it doesn’t have to be too detailed. If you’re the type of traveler who likes planning everything down to the very minute detail, my advice is to let go bit by bit. Try leaving a section of your trip for free time and doing nothing in particular. On your next trip, try setting a whole day of no itineraries and no activities planned. Continue doing it until you feel brave enough to go to a place without plans. You’ll get there.

7. Create more experiences.
This resolution is a bit similar to #5 but it deserves its own spot. Seat sales and travel deals have made traveling so much easier now while social media has made the same for documentation and sharing. In a time when traveling has become available for more people, it’s ironic that not all of us are truly “experiencing the moment.” The need to capture an Instagrammable shot and share it to the world sometimes hinders us from truly being in the moment. I know this because I often struggle with this dilemma (partly because it’s my job to be always online, but that’s no excuse). I try to be more present by pausing, taking my time to enjoy the view first before I give in to the temptation of getting a good shot. I truly hope to make the most out of my trips. Who knows? Maybe I can even go an unplugged vacation this year.

We all have our travel plans and bucket lists. Each trip presents a chance to fulfill these travel resolutions and I really hope we (yes, myself included) get to do so. To better travels!

What’s your travel resolution? Share it on the Comments!