2019 is just around the corner. To start the new year off on the right foot, Musement has put together a list of 12 resolutions for travelers.
Having celebrated the end of the year in proper fashion with family and friends, it’s now time to bring in the new year in the best way possible: by thinking of which resolutions to make…and keep! At Musement, one of our resolutions is to inspire you a little more every day for your upcoming travels. So, with that in mind, here is a list of resolutions for 2019 that are perfect for travelers. What are your resolutions? Let us know in the comments.
1. Travel Eco-friendly
Traveling is getting easier every year. If we think of our parents’ generation, for example, once upon a time, it was unimaginable for them to organize a flight in two minutes flat and sometimes for just a small pittance. We travel more and more often and further and further away, so we should be aware of the carbon footprint of each of our travels. A good resolution for travelers to make this year is to travel green: try to minimize our carbon footprint and preserve our wonderful planet so that we can continue to protect and discover its treasures—and so, in turn, the generations to come will also be able to enjoy them.
2. Adapt to the customs of the country you visit
When traveling, it’s important to travel responsibly, and this also involves good manners. Knowing how to greet others, the proper ways to behave at the table, and what to tip in other countries is important for every traveler.
3. Rediscover your inner self
Work, obligations, and the stress of everyday life can sometimes completely drain our batteries. When we worry too much about what we need to do and about those around us, we tend to forget ourselves. Taking a break and refocusing on oneself is essential. So, why not commit to a meditation or yoga retreat to recharge in 2019?
4. Take up a sport (again)
After the excesses of Christmas and the New Year, many of us feel the need to get back in shape. Walking and hiking are suitable ways to explore new horizons or (re)discover our own country. Throw yourself a challenge like the El Camino de Santiago pilgrimage or running a marathon in an unknown city.
5. Go to a good traveler festival
A wise traveler is also a cultured traveler! Think of a list of museums you’d like to visit this year or participate in a music or film festival in a city you don’t know as both are interesting ways to meet new people and interact with locals.
6. Travel for a cause
Surely the noblest resolution on this list since it’s one that’s not all about you. That said, while it will allow you to serve others, it could be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. Choose a cause you really care about—humanitarian, social or ecological—and fly off to Asia, North or South America, Africa, or even Europe.
7. Travel light
Swap out your big suitcase for a backpack. Leave your designer clothes, perfume, makeup, high heels, uncomfortable dresses, unnecessary accessories—in short everything superfluous–at home. You’ll see, it’ll do you some good!
8. Visit some of the most beautiful places in the world before they disappear
Our planet is suffering, and while it’s important to change our habits from an ecological point of view, we cannot go back. This is why some spectacular destinations are growing endangered. Add at least one of them to your list–and travel there responsibly!–before it’s too late.
9. Don’t neglect souvenirs
Souvenirs are important, too. They allow you to continue traveling when you’re back home and help keep the travel memories alive. So, remember to write a travel blog or bring back local souvenirs for yourself as well, and most of all, take plenty of pics with your camera or smartphone.
10. Enjoy time with those you cherish
Traveling is also an opportunity to get far away from the daily grind and share a special moment with those who accompany us. This year, why not organize a trip to Rome with your children, a trip to Vienna with your parents, or a road trip in Europe with siblings or a group of friends?
11. Visit one of the wonders of the world
There are only seven of them, so what would you say to one a year? Petra, the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal… which one will you choose this year?
12. Take a digital detox expedition
The amount of time we spend in front of screens every day is a bit ridiculous. It’s no joke: we’re all completely addicted. This has been proven and it’s just not good for our health. A small, digital detox would not do us any harm, but just the opposite. Could you survive traveling without phone, Internet, Google maps, and Instagram?