It’s that time of the year again when you look back at all the resolutions from the previous year that you couldn’t keep, tear that page and write new ones for the New Year. For 2016 though, why don’t you give the usual Join-the-gym, spend-less-save-more kind of resolutions a break (come on! You’ve been trying to keep those for years) and take on some resolutions (read challenges) laden with wanderlust! Here are a few to get you started.
Picture Credit: Pexels
1) Take it slow
One would say there’s too much to see and too little time at hand; which is why give each place its due. Don’t fall for the hop, skip and jump kind of itineraries that promise too many destinations, rather give more days, or even months, to a single place and watch its charm unfold. Stay put for a while and discover what lies beneath the guide-book-mapped surface of a place. Discover its remotest spots, its underrated delicacies and make friends with the locals. Travelling isn’t just about getting from one place to another.
Picture Credit: Pexel
2) Revisit a destination
You may have a huge bucket list to strike off, but revisiting a place is like returning to your grandparents’ house or your childhood home after years. Everything seems familiar yet new. You now know a little more about the city than you did first time around and you can finally visit all the places and do all those things that you missed out on the last time. Plus reuniting with local friends is the cherry on the cake. Return to a place that you absolutely loved or absolutely hated. Who knows? Maybe second time’s the charm.
Picture Credit: Pexels
3) Travel solo
If you have done it already, you probably don’t need a reason to do it again. If you haven’t, what are you waiting for? It has definitely been on your mind and you may be scared or unsure; which is exactly why you should do it. If nothing else, it will be a trip to remember. If you need some help with planning, read blogs by other solo travellers. It will surely give you the push you need.
Picture Credit: Pexels
4) Take more (impromptu) vacations
Routine doesn’t allow for an easy escape. The good news is there are way too many long weekends in 2016. Better news is you need not wait for a long weekend to travel. Issue a sick leave and take off. When you reach the summit of a mountain or watch the sun go down from the balcony of your hotel room, you surely won’t be missing your cubicle.
Picture Credit: Pexels
5) Ditch the hotel
In a time where holiday rentals like AirBnB, One Fine Stay and Be Mate are letting you live in a local’s house, hotels are slowly becoming impersonal and boring. Make the most of your stay by choosing to live in the comfort of a home. Options range from minimalistic apartments to luxury pent houses and holiday homes. You have the option of sharing it with other travellers too. In case you feel more adventurous, try Couchsurfing, which allows you to live with a local host for free. Surely a travel experience you should have, plus this could be the easiest way to meet some locals.
Picture Credit: Pexels
6) Hit the road
Sometimes while we are planning exotic trips to faraway destinations we forget to explore the precious treasures that lie in our backyards. Rent a car, grab a couple of friends, family or co-workers and hit the road. Drive around your city, to another town or another country; doesn’t matter. As long as you are on the road you will always find new things, new people and new memories. Trust a road trip to change your life forever.
Picture Credit: Pexels
7) Go social-media free
In the age of selfies sticks and online check-in’s, give social media a break. Take a vacation without worrying what your next Facebook post would be, click pictures for memories, not Instagram and save your blog posts for until after the trip. Explore the surroundings without being directed by Google Maps and find restaurants and cafes without Zomato (ask the locals!). It is sure to change the way you travel.
Picture Credit: Pexels
8) Learn the local cuisine and try it at home
Instead of bringing back souvenirs, learn to cook up a local dish. It will complement the stories you tell your friends over dinner back home. Also, it makes for a better souvenir idea that you can keep forever and maybe even pass on.
Picture Credit: Pexels
9) Keep travelling
Life is short and the road is long. Just go out and explore. Even if travel doesn’t lead to self-discovery, it will bring you to a gorgeous view once in a while and that’ll transform you just as much. No matter how frequently or rarely, slow or fast, alone or with company; keep travelling!
