Got any resolutions for the new year? It’s easier to keep resolutions that are tied to your interests or to things that make you happy. For us at Ministry of Villas, travel is always at the heart of everything we do.
We’ve got 6 new year resolutions to change the way you travel in 2016!
New Year Resolutions 2016
1. Go on more adventures
This year, promise yourself to take time off to go on more adventures. Most of us are so engrossed in worldly responsibilities that we tend to ignore things that we love to do. Seeing new places and meeting more people gives you a different perspective of the world. Take advantage of all the long weekends and holidays, plan in advance, book your tickets and leave! Getting away isn’t really difficult, all it takes is a bit of planning.
2. Try one activity that gets your adrenaline pumping!
Ditch the cookie-clutter itinerary and promise yourself to try something new on every holiday! We’re all culprits of sticking to our comfort zone when it comes to travel but have you every thought of doing something crazy, something you never dared to do before? Something that gets your adrenaline pumping – surfing the waves in Bali, bungee jumping in New Zealand, scuba diving in Fiji or skiing in Niseko! Plan one crazy adventure-inspired trip in 2016.
3. Learn the art of slow travel
Have you ever come home from a holiday feeling more exhausted than you were before you left? Do you go to a place to just cross it off your check list? You’ve travelled half way or almost all around the world just to be somewhere for 10 days or 2 weeks and in the rush of manic sightseeing, you’ve missed taking in your surroundings at a relaxed pace. This year, promise yourself to learn the art of slow travel. Imagine living like Julia Roberts in Eat, Pray, Love – staying in a rainforest villa in Ubud, sipping coffee at an art cafe, taking leisurely day trips to neighbouring villages or learning yoga at a detox retreat. Sounds appealing?
4. Learn at least 10 new words everywhere you go
Make an effort to learn a handful of words and phrases in every country that you visit. Learn simple words like – “hello”, “thank you”, “how much?” and note these down in your travel journal. Don’t let a language barrier be a deterrent to visiting any new place. Learning a foreign language is gateway to connect with locals, establish a rapport and most times it even helps you get out of sticky situations like finding the right bus or grabbing a bargain while shopping in local markets.
5. Stay fit and eat right
For most of us, holidays are a great time to relax, drink beer and indulge in the best food. This year, promise yourself to incorporate a fitness regime into your travel plans and return home healthier than when you left. Be an early riser and embrace the outdoors – run, swim, jog or practice yoga on the beach! Try to walk to nearby places instead of jumping into a cab all the time. It’s okay to sip a cocktail or eat indulgent food but don’t over-do it! If one out of three is a splurge meal, try healthy options for the other two meals.
6. Connect with nature
While on holiday, promise yourself to look up, look around and not look down at your smartphone screens! We’re so addicted to technology that we forget to take notice of colourful skies, trees, mountain tops and waterfalls. Go on a digital detox trip that amplifies your connection with nature and encourages you to appreciate the beauty around.
What’s your new year’s resolution for 2016? Share with us in the comments below.
