Amanda PhillipsNew Year, new… travel resolutions? For keen travellers, the onset of New Year brings with it the excitement of choosing where to go for their annual holiday. With an entire globe of cities, countries and continents it’s never easy to narrow down the choices, and many holidaymakers end up sticking to what they know.
But the world is meant to be seen and nothing fun ever happened inside someone’s comfort zone. We believe this should be the year holidaymakers break the habit of booking a holiday that has too many similarities to their past five.
Easier said than done, right? Below we’ve rounded up ten travel resolutions to get you thinking about booking a holiday somewhere a bit different.
1. Don’t be afraid of solo travel
Is there somewhere on your travel bucket list that you can never convince your friends to accompany you to? Whatever the destination we all have somewhere we would like to visit but our friends or partner won’t even consider it. Maybe it’s too long a journey, a bit too far off the beaten track, or just too cold a climate. Whether it’s a weekend in Eastern Europe or a trip to Asia, don’t be afraid of solo travel.
2. Become a tourist in your own country
When planning a holiday, it’s easy to get caught up in the idea that a further afield destination is more exciting than somewhere a few miles away. However, good ol’ Blighty still has a lot to offer. Ever walked down the cobbled streets of Soho in London, or explored the terrain of the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland? No? Time to book a quick UK city break.
3. Take to the seas on your first cruise
There are some misconceptions around who chooses to cruise. But in reality there are cruise packages available that cater to all travel budgets and age ranges. Our collection of family cruises include the Disney Cruise Line and trips to the Canary Islands. Or if your ideal holiday includes a lively night life then you might like the Carnival Cruise Line with on-board nightclubs.
However, if you’re still hesitant as to whether or not you would enjoy a cruise we have a selection of mini-cruises which allow you to sample the cruise experience for a shorter time period.
4. Eat your favourite cuisine in its country of origin
If you’re always stopping by your local bakery for French Macaroons or find yourself constantly heading to an Italian every time you eat out then it might be time to book a trip to experience the real thing. Whether it’s sushi in Japan or burritos in Mexico, it’s time to give your taste buds the gift of travel.
5. Climb the highest mountain (or take the cable car)
It’s always easy to stand at the foot of a mountain and awe at its beauty. Then head off for dinner. If you’re planning to visit somewhere in 2016 which is framed by a picturesque mountain, organise a trip to the top and take in the sites from above.
6. Get sporty in the slopes
Some people believe skiing is an exclusive hobby reserved for rich celebrities. While skiing can be expensive, it is usually only if you go during the high season to certain resorts. Countries such as Austria, Slovenia, Andorra and Bulgaria all have ski slopes perfect for beginners (and experienced skiers) for under £300 a person.
7. Drive the open road with a rented car
While relaxing by a pool is, well, relaxing – in order to really get a feel for a place you need to head out onto the road. For the adventurous this could mean hiring a car and seeing where it takes you. However, if you want security for your first road trip you can book a pre-planned itinerary which includes flights, a route map, and excursions.
8. Let the music lead you to where you want to go
If you’re passionate about a certain genre of music – or an individual artist – make 2016 the year you head out to the city where it began. Hip-hop fans can explore the boroughs of New York including its birthplace: The Bronx. Whilst blues, country and jazz fans can take a road trip the musical heartlands of the USA: Memphis, Nashville and New Orleans.
9. Pretend you’re an actor in your favourite film
If you would consider yourself a movie buff, book yourself a trip to see the filming locations of your favourite films and TV shows. Head down under to New Zealand and walk in the footsteps of Frodo, stand on Carrie Bradshaw’s front steps in Manhattan or wonder through the ancient buildings of Croatia pretending you’re Daenerys Targaryen.
10. Above all, try something different
The purpose of resolutions are to expand your horizons and grow as a person. Maybe you’ve already skied across Europe and visited the birthplace of your favourite musician. But there’s always a new place to discover, or a different way to do it. Your travel resolution might be as simple as heading north to the Polar Regions because you usually head south to the sun. Whatever travel resolutions you decide on in 2016, make sure they push you to do something different and see the world from a new angle (or at least see the sunset from a different direction).