Most of us do the same thing at the start of each new year—we get overly excited in January and make unrealistic resolutions that we’re regretting by February, and have entirely given up on somewhere around March. Travellers fall in the same wagon, starting with ambitious plans to travel the world and ending up at our regular, favourite vacation destination we visit each year.

So, this year, I'd like to help you make some realistic travel resolutions that are easy to keep, and will leave you with the satisfaction of having travelled often, and well at the end of the year. My list here includes general resolutions doable by every traveller. I hope you find some inspiration here to make your own list and have a wonderful 2014 full of travel!

1. Explore your own city
Many of us take our resident cities for granted. Whether you live in a bustling metropolis or a quiet town, chances are you haven’t seen all of the city’s sights. There’s always an excuse on hand, either it’s too far, or it’s too crowded, or there’s too much traffic. But this is your city, and as a travel enthusiast you’d be missing out on an opportunity to make new discoveries. I find Wikitravel to be a good source for discovering activities and attractions in my own city. You could also try printed guides, online forums, and blogs for ideas. The next time you have no Sunday plans, try to head out and discover your home ground.

2. Use long weekends for getaways
It’s tempting to spend long weekends lounging around, reading a good book, and having a nice drink. However, there’s a whole world out there waiting for you! Three days might not seem like much time to go anywhere but if you plan in advance, you can have a nice break near your city, or an easy flight connection away. The Planetwildlife travel team is adept at working out good deals for getaways. So if you’re stalled for travel ideas, get in touch with them and they’ll help you out.

Tip: Contact your office’s HR department now and ask for a list of holidays for this calendar year so you’ll have plenty of time to plan your trips in advance.

3. Go somewhere new
The Dalai Lama put it best when he said, “Once a year go someplace you’ve never been before”. Going to your favourite vacation spot might be easy, fun, and even comforting, but our gorgeous planet has so many amazing places awaiting your discovery! Step out of your comfort zone, leave familiarity behind, and head forth for a new adventure this year. And on the slight chance that things don’t work out, it’ll give you a reason to take another holiday and return to your favourite vacation spot.

4. Try camping/homestays
There’s something to be said for the comforts of five-star luxury accommodation. There are few things as relaxing and inviting as the thought of room service, a pillow menu, a rejuvenating spa, and a serene infinity pool. However, once in a while it’s nice to either rough it out and camp, or interact with locals in homestays. You’ll experience your destination from a completely new perspective. Camping is really great for building an appreciation for nature, and getting to know your fellow travellers better. Also, once you’re back home, you’ll have a much greater appreciation for indoor plumbing! If roughing it out doesn’t appeal to you, try staying in a cosy homestay. Local hosts are an excellent way to learn insider details of your destination. You’ll probably hear stories and get tips you wouldn’t get easily anywhere else. You’ll also get to sample fresh, authentic local cuisine, and what could be better than that?

5. Travel outside your country
They say travel broadens your mind and nothing does it better than experiencing a different culture. Learning about the history, daily life, traditions, and wildlife of another country will leave you enlightened and more sensitive towards others. Travelling abroad need not be an expensive affair. If you plan ahead, it’s possible to get reasonably well priced tickets, because let’s be realistic, getting “cheap tickets” these days is either down to luck or a lot of compromise. Also consider travelling at the start of “off season” when the weather isn’t all that bad and accommodation rates are significantly lower.

6. Go on a technology-free holiday
I personally love to travel with the latest travel apps, and my camera. I find documenting my travels to be a very rewarding affair. However, there is a certain charm to having a technology-free holiday at least once a year. It can open your eyes to so many things you’d otherwise have missed out on. Asking a local for directions instead of using Google Maps can lead to interesting interactions. And as useful as it is to use TripAdvisor for restaurant and pub recommendations, local recommendations can possibly take you to hidden gems you wouldn’t find otherwise. But what of photos to look at later, you ask? Well, why not try sketching the beautiful scenes you come across? Or, if like me, you’re not adept at drawing, you could write about the sights you see.

So, go forth. Resolve. Travel.

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