New Years’ Resolutions for the Conscious Traveller

As we start a new year, we have to put into practice everything we have learned in a 2021 marked by the coronavirus pandemic and recover the wishes that have been left in the pipeline for obvious reasons. This time our list of resolutions for the New Year is not only more realistic, but it aims to become a source of joy and well-being. From re-fantasizing about traveling, only applying a more sustainable approach to our trips, to continuing to cultivate self-care. These are our New Years’ Resolutions for 2022.

Spend more time in contact with nature and with ourselves

It is proven, both scientifically and personally, that spending time in nature benefits us by changing our mood, relaxing and recharging ourselves with positive energy. Enjoy a day of hiking, exploring an inhospitable and magical town and then finish with a cozy homemade lunch and local food with friends or by yourself.

Become LOCAL

It is possible to travel in a different way: stop being a simple tourist and become a traveler. Achieving this depends, to a large extent, on reaching out and adapting to the local people, their culture and their way of life. Eat like a local, explore like a local, meet new local friends.

Travel Local

Travel within your own country and breath-in your own culture. Discover hidden treasures within your city, or unexplored dreamy villages for a nourishing and peaceful trip around your origins and people.

I want to slow down my travels in 2022

If you’re the type of traveller that likes to see as much of your destination as possible, rushing around attempting to cover everything in the guidebook, perhaps this is the year that you resolve to slow down. Slow travel has numerous benefits, allowing you to focus on creating memories and savouring the experience rather than seeing travel as a competition. Focus on the quality of your trips, rather than the quantity of how much you can see and do. Let go of the attitude that you want to see as much as possible and learn to relax and unwind while travelling. 

I want to step off the beaten track

Rather than travelling to the same places as everyone else, think for yourself and step outside the box. Take the path less trodden and carve out your own adventure by visiting places that intrigue you rather than following a list of popular places. Avoid anywhere struggling with over tourism and find your way to more unusual destinations. Think about how many places there are in the world – why would you want to visit the same destinations as everyone else when there is so much to discover?

Self-Care

One of the few things that we can thank for a 2021 again overshadowed by the coronavirus pandemic is having learned to live in the present, enjoying everyday life. In this scenario we have understood the importance of self-care. A concept that is vital and refers to all those activities that bring us joy and well-being.

I’m going to start travelling lighter

Not only is travelling lighter better for the environment, it’s better for your soul. If you choose to travel with hand luggage only, you’ll have less bags to lug around, making your whole travel process easier and less rushed. Rather than being weighed down by excess luggage, pack a small bag with your essentials and focus your attention on experiences rather than things. If you’re travelling someplace hot, do you really need anything more than a swimsuit, a couple of lightweight dresses, a large sunhat and a pile of books? 

I’ll leave the guidebooks at home this year

Discover your destination for yourself, rather than following the same itinerary as everyone else. Allow yourself to wander around the place that you are visiting, choosing to investigate the places that catch your eye or asking the locals for tips, rather than simply ticking off the big attractions that guidebooks recommend. If you like to be organised, do your research before your trip to allow yourself the freedom to stroll around armed with the knowledge of the areas that you wish to visit. 

I’m going to stop geotagging locations on Instagram

Instagram is the source of plentiful travel inspiration, but we’re becoming increasingly conscious of the impact of geotagging our exact locations. When you’ve discovered a hidden gem, help to keep it that way by keeping its location under wraps rather than broadcasting its exact coordinates to the world. So many places are struggling with over tourism as social media has made it easier to track down exactly where photographs were taken. 

I’d like to explore more of the world by rail

Not only is train travel a more eco-conscious way of travelling than via plane, but it also enables you to adopt a slower pace. We love the romanticism of travelling by train, watching the world go by from a window seat, changing your travel plans if someplace you pass intrigues you. Train travel also has the benefit of being much more comfortable than flying, offering more spacious seats and even private cabins on certain routes.