New Year’s Resolutions Travellers Should Follow For 2019

Christmas is over, and now we’re counting down the days towards the New Year. Many of us see this time as a chance to start anew, which is why we anticipate it with so much hope. For travellers, there’s one thing we’re certain of every year — it’s another year of exploring the world. Here’s a list of New Year’s resolutions Filipino travellers can add to upgrade your travel style for 2019.

Prioritise travel insurance

While it’s tempting to drop all unrequired expenses during trips, travel insurance is a must-have for every traveller.

Also read: Why Travel Insurance Should Be One of Your Trip’s Non-Negotiables

Lose some (baggage) weight

This year, learn how to pack like a pro. Travellers have enough to worry about, and excess baggage shouldn’t be a part of your problems anymore. Pack smart! Get to know yourself, your wants and your needs during a trip, and stop overloading your luggage with just-in-case items.

Also read: Suitcase Packing: 8 Ways To Do It Better

Learn more about culture

Doing it for the ‘gram isn’t all that bad. But this year, try extending your knowledge towards the stories of the places you’ll be travelling to. After all, places were never meant to be just a backdrop. Try out local food, and mingle with some friendly residents. Check out museums and observe various festivals. You might be all the more amazed with how diverse the world is.

Travel more sustainably

The world is such a beautiful place — travellers, of all people, would know this. Yet, it’s crumbling in our hands because of our unmindful lifestyles. It would be a favour for the world and all the people in it if we learn how to lessen our carbon footprint during trips.

Also read: The Fault in Our Wanderlust: What Travellers Should Know About Tourist Spot Rehabilitation

Have a healthier lifestyle

Most of us usually include losing weight in our New Year’s resolutions. For travellers, however, it would be more practical to have a healthier lifestyle altogether. Aside from getting that dream beach bod for the next time you travel to the beach, make it a point to be more active too so that you can explore the world better. Imagine having an easier time hiking mountains, or not running out of breath when the trail becomes more difficult than expected. Walkathons are fun, too, when you can actually handle walking!

Become more financially stable

This is another popular but very important New Year’s resolution. It’s easy to overlook your budget, especially when #travelislife, but travelling should never get in the way of a stable future. In contrast, travelling should actually help you build a better future. With all the lessons we learn through travelling, it can really be considered a wise investment. Just make sure you won’t have to break the bank to travel more.

Plan vacations better

We have another 365 days next year, and we can definitely maximise them when we plan ahead. While travelling for the majority of the year can be a bit too idealistic, we can still make sure that each day of our year leads to a good and well-planned trip.

Also read: A Year of Travel: 12 Trips in 12 Months for Filipino Travellers

Seek more new experiences

If you’re comfortable with five-star hotels and first-class plane seats, why don’t you try going on a budget trip just for the heck of it? On the other hand, if you’re a pro-backpacker, save up for a one-in-a-lifetime luxury travel. Go for it!

Explore the Philippines more

Our country is breathtaking. It has beaches and mountains, lakes and waterfalls. It has luxury hotels and quirky hostels. But beyond its natural wonders and man-made structures, it has a fascinating history and a diverse culture that other nations can hardly beat. I may be biased in saying that out of all the countries I’ve been to, no country compares to the beauty of the Philippines — but admit it, you think so too.

Also read: An Open Letter to Filipinos: Travel the Philippines First

Add these New Year’s Resolutions to your list, and you’re in for an exciting 2019 ahead of you. Here’s to travelling more!