We have officially stepped into 2021! It has been a year of uncertainty for travellers everywhere, but we can still continue to dream about our future getaways and keep our wanderlust alive in many ways. Whether you're planning to explore your own backyard or embrace new experiences, get started with some of the best New Year's resolutions for every traveller in 2021!
1. Explore your own backyard
While we wait for the international borders to reopen, let's take the time and explore the beauty in our own backyard. Whether you're a city dweller or a nature lover, experience what your country has to offer through a traveller's eye and you may discover your new favourite spot along the way.
2. Discover hidden gems in your country
It's easy to overlook the hidden street art, secret alleyways or a nature attraction when you go about your day. Ditch the car ride and take the public transport to truly immerse yourself in the uniqueness of the city you live in. Besides going off the beaten path, there are many ways to discover the hidden gems in your country, which includes stepping into an old vintage store, joining a tour and learning a traditional trade from a local artisan.
3. Experience solo travel for the first time
It takes courage to travel on your own without depending on others for directions and travel expenses. When you have the chance to travel solo in your own country, seize it! Fill up your itinerary with all the places you want to visit and food you hope to eat while enjoying your alone time. Through this experience, you'll also discover the realities of travelling solo, and having this much freedom will make you crave for more solo adventures in the future.
4. Plan more weekend staycations
Planning a weekend staycation is a quick way to relax and unwind after a stressful week in the office. It's also a good opportunity to utilise your annual leaves since you won't be spending week-long vacations overseas until it's safe to travel again. Keep a lookout for hotels and resorts that are offering attractive discounts and staycation deals that are perfect for short getaways. Besides giving you a well-deserved break, it's also a great way to revive and support the travel industry during the pandemic.
5. Learn a new language
Learning a new language can come in handy, especially when you’re travelling to a destination where English isn’t widely used. Now that you have all the time to learn and practice, seize the opportunity to prepare for your future overseas trip! While you don’t have to master a foreign language (though if you do, that’s great!), learning a few basic phrases like ‘Please and thank you’, ‘Do you speak English?’ and ‘Where is the bathroom?` will go a long way during your travel ?
P.S. If you’re in the midst of learning Japanese, check out these useful phrases and words you should know for your next trip to Japan.
6. Embrace new experiences
If you've always wanted to try snorkelling, paragliding or hiking, be sure to cross it off from your bucket list this year! You can take advantage of the awesome tour packages from your nearest travel agencies or join a local outdoor group to embrace new experiences. Other outdoor activities that you can add to your New Year's resolutions include abseiling, scuba diving, ATV riding, skydiving and white water rafting!
7. Savour local dishes you've always wanted to try
If your love language is food, nothing can satisfy your appetite better than a heartwarming meal that reminds you of home. But have you tried all of the local dishes that your country has to offer? Turn it into a food adventure and plan a road trip to savour anything between nasi kerabu and Hokkien mee!
8. Reconnect with mother nature
Since we're staying home on most months of the year, take a moment to reconnect with mother nature! It doesn't matter if you're enjoying a picnic with your family, cycling around the park or visiting a nature attraction, spend an afternoon exploring the outdoors and breathe in some fresh air! When you're out and about, remember to practice social distancing and wear a mask at all times (unless you're doing a strenuous activity).
9. Start a travel journal
Travel journalling is an excellent way to reflect on the trips you have taken. Not only does it let you think about the places you have visited, but it offers an opportunity for introspection and gratitude too. Jotting down your experiences in a journal is also a fun way to reminisce the adventures you've had and the amazing vacations you spent with your loved ones.
P.S. Besides travel journaling, check out more ways to organise your travel souvenirs and mementos!
10. Save money for your ultimate bucket list adventures
Never stop dreaming and planning for your future trips abroad! It may take a while before the international borders reopen, but take this opportunity to save up for your dream vacay. Aside from booking your accommodations in advance and searching for the best flight deals, there are many easy ways to save money for your next getaway. So dream big and stay inspired!
From planning more weekend staycations to embracing new experiences, there are many ways we can continue to inspire our wanderlust despite the temporary border closures during the pandemic. We hope these New Year's resolutions will inspire you to dream big and see the world when it's safe to travel again.