Now what is a travel resolution?
All I know is avoiding junk food, giving up alcohol and (talking about) exercising.
Well, a travel resolution is learning from previous years’ travels that you and others around you made. Both travel and evolution are mankind’s innate instincts. From the times of hunter-gatherers, when life was a way of travel, we’ve evolved to today, when travel is a way of life. These travel resolutions for 2014 are suddenly not that surprising now, are they?
I will travel light
Don’t spend your next holiday worrying about that missing shirt or absconding hair dryer. A light bag is worth all that dispensable stuff. It will be a revelation to see you can carry on with much less than what you thought. Cosmetics, extra shoes, spare denims, gadgets … ditch them all this time.
I will go beyond Indian food
You’ve lived on Indian food for practically all of your life. It’s heretical to visit a place and not trying their local food. Daal, rice, sambar, parantha and butter chicken are NOT the best recipes on the planet; even if they are (for you), be enthusiastic to try the local cuisine in other places. From Daal-Baati in Jodhpur to Pancakes in Singapore, every place is a food destination of sorts.
I will respect the culture and people
This might be a little hard to accept, but Indians are one of the most frowned upon tourists across the world. We take away train towels, hotel stuff, chew tobacco, spit paan, don’t respect queues, are impolite and lack chivalry. You can deny all you want, but the world believes otherwise. Next time, step before that yellow line at frisking counter. Don’t bargain at a fixed price shop. Smile and say hello to the waitress at your table. And voila, you’ve favourably changed some opinions.
I will go offbeat
Once in a while, it’s good to ditch famous cities for quieter, offbeat destinations. Hills, lesser known towns, upcoming destinations, quieter beaches and even some villages are the kind of places you should picture. An offbeat holiday will be more relaxing and unhurried, you will find out. Some suggestions here.
I will choose Digital Detox
This is a tough resolution. Take (at least) one holiday each year where you will not use any mobile phone, laptop, tablet, video game or any personal gadget. This means no Facebook, Twitter, emails, phone calls, movies or any connection with the outside world. You will be surprised how unwinding digital detox is.
I will broaden my horizon and opinion
This means exploring a place after breaking your bubble and prejudice. Go beyond the main tourist attractions and postcard places. Take a local bus, speak to a shopkeeper, try food at a small eatery, and be open to ideas, changes and impulsive plans. John Steinbeck once said “A journey is like marriage. The certain way to be wrong is to think you control it”. So, go and let go.
I will experiment with a new travel style
A really fun resolution for all of us! Try a new travel style in 2014. The ideas are aplenty. Travelling without a flight, a road trip in your own car, choosing homestays over hotels, trying a local job, going for a month-long trip are some to begin with. Not just 2014, you should surprise yourself with new travel styles each year.
I will not travel for societal appreciation
This is quite close to the previous resolution. Do not travel to a place because your neighbours or friends have been there. Everyone has different travel styles, aspirations and means. Plan a holiday that complies with yours and only yours. For a change, don’t impress people. Don’t think of Facebook photo opportunities. Just think of true happiness.
I hope the travel addict in you picks some of these resolutions before heading on that much needed holiday. Happy 2014!
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