Top Travel Resolutions for 2009

With a new year upon us, it’s time to make some new resolutions. Whether you’re looking to go green, get more exercise, eat healthier or save money, travel can be the catalyst that helps you cross off your New Year’s resolutions. We’ve compiled a list of travel resolutions to help jump start 2009 – consider them, then set a travel resolution of your own and get a head start on a great year.

Walk Around. The number one New Year’s resolution among American’s is to shed a few pounds – so start walking! No matter where you go or how you get there, walk around and explore the architecture, history, and culture of a new destination. You’ll find yourself on hidden corners and side streets unknown to cars and taxis, but rich in history and stories. Book cheap flights to Paris and get lost in an arrondissement. Fly to Rome and walk back in time down the cobblestone-streets. Feel like staying closer to home? New York is famous for its aspiring artists – get to know them intimately by walking through SoHo or Greenwich Village studios.

If you’re new to your destination, ask the hotel concierge for a walking map of the city. The hotel can point out safe routes and also highlight popular attractions along the way.

Go Green – Rebuild the World. In this age of global warming and eco-friendly living, many American’s are making a more concerted effort to live green. Good news: the green life extends beyond the home. Airlines and airports are making advancements to help reduce their carbon-footprint on land in the air, and more hotels are joining the eco-friendly bandwagon with earth-friendly enhancements in rooms.

In addition, more travel companies are offering eco-friendly trips and tours. You can even fund a portion of your travel costs by helping out in communities where you travel. Join a re-building mission to Israel or help endangered elephants in Kenya. Whatever your reason for advancing your socially-conscience efforts, the results can pay off in more ways than one. Review the IRS publication 463 on travel deductions (www.irs.gov) and talk to your tax advisor.

Get Local. Immerse yourself in new cultures and experience life as a local. Resolve to learn a new language – then use it when you travel. Start with the basics: “hello,” “goodbye,” and “thank you,” and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Create a playlist of songs and artists from your destination and upload it to your iPod before the flight. Music is a great way to understand local culture and ethnicities.

We expect you’ll probably read a few travel guides before your trip, but have you read the works of popular writers from the area? Pick up a popular book from a local author or grab a novel that takes place in your destination and lose yourself in the words. Grab a Hemingway classic for travel to the Florida Keys or read about the English monarchy during your flight to London.

Eat Healthy. It’s hard to forget the first time you tried frog legs, duck pate or pigs ears, but if it’s good enough for the locals it’s sure to whet your appetite. Enjoy the local fare of your destination – forgo McDonald’s for something a little more authentic. Learn about the delicacies specific to your destination and make a point to try at least one new food item while you’re on vacation.

Make a To-Do List. One of the top complaints travelers have when venturing to a new destination is that there isn’t enough time to see everything. For your next trip, make a to-do list so you can be sure to see the most important things first, then take advantage of the other attractions in the area.

Get a head start on your to-do list by reading about the attractions you’re committed to seeing. Having a little background will give you an advantage when entering a new place - you'll spend more time admiring the great works of art, the intricate architecture or the unforgettable history and less time trying to keep up with the tour guide.

Try New Things. Sound familiar? Studies show that one of the top resolutions of every New Year is to ‘try new things’ –cross off at least one resolution on your list by trying something new on your next trip.

Enjoy being a tourist and take advantage of the best your destination has to offer. Heading to the Bahamas for a weekend getaway? Get your scuba gear ready to explore some of the best underwater life in the Atlantic Ocean. Tango your way through Argentina or go fishing in Maine. Whatever you choose to do, make it something specific to that destination.

Resolve to do one new thing at each new destination and you’ll be one step closer to completing your New Year’s travel resolution list.

Keep an Online Journal. Cell phones and calling cards cost money – save yourself a few dollars and create a Web page dedicate to your trip. You can upload photos, blog about your day and allow friends and family to leave you comments while you’re traveling. At the end of each day, write down your experiences and don't forget to include the intimate details. By jotting down your experiences on a daily basis, you’ll better capture the little details of the day – the weather, the people, the funny moments and the odd and eccentric. Even better, you’ve saved yourself a few dollars (and precious cell phone minutes) by using the Internet.

Travel tip: If your hotel charges a surcharge for Internet access, find a free-WiFi café, bookstore or lounge in your destination. Not only will you save money, but you might witness another memorable moment while you’re out.

Reward Yourself. You’re going to buy things on vacation, so you might as well earn a little dough when you spend. Put purchases on your credit card to earn points toward future travel. Many credit cards offer double and triple points when you use the card at restaurants, hotels or with a tour. Check with your credit card company to determine the rules of the road before you spend and then double-check your balance when you get home to ensure all your points have been attributed properly.

If you’re traveling internationally, call your credit card company and find out what fees, if any, are associated with international purchases.

Stash and Save Money. Travel doesn’t have to cost a fortune. If you plan ahead and you’re flexible, you will not only get a great deal but you can actually save money while traveling. A few simple tips to keep in mind before you head to the airport:

Consider public transportation to the airport instead of parking your car.
- Pack a light snack for the airplane instead of buying food at the airport.
- Bring an empty water bottle with you and fill it up from a drinking fountain post-security.
- Stock up on bottled water and protein bars when you reach your destination and keep them in the hotel room.
- If available, use the public transportation options in your destination instead of taking taxis.
- Fly through alternate airports. These airports usually host low-cost airlines and offer cheap airline tickets to popular destinations.
- Consider booking a vacation package with an airline or hotel. Discounts are plentiful when you book together.
- Negotiate for a bigger hotel room, free breakfasts or complimentary tours. Talk to the concierge when you arrive at your hotel and ask for upgrades, vouchers and more.

The options are endless when it comes to saving. Keep your New Year’s resolution to save money and stretch your travel dollar with more helpful travel hints.

What are your travel resolutions? Let us know what you plan to do for 2009 travel.

© Cheapflights Ltd Melanie Nayer

Comments

[Guillaume]

Good suggestions for travelling green! Have a look at my blog, Hope you can find some advice.