2017 has arrived, and what better excuse to get out of your comfort zone, and do a bit of exploring.
While the majority of people have waited until the beginning of the year to get healthy, head to the gym and be more conscious of work-life balance, I’m focusing on experiences and growth (both personal and professional.)
They say transformations are actually a collection of approximately 100 small changes. Below are some ways you create change and transformation through travel:
Winter breaks
Are you a self-confessed sun worshipper? Does your annual trip consist of going to a beautiful resort and soaking up rays shore-side with drinks ?
If so, why not go for something different this year (if you’re not a New Englander that is, as it’s cold enough), and try a wintry break? Going on vacation is not just about resting and relaxing.
It’s also about enjoying unique experiences and creating memories.
Winter holidays have become increasingly popular in the last few years, with destinations like Iceland attracting increasing numbers of visitors.
If you’re a thrill-seeker or you love sports like skiing, try locations like Switzerland, Austria, and Finland.
If you’re instead looking to see incredible natural wonders, look no further than New Zealand which is also high on my list.
You can try a broad spectrum of activities, such as glacier hiking, snowmobiling, and exploring caves.
In certain countries, like Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Iceland, you can also see the Northern Lights if you’re lucky.
Visit between September and March when daylight hours are limited for the best chances to view this spectacular natural phenomenon.
Island retreats
Do you usually spend your vacations surrounded by other families or taking part in an endless stream of activities and excursions?
If you’re used to a packed itinerary and have the budget, why not take the opportunity to recharge your batteries and book a retreat on a luxury private island?
Island living is all about embracing a laid-back lifestyle and appreciating the beauty around you.
Many resorts in the Caribbean and the Indian Ocean offer activities such as diving and yoga classes, but choose activities that align with your interests while incorporating a few that will push you.
Road tripping
Are you used to boarding a flight, hopping in a taxi and spending your days by the hotel pool?
If so, why not make 2017 the year you give road tripping a try? A road trip may not be the most luxurious option, but it will provide you with an unforgettable adventure.
You can explore at your leisure, and you have control of your itinerary. There’s nothing like the feeling of hitting the open road and being surrounded by rolling fields or dusty plains as far as the eye can see.
The US is famed for its road trips, but if you fact traveling further afield, New Zealand, Australia, and the UK are excellent destinations to bear in mind.
Australia’s East Coast, New Zealand’s South Island and the Lake District in the UK are all well worth a visit.
Are you bored of the same old vacation destinations? If so, why not make it your resolution to see more of the world in 2017.
Hopefully, these suggestions have given you food for thought, and you’ll be planning your next trip in no time at all.
