2022 Resolutions For Every Traveler – Part 1
With the New Year comes the promise of a fresh start. This is an opportune time to re-examine perspectives and determine what fulfills your heart and soul. For those who love to travel, or those who long to travel, make this your year!
St. John is known as Love City, and the welcome mat is out. It’s the perfect place to jumpstart your new chapter. Here are some resolution ideas to inspire your inner wanderer.
Go somewhere you’ve never been.
Even the most frequent St. John visitor hasn’t discovered the countless hidden gems! Find a bay you’ve never snorkeled or explore the many offshore snorkeling and dive sites by boat. Choose from more than 20 hiking trails suitable for every level from beginner to advanced. Skip the crowded North Shore beaches and venture out to the lesser known such as Lameshur on the remote south shore. From there, you’ll find a trail leading to Europa Bay and Reef Bay. The East End is home to Haulover North and Haulover South (both offering their own advantages) and Pelican Rock, a great snorkel spot accessible via Hansen Beach. Hansen is overseen by two sisters who own the land, simply pay a nominal fee and you’ll have free access to water toys, kayaks and often food and drink. Changing your environment could be as simple as wandering down street you’ve never been on. Get out there and discover!
Try the local cuisine.
You can get a cheeseburger anywhere, but when’s the last time you had braised oxtail, curried goat, plantain dumplings, guava ice cream or pumpkin soup with ground provisions? Your taste buds will be influenced by a diverse history of cultural food when you eat like a local. Whether it’s chicken roti from the Roti King food truck or crab kallaloo from Shaibu’s, there’s plenty of local fare to sample.
Keep a travel journal.
The devil is in the details, and it’s easy to forget the little things by the time we get back to the daily grind. Jot down your favorite experience of the day, what you learned each day, what you observed while people watching. Document how it made you feel to sink your feet in the sand and listen to the waves lapping at the shore. Take lots of pictures beyond the obvious, the anole lizard at your feet, the bees hovering around the hibiscus blooms, the cultural statues and icons, the mountains from below rather than above. Imagine yourself as a National Geographic photographer, try different angles, lenses and camera settings. Your photos and memoirs should rekindle a sight, smell or emotion that you can escape to anytime you need to recharge.
Be an environmentally-friendly traveler.
Small contributions add up to a big difference in protecting our planet. When visiting St. John, remember you’re on an island where everything is imported so the less waste, the better. Unlike many stateside establishments, we prefer to fill your hydroflask or tumbler with fresh, local water. Reusable bags are available for purchase nearly everywhere or use your own backpack or tote to reduce plastic waste. Obviously, leave nothing behind but footprints is standard protocol. Go a step further and take a trash bag on your beach day to dispose of any litter you may find. Use recycling bins when applicable and in general, be aware of ways to help us keep this island pristine.
