2023 New Year Resolutions For Every Traveler
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.
Start a Travel Fund
Open a separate account or even better, choose an inspiring vessel to stash your travel money in. Deposit all your loose change or set a specific amount that goes toward your goal. Even if it’s $20 a week, you’ll have over a thousand dollars at the end of a year! Quicken has a free vacation planner tool that gives you a good idea of how much your next adventure will cost. Each time you add to your stash, imagine your final destination.
Take a Solo Trip
There’s something special about traveling alone once in a while. If you’ve never done it, push outside your comfort zone and buckle up for a new experience this year. You’ll have the freedom of setting your own destination and your own agenda. St. John is about as safe as it gets so it’s the perfect destination for going it alone. Guarantee, you will return with increased confidence and a desire to return with friends and family!
Make a Difference
The act of volunteering is good for the soul. There are many ways to give back no matter where you go. You don’t have to devote all of your vacation time, even a few hours or a day or two makes a huge difference. On St. John, the Animal Care Center always needs dog walkers, groomers and socializers for both cats and dogs, and help with daily feeding. The National Park needs help maintaining trails, monitoring sea turtle hatchings, beach clean-ups and help staffing events. The Freshwater Church could use a hand supporting the reading buddy program at the elementary school, preparing meals for its monthly gatherings, and setting up Children’s Carnival every June. Dana’s Carolina Corral would appreciate assistance feeding horses, donkeys, chickens, sheep, goats and the many other animals sheltered there. Match up your skills or pick your favorite way to impact our island in a giant way.
Be Present
Taking a much needed break can be much more than just escaping the daily grind. It’s also about getting in touch with your surroundings without the distraction of electronics. Remember to look up. Be mindful of putting the phone away and practice gratitude for the little things during your vacation days. Unplug and soak up the sights and sounds of nature. Walk slower. Eat slower. Embrace island time.
