2022 Resolutions For Every Traveler – Part 2
In Part 1, we started a list of New Year travel resolutions to inspire your inner wanderer. In case you missed it, you can read it here. Here are a few more ideas to make 2022 a year of adventure.
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.
