My New Year’s Travel Resolutions

How is it the new year already? It seems like 2014 flew by all too fast, which is probably okay to most of you, as I’ve heard more than a few people wishing 2014 “good riddance & don’t let the door hit you in the you-know-what on the way out.”

‘Tis the season for new year’s resolutions, so in addition to the usual weight loss, more time at the gym, & healthier eating, I thought I’d share some of my travel resolutions for the new year.

1. To make the most of every business trip

I am a horrible business traveler: when I’m not in meetings or with client, unless I’m in New York City, I tend to stick around my hotel room & the hotel restaurant & room service. It’s usually on account of being exhausted & having work that needs to be done, but come on: this is travel that someone else is paying for! To not make the most of it is just silly.

I got a glimpse of just how fun business travel can be when I took the opportunity on a trip to San Diego last year to dip my toes in the Pacific Ocean for the first time. So in 2015, as soon as the work is done, I vow to make the most of every business trip.

2. To travel as well as possible

Some people are fine with travel on a budget. I am not one of them*. I love high-end hotel toiletries, bellmen who remember my name, & the warm nuts that come from sitting in first class. Sometimes I’m tempted to cut corners with my travel to squeeze more of it in – there’s only so much time & definitely only so much budget – but those trips are never as fun. B & I love luxury travel & there’s nothing wrong with that. So in 2015, bring on the champagne, spa appointments, & king sized beds: we work hard & deserve it!

*I know this sounds elitist & snobby, but I’ve come to a point in my life where I know what we like & how to stretch our travel budget to enjoy the luxury amenities that we really enjoy. It’s not for everyone – nor should it be. It’s more important to just get out there & see the world, whether it’s in a tent or in a five star hotel.

3. No more oversized luggage

There’s an epidemic going on with air travel today & anyone who has stepped onto a plane recently knows what I’m talking about: everyone is bringing everything plus the kitchen sink on planes with them as carry on luggage. Since I achieved elite status with US Airways (& get free checked bags), B & I have been checking luggage more often & I really can’t describe the freeing feeling that comes with it. There’s no anxiety to push your way onto the plane to fight for overhead bin space & nothing to haul through the airport. A self-professed packing queen, I will admit that sometimes it’s nice to just not be burdened. So in the new year: no more oversized luggage. My trusty wheeling carry on bag is within airline luggage limits, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a pain to haul around. A night or two? Sure. But a week in Europe? Check please!

4. No more using travel as an excuse to not take care of myself

We’ve all done it (especially you business travelers): you’re on the umpteenth business trip of the year & even though you know that 25 minutes on the hotel treadmill & a salad for dinner would do you good, that beer & chicken tenders is calling your name. I’ve done it too many times & this year it stops. Repeat after me: business travel is not a vacation, business travel is not a vacation. I’m all about splurging on vacation, but need to stop splurging on business travel. I’m counting on all of you to keep me honest.

5. To live in the moment

Too many of us are guilty of going through life with our noses in our phones. I actually love going on cruises because the wifi is so darn expensive, you have no choice but to unplug. But in 2015, I vow to unplug more & truly live in the moment. To enjoy sunsets not through the lens of a camera, but with a glass of wine in my one hand & B’s hand in the other. To enjoy a meal without taking notes & photos on each course. To unplug & slow down & remember the simple pleasures of life.

6. Create travel traditions

Last year, after our second trip to the Finger Lakes in as many months, I wrote about travel traditions. Well, we’re headed to a cabin in the Finger Lakes again this year, so I think we officially have a tradition on our hands! As much as I like exploring new places, I also love going back to familiar places, like NYC, where every block feels familiar (& yet new at the same time) & I have old favorites. I think it’ll only take a few more years to feel the same way about the Finger Lakes. I’d love to establish other travel traditions too, especially around the holidays.

PS What is it with New York State? You guys are rocking it!

7. To bring you, my awesome readers, all the inside tips & dynamic photos that you’ve come to expect

Sometimes writing a travel blog is exhausting. It involves taking photos of things that no traveler in their right mind would possibly take photos of (hello: every. single. hotel room!), & filling notebooks with detailed notes of meals, walks, & thoughts. Let me be clear: I’m absolutely not complaining. I love my blog, I love providing all of you – my awesome readers – with all the information you need to travel well & I wouldn’t give up any of this for anything.

So just know that going into 2015, we’re going to have a wild ride together. There’s a trip to Park City, Utah (my first visit to the Beehive State!) on the horizon & a surprise trip for B’s birthday up my sleeve. I’m so deeply humbled that you are all along for the ride with me. Onward!