Did you make resolutions when the clock struck midnight on December 31, 2011? Along with vows to improve fitness, loose weight, stop a bad habit or spend more time with family and friends, is travel included on your self-improvement list? No, I don't mean a resolution to plan that long-dreamed-about trip to Hawaii. I'm talking about embracing a new travel style. Here are five suggestions to get you started:
Experience More
If there's one buzzword in travel for 2012, it's got to be experiential travel. Okay, that's actually two words; but what do they mean? Doing rather than seeing comes to mind. Dining at local restaurants, taking cooking lessons from a resident chef, interacting with people where they live rather than gazing at famous tourist attractions are a few examples. You won't find these experiences on cruise excursions or large, group tours. Look for small tours emphasizing authentic encounters or choose independent travel. Stepping out of your comfort zone is scary but brings big rewards.
Slow Down
A natural result of experiential travel is the need to slow down your pace. Rather than choosing a two-week whirlwind tour of Italy, rent a house or apartment for a week then move to a new area for the next week. Shop in the local markets for food products that will become your evening meal. Spend a morning lounging at a sidewalk cafe nursing a cappuccino while soaking in the atmosphere.You'll discover that slowing down actually broadens your horizon.
Do Good
Another popular term in 2012 travel vernacular is VolunTourism. Boomers are ignoring that lounge chair on the sandy beach to work in a school in Peru or build homes in Guatemala as part of their travel experience. Volunteer programs run the gamut from the super-organized trip of your local civic club to a one-on-one experience that you researched on the Internet. And all that do good traveling slows you down allowing the opportunity to experience a place --- three travel styles in one.
Bring the Family
Considering a cruise in Alaska? Bring the family, especially the grandkids. Spending time watching wildlife together is a bonding experience that creates a lifetime of memories. Europe, a U. S. National Park, Hawaii --- the actual location of your travel doesn't matter; it's the shared activities that create those precious conversations between generations.
Go Greener
Vow to make less of an impact on the planet's environment as you see the world in 2012. It's an easy pledge to make but how do you accomplish it? Travel is not exactly environmentally friendly, especially transportation --- flying has a huge impact on the environment. Purchasing carbon offsets is an option but you need to know which ones are for real. Green America offers tips for choosing the right program. Booking green accommodations is just as confusing. National Geographic's Green Living provides advice on what to look for when it comes to choosing eco-friendly lodging. Finally, if you're a nature saver at home, be one on your travels. Keep those showers short, recycle and watch electrical power consumption.
Have I challenged you to choose a new travel style? Which one will it be? Post a comment to share your choice with our readers.
