My 6 New Years Travel Resolutions

It’s that time of year again, and while many people are setting their alarm clocks earlier to hit the treadmill, or gathering book recommendations from friends and family…you’re likely on this website because you’re planning, dreaming about, or planning to dream about your next trip.

So, here I am sharing my 2020 Travel Resolutions, which I hope inspire you to build your own list, and have your best travel year yet.

Tick off a new national park (or 2, or 3…)

There are many ways to experience “America’s Best Idea,” and I plan to visit at least a few new parks this year. In almost every corner of the country, a national park is nearby –- from California’s towering monoliths of Yosemite, to Maine’s glacier-carved lakes of Acadia, to Florida’s vibrant coral reefs of Dry Tortugas. It’s easy to get lost in the raw and wild beauty of these preserved lands and an absolute must for any American, or those traveling here.

Cover more ground nearby

I’m so often flying around the country and the world, and planning my next big trips, that I sometimes overlook all that my own little corner of the Northeast has to offer. The Big Apple is teeming with culture at every turn – museums, restaurants, entertainment and more – much of it walkable and often free.

To the north are beautiful hiking trails of the Hudson Valley and parts of the Appalachian Trail through Massachusetts; eastward, the rich history of Boston including the famous Freedom Trail, retelling the story of the American Revolution.

Take to the skies

To take flight, without having to board a commercial aircraft, is something one could only dream of a few years ago, but 2020 shows incredible promise in making it a reality for many. Uber is now offering helicopter transfer from area airports, while Groupon offers flight lessons for as little as $129. I’ve always loved me a window seat — this year, I’m hoping to take it to the next level.

Uber Copter service

Travel with someone new

To travel with a new companion is a novel and exciting experience. Starting with the planning phases, to the prep, to the actual travel and accommodations, it can bring you closer to a new or lifelong friend and always introduces a new dynamic.

In the past year, I was fortunate enough to travel with parents, siblings, old and new friends, colleagues, friends of friends, and solo. It can be difficult to plan with today’s chaotic schedules, but it’s always worth it.

Step foot on a new continent

North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, Antarctica. Take your pick.

We’re living in an age where travel is possible from nearly anywhere, and there is something on all seven continents that I’m dying to see. Even if my friends laughed at me when I told them I really want to visit Antarctica.

Related: Hyatt Partners With Adventure Pioneer Lindblad Expeditions

Embark on a different type of trip

Bologna, Italy

Last year, I met a fellow traveler from Norway who was following the route of early human migration. He had started in Africa, where he spent several months studying human evolution, and had made his way to Bologna tracing the Etruscan civilization.

Meanwhile, I was in Italy mainly to consume copious amounts of pasta and red wine while soaking up the sunshine and listening to the sweet accents.

Related: First Timer’s Guide To Bologna, Italy

So shoutout to Lars. Because this year, I am going to take a trip with a different agenda, learning all I can beforehand about a particular topic, and building my itinerary around that. So, with that said, first stop: the library.

Wishing you all a Happy New Year, from the entire Point Me to the Plane team.