We’ve all been there – we start off every new year with an earnest proclamation of our resolution. You’re really going to do it this time! As great as our intentions might be, however, it’s often not too long before something goes awry and we slip up, our resolution abandoned in suit. The trick is staying focused, delving in with a plan. Believe it or not, travel can be a fantastic way to help mentally reinforce your resolution and to immerse yourself in the mindset. We’ve taken some of the most common New Year’s resolutions and matched them to an environment that can foster your intention.
Get Healthier in Palm Springs!
Palm Springs is home to dozens of hiking trails!
Looking to clean up your diet or get a little more active in 2015? Look no further than Palm Springs, California! With perennially warm temperatures and clear skies, this sun-soaked destination is ideal for keeping active. Hiking, rock-climbing, cycling, golfing and even more traditional sports like tennis, baseball and soccer can be enjoyed – just be sure to stay hydrated under that desert sun! Palm Springs’ diverse array of international dining options allows for healthier options to be embraced as well. Many establishments even boast organic, preservative-free or vegetarian/vegan options if that’s what you’re looking for. Finally, Palm Springs is home to twenty different spas. Book a reservation and enjoy the pampering you’ll receive – you’ll be all the more motivated to take care of your body if you’re feeling great!
Spend More Time with Family in Stowe!
Picturesque with a warm and welcoming atmosphere, this mountain town is the perfect place to reconnect with your entire family. Stowe, Vermont is often revered for its ski scene but has plenty to offer families regardless of the season. Summer offers gorgeous biking trails, zip-lining opportunities and the much-beloved Gondola SkyRide for breathtaking aerial views. In addition to skiing, winter activities include dogsledding, snowshoeing and sleigh rides. Regardless of the season, families can also learn how cider is mad at Cold Hollow Cider Mill, enjoy a factory tour (and samples!) of ice cream giant Ben & Jerry’s, sip malts in the 50’s-themed Depot Street Malt Shoppe and learn a little something new at the family-oriented Appletree Learning Centers.
Be More Green in Maui!
The Hawaii Nature center is geared towards all ages!
If you’re hoping to make your life a little more green and learn how to be environmentally friendly, Maui, Hawaii is a great place to start. Maui has a long history of preserving its beautiful environment while also allowing others to experience it. The Hawaii Nature Center offers programs where you can not only learn about Maui’s unique environment but also play a direct role in its preservation. The Sierra Club also offers two Maui volunteer vacations where you can help with dedicated projects while also experiencing local attractions. Even many of the area’s timeshares are in on the effort to stay environmentally friendly – The Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas details its green efforts while the Hyatt Ka’anapali Beach was awarded LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification!
De-stress in the Florida Keys!
The Florida Keys are very much the epitome of relaxation and time seems to slow down just a bit as you unwind. The Keys’ slogan “come as you are” speaks of the destination’s laid-back and easygoing manner, no matter whether you choose Key West, Key Largo, Islamorada, Big Pine Key or Marathon. Whatever your idea of relaxation is – boating, fishing, golfing, a spa treatment or even just lounging on the beach – you’ll find boundless opportunities. The Keys certainly epitomize the “lazy summer days” atmosphere, but don’t let that fool you. There’s still plenty of high-adrenaline activities to be found – it’s hard to remember your day-to-day stressors when you’re parasailing hundreds of feet in the sky!
Get in Touch with Your Spiritual Side in Sedona!
Sedona’s red rocks are said to house energy vortexes with the capability to heal and energize.
Sedona, Arizona has long been considered a spiritual retreat rife with energy and mysticism. If you’re hoping to re-energize and reconnect with your spiritual side, you can do no better than the famed red rocks. Sedona’s mysterious “vortex sites” are said to be ideal for meditation and inspire a sense of peace and harmony with the world. Sedona is also home to a strong alternative medicine community as well as practitioners of astrology and shamanism willing to pass on their crafts.
Get a Makeover in New York City!
If you’re resolving to reinvent yourself or spruce up your style a bit, New York City is the place to visit. New York will always be a shopping wonderland – SoHo and Union Square are the places for all your favorite brands, while Madison Avenue is home to the ultra-stylish and ultra-expensive stores if you’re seeking to really treat yourself. New York is also home to countless salons and spas to complete your makeover, as well as plenty of unique dining options to take a break and keep your energy up for even more shopping!