Happy New Year everyone! I hope everyone’s 2018 started with a bang, and on the right foot. It’s so crazy to think that we’re closer to 2030 than we are to 2000. But anyway, as with each new year comes New Year’s Resolutions. I’ve been reading a lot of posts lately about how people no longer do resolutions, as they usually end up lost and forgotten throughout the year. Instead, they aim for affirmations or goals. Whatever you decide to call them, I think they are a great way to help shape your year into what you want it to be. Today, I’m sharing my travel resolutions for the new year!
The beginning of my year started off a little chilly, as it was accompanied by a snowstorm of the century. Thankfully, we didn’t receive any snow; however, we received the chilling temperatures. I planned to kick off the new year by driving up to North Carolina to visit my best friend, and my former teammates for their senior meet. That plan went off track as the storm moved up the East Coast. The roads seemed like they would be fine for the route I planned to take, but I didn’t want to chance running into black ice, getting stranded, or getting in an accident. So my first travel plan of 2018 was a definite bust.
current travel plans:
I have a a couple plans lined up for the beginning of the year when it comes to travelling. If all goes as it should, I’ll be visiting at least two new places this this year, and I’m super excited!
In March, I’m heading to Sweden with one of my best friends, Derek. We’re going to meet up with another one of my friends, and former college teammates, Alice. During our college years, Alice would always teach me simple Swedish phrases, and I would quite enjoy listening to her speak the language with fellow Swedes on campus or when she would call home. Now, I’m using Duolingo to help improve my Swedish, but it’s definitely a lot harder when there’s not someone to help you out. I haven’t seen Alice in person for a few years, so I’m more than ready for this reunion!
In April, I’m heading down to New Orleans, Louisiana with my college best friend, Heather. If you keep up with Life with Larissa, you’ll know Heather and I try to do “spring break” with each other every year since freshmen year of college. We decided instead of doing our usual beach trip, we’d explore a fun new city – so we settled on New Orleans! My sister heard about our trip, and decided she wanted to come along, since it’ll be her last high school spring break. I’ve always heard great things about New Orleans, and of course I want to try the beignets at Cafe du Monde!
travel resolutions:
As for my New Year’s Resolutions, I decided to break them up into sections. For my main travel resolution, I wanted to take a different approach to travel than I have before. Usually, when I think of travel, flying to an exotic place comes to mind, but that’s obviously not the only way to travel. There are so many different ways to travel, learn, and engage. I want to make more of an effort to travel to the places close to me, and to consider more weekend trips. Whether that’s visiting museums, or festivals, or centers – I just want to learn all that I can, and I’ve definitely been limiting myself.
Another one of my travel resolution is pushing myself more out of my comfort zone and making myself uncomfortable. I’m an introvert and I’m shy, so travelling definitely comes with its challenges. I want to talk to strangers more; practice new languages eagerly; and just be more comfortable being uncomfortable when I’m on the road!
Another travel resolution is to visit at least three new states this year. I know that doesn’t seem like too many, but I figure start low, then increase as time goes on. Even though I’ve lived in the United States for most of my life, I haven’t really taken the time to get to know each state. This year is time to change that, and make a conscious effort to visit new states!
Well, there you have it. It’s the New Year, and I’m making plans to travel near and far – domestically and internationally! What about you? Do you have any travel resolutions or goals for 2018? I’d love to hear about them! Let me know in the comments!
All pictures courtesy of Pixabay.
Take me with you! This was such an interesting read. It’s awesome to see all your plans and travels. Very inspiring.
Thank you Linette! That put a smile on my face 🙂 I hope your year is filled with various travels as well!
We are headed to Italy this year. Family live in Alaska so we will be headed back that direction as well.
Oh goodness – that is very exciting! Safe travels! I hope to make my way to Alaska one day. I heard it’s truly breathtaking!
I love that you’re sharing travel resolutions! I never think that way, but like the idea of it. As a military family, any time off that we get is spent traveling to see family. That’s a good thing, but it also means that we don’t really get a vacation with just us to places we want to visit. Maybe I need to make a travel resolution too! Thanks!
I can definitely see how that can be a bittersweet thing. I hope you and your family are able to vacation together this year. Wherever you’re headed – safe travels! And thank YOU for taking the time to read and comment 🙂
Sweden would be amazing! I am going to Mexico in a couple weeks & then I am going to Canada in April.
Xx,
Amanda
I haven’t been to Mexico or Canada yet. They have been on my radar though. Have fun and safe travels on your trips!
We are trying to plan a big trip this year but can’t decide if it’s going to be a family trip or just a couple. So many places on the bucket list. I’m hoping for the Maldives
Oh my gosh. I’m hoping for the Maldives for you! That place looks simply incredible. That would be such a treat to be able to go! Know I’m rooting for you!
What a great set of resolutions. I like the one about pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. I look forward to seeing the posts from Sweden and New Orleans.
Thank you so much for your kind words Karrie!
These are all amazing places ! Traveling does force you to get out of your comfort zone so I’m sure you’ll be a success!
Thank you Jenn! And yes – travelling definitely throws me out of my comfort zone, which makes me sometimes very surprised that I love it so much!
Its so fun to have a trip to look forward to!! I am keeping it simple and hoping for a week by a lake somewhere in the summer! That is my happy place 🙂
The lake is so much fun! I have so many great memories form spending time at a lake house. I hope you’re able to go and enjoy yourself, and of course, relax!
I loved this post! I’ve never thought about making specific travel-related resolution but I love the idea. I love to travel and sometimes I travel solo. As an introvert I really enjoy it, but I want to try and push myself out of my comfort zone as well. For example, I am trying to convince myself to stay at a hostel instead of a hotel for my next trip.
I am so jealous you’re visiting Sweden. It’s been on my bucket list for so long! I hope you’ll have fun 🙂
Thank you so much Sarah 🙂 You’ll have to let me know how your hostel stay goes. I’ve wanted to stay in one as well, but haven’t quite worked up the courage to just yet. I’ve heard they are so much fun, and you meet the coolest people!
And I’m so excited for Sweden! I know it’s going to be a blast, even though it’ll probably still be cold!
AHH you are SO inspiring Larissa! Love these great tips you have planned for the year. ive always wanted to go to new orleans! im heading to positano, italy this summer and cant wait to share the experience too!
Thank you Cait. That is so sweet <3 That is beyond exciting you're going to Italy. I've been, but never to Positano. I'll have to stay tuned for your post! Safe travels, and have fun!
Never thought of travel resolutions . Going to have a list ready for this year now. Your travel plans seem so interesting. I truly wish I could travel more.
I hope you’re able to make that happen more this year! Remember [like I’m trying to 🙂 ] that travel doesn’t only constitute of visiting foreign countries or travelling to far places. It can also mean exploring your hometown, the current city you live in, or cities nearby!
I just realized I was so busy with life I totally forgot to make any New Year’s resolutions! Well, maybe it’s a good thing, they never seems to work for me 😉 Have fun in New Orleans, it’s also on my list!
Haha oh no! I hope life slows down for you a little bit just so you can breathe 🙂
I haven’t really thought about travel resolutions this year, to be honest. However, you do have great travel resolutions! If I had to pick a resolution, it would just be to spread the love of God wherever I go, to as many people as possible.
Thank you! And I love your resolution as well. We definitely need more love around the world!
A trip to Sweden sounds so dreamy! I can’t wait to hear all about that, thanks for sharing and happy travels!
Thank you!
Your upcoming travels sound exciting! Welcome to New Orleans, my hometown! You’re going to have a blast!
Oh thank you! If you have any advice, recommendations, or suggestions, I’m all ears 🙂
Love how you are pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. And I agree with you – travel doesn’t have to be far off. I’m amazed at the number of places I haven’t visited in my own city that tourists flock to!
Thank you! And right?! I think it’s the mindset that we could go at anytime, so we never do. Haha…how ironic is that? 🙂
Sounds like you have some amazing trips planned!
Thank you 🙂
I am so jealous of all your travel plans. Sweden is on my bucket list, and I miss NOLA. I haven’t been since the early 2000s.
Thank you! If you have any information you want to pass along about your experience in NOLA, I’d love to hear it!
Sweden sounds amazing! I would love to experience the culture there. New Orleans is a favorite place of mine too.
I’m excited to see it first-hand! I got to experience a little during my college years as there a few Swedish people on campus!
Sweden and New Orleans sound incredible! This post has inspired me to think about what kind of traveling I want to do this year. Traveling can really help to reset your mind and give you a fresh perspective on things. Happy New Year!
I’m so happy to hear that Natalie! I definitely agree with you on travelling helping gain a fresh new perspective. Happy New Year to you as well!
Oh I am jealous! Sweeden!! Wow. Hope you have a blast and share lots of touristy pictures with us.
🙂 gwingal
Haha you can definitely count on that!
travelling is also in my new years plans. sweden sounds amazing! I would love to go there one day.
Oh yay! I’m glad to hear that. I hope you make it to where you want to go 🙂 Maybe Sweden 🙂
Both Sweden and New Orleans sound so exciting! I hope you have a great time on those trips!
Thank you!
So awesome for you! I can’t wait to travel more this year, as well!
Yay! I’m excited for you!
Can I stow away in your suitcase? All of your plans sound so fun and are on my travel bucket list!
Sure! Come along 🙂
Wow! Reading your travel plans really makes me feel like I need to execute mine. I’m always talking about where I want to go…I think it’s time to purchase some plane tickets
Do it! You won’t regret it 🙂
Good resolutions all. I agree one has to get out of comfort zone and bear with uncomfortable situations to have that memorable travel. Have great trips with your friends.
Thank you so much!
You’ve got a great plan and trip for the New Year. I need to save your post to take a trip with my husband. Thanks for sharing!
I hope you’re able to get that trip with the hubby 🙂 That will be a fun thing to do in the new year!
My husband and I LOVE to travel. We plan on doing some this year, too!
Awesome! I’m happy to hear that!
Oh wow!! I bet Sweden will make for such an amazing trip!
I’m counting on it!
Sweden looks beautiful and sounds like so much fun! New Orleans is a great weekend trip. I LOVE their beignets!!! Oh so good!
I’m so excited for both trips, and beyond excited to try the beignets!
New Orleans will be a great time! You must also try the coffee at Café du Monde—I’m not a coffee drinker but found it delicious.
Oh my gosh – thanks for letting me know! I will definitely try it!
Sounds like you have a very exciting year ahead! Cam’t wait to read about it all!
Thank you!