Happy 2014, TravelGrounders!

Welcome to a year full of new experiences, fresh opportunities, and prosperity in every aspect of your lives. The New Year is a time for setting new goals, so why not apply that to the traveller in you too? Here are some travel resolutions for the year ahead:

Travel by aigle_dore (Flickr)

  • Travel more

Travel as much and as long as you possibly can. If you spent 2013 dreaming of all the holidays you could have been on, start planning for 2014. Start by exploring places right on your doorstep. Postpone international getaways for another year and make 2014 one for discovering your own country!

  • Pack less

We always regret packing unnecessary clothes. Make 2014 the year for packing just one bag of the bare essentials. With less luxuries, you’ll be able to enjoy yourself, rather than spending hours in front of the mirror – which is what travel is about, right?

Resolutions by Simplyla (Flickr)

  • Book more weekends away

It’s easy to let life get in the way of life, so slow down and take advantage of your weekends by booking more short trips closer to home. We recommend Hermanus or Franschhoek for those in the Cape, the Magaliesburg for those in Johannesburg, and Underberg for those in Durban.

  • Tick a destination off your bucket list monthly

Make a bucket list of all of the local places you want to visit, such as the Cape Winelands, Kruger National Park, or Garden Route and tick them off your list as the months go by.

Camping at Wolfkop Camping Villages (TG)

  • Go camping

Sometimes the best times of our lives come from little planning and more living. Camping is a fantastic way to let loose and just enjoy nature and the people around us.

  • Go on a road trip

Remember that the journey is just as, if not more, important than the destination. Tackle Route 62 or the Midlands Meander and take heed of our tips on what to take with you on your road trip.

Resolutions by nattu(Flickr)

  • Try new things

Travelling gives us a freedom we don’t have at home, so be prepared to untie the bowlines and sail away from the safe harbour. Try new things, whether it’s a mountain hike, game drive, talking to strangers, or tasting traditional food.

  • Take a bush break

By living in South Africa, we often take the natural bush for granted in terms of a holiday destination. Bush stays can give you a new outlook on life, clear your head, and get you closer to nature. Check out these great game lodges in Limpopo.

Sleeping on Couch by Diesel Denim (Flickr)

  • Become a couch surfer

Couchsurfing gives travellers access to over 100,000 new cities! You’ll save plenty of bucks by crashing for free on someone’s couch, and you will have a chance to meet a whole lot of new people.

  • Be more eco-friendly

2014 is the year for being eco-conscious. Try take public transport, stay at eco-friendly accommodations, and be aware of your effect on the environment. Read our tips for being more eco-friendly on holiday.

Travel by Latin America for Less (Flickr)

  • Ditch the guidebook

Often the best part of a city is missed when we’re too busy following our guidebooks, so spend some time exploring without one.

  • Be budget conscious

If you overspent in 2013, sign up for the TravelGround newsletter today and be the first to hear about our latest accommodation specials.

What travel resolutions have you made for 2014?