Ahhhh….Finally the house is quiet and most of the fallout from this holiday season has been cleaned up and put away. Now it’s time to kick it into high gear and start planning for 2019. I find resolutions pretty rough on your ego because once you start to backslide or break the resolution entirely, you feel like such a loser, and that is just not good for you or anyone else. So, for the past few years I have set the same resolution for myself and I always achieve it. My resolution is to NOT INTENTIONALLY STAB ANYONE WITH A KNIFE OR OTHER SHARP OBJECT. So far, I have not stabbed anyone, therefore I am a winner and I’m feeling pretty darn good about myself!!
I do believe in setting goals. Some goals can be achieved in an afternoon. Others may take a while longer. Traveling is no different. I did away with my bucket list because I found myself just checking boxes to say “been there, done that”. The past couple of years I have set realistic (sort of) travel goals and this is much more rewarding and less defeating. So I will list my 2019 goals out for you and that will give me more accountability.
- Visit one new National Park. I am a huge supporter of National Parks. If you are an American citizen, this is one of the many things that should fill you with pride about your country. If you have friends or family visiting from a foreign country, be a show off and take them to one of our beautiful national parks. I am such a national park geek. I have a National Park Passport that I always have with me when I travel to get stamped. You can also get stamps at
national monuments,national seashores, etc….Also, if there is a National Park Lodge at the park, I have to stay at the park. In my mind, it does not count going to the park unless I stay at the official lodge.
Previously, I have planned two separate trips to Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park. Both times the plans have fallen through because of weddings, the kitchen falling apart and taking all my travel funds to repair, the timing just never worked out. So I’m trying to decide whether to try one more time to make it out west or maybe go to Florida and do Dry Tortugas National Park and Everglades National Park.
2. Try AirBNB I have heard nothing but rave reviews from friends that have stayed in AirBNBs. I even have a favorites list on my AirBNB profile. I just need to pull the trigger and do it. This AirBNB can be rented here
3. If I come across an inexpensive airfare, just book it. Usually, if I happen across a cheap airfare to somewhere I haven’t considered before, I will start nosing around about hotels and other logistics. This year, if I come across a cheap airfare to somewhere that looks appealing, I’m just going to throw caution to the wind and book it, then worry about hotels and everything else afterwards. SPONTANEITY!
4. One week at an all inclusive resort on the beach. I can’t believe it has 
been about five years since Mr. Global and I have been on a vacation to just sit on the beach and have someone wait on us. I have a love/hate relationship with A/I resorts, but I do think it is time for an unplugged, relaxed and let someone else take care of the details kind of vacation.
5. Try a low cost carrier and book the bare bones fare. This really intrigues me. No seat assignment, last to board, no carry on, personal item only. Chances are real good I’ll be doing this all by my lonesome.
6. Work on my photography skills. Of all my wonderful travel memories, I have maybe a handful of decent photographs.
7. And my last goal is one I have already started planning. I’m taking my first solo international vacation!! I’ve done international vacations but never solo. I’ve been on international trips by myself, but they were work related. This will be my first international leisure trip by myself. Ten days in Scotland in October! City sightseeing in Edinburgh and walking on the Isle of Skye!
I’m ready for 2019, so bring it on. What about you? Let me know what you have planned for 2019 or where your travels took you in 2018.
And don’t forget, starting in January, Global Girl Around the World will start a step by step series for planning an unforgettable vacation!!