by Bob Boyd

New year is when you hear all about people's resolutions. I've pretty much sworn off of the traditional ones about losing weight and being nicer to my loved ones. I still try to do this but I just don't wait until the New Year to get started. I did however spend some time thinking about my role as a traveler and how some resolutions in that area might enrich my time spent traveling, which for us is about half of the year. So here are some ideas if you want to make your own list. Some are more important than others but you might just find a good reason to buy that iPod that you've been eyeing. You could even end up with the perfect trip for this year.

1. Resolve to be a traveler not a tourist. Travelers are curious and respectful of the local culture.
2. Remember that good memories are timeless and good people are everywhere.
3. To learn something new. Have you always wanted to master the art of Provencal cooking, snorkel the Mediterranean, or learn about the Greek ruins in Sicily?
4. Remember that time is worth more than money.
5. Really taste and enjoy the local foods and wine.
6. Celebrate your relationships by traveling with a special friend or relative.
7. Pack less and worry less about forgetting something. Remember it's easy to get most things you need wherever you travel.
8. Stay active. Getting ready for a trip is a great motivation to stay in shape. Get on a bike, or take a walk in a beautiful place. You don't have to be an athlete to take an active vacation.
9. Get a passport. Even if you haven't booked a trip it's nice to have it tucked away in a drawer.
10. Resolve to keep a travel journal.
11. Buy some new travel gear. Consider some new walking shoes or lightweight luggage or maybe even an MP3 player.
12. Consider singles travel. If no one can go with you don't shelve your travel dreams. You can join a group. You might even make a few new friends.
13. Resolve to plan ahead.
14. Read at least one book about the place you want to visit.
15. Remember that great travel begins with optimism, a willingness to try something new, and a sense of adventure.

Happy Travel!