HOW TO KEEP UP WITH YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS WHILE TRAVELING
Photo courtesy of Paula May via Unsplash
Still traveling but don’t want to get behind on your New Year’s resolutions (that is, if traveling more isn’t part of your resolutions this year)?
The most common New Year’s resolutions are to get fit, budget more effectively, and eat healthy, according to a 2018 poll. Read on to find out how to keep up with these goals while on the road.
Plan Ahead Whenever Possible
The easiest way to fail at resolutions related to both health and budgeting is when you don’t plan ahead and have to eat something quick (and possibly more expensive!), for example.
If you know you’re going camping early this year, your best shot at sticking with your goals is to plan ahead of time. Take a look at our healthy and easy-to-prepare camping recipes, and buy the needed ingredients early enough to find them on sale.
Choose Where to Eat Out Wisely
With Yelp and Google, there’s no reason you can’t know ahead of time whether a potential restaurant is a suitable option for you or your family.
Even while traveling, you can look up menus ahead of time to find the healthiest and most budget-friendly options available.
Take Advantage of Technology
Photo courtesy of Rohit Tandon via Unsplash
Nowadays, there’s truly an app for everything. Take advantage of this and use helpful apps to keep track of your goals. For example, You Need a Budget (YNAB) is a highly-rated budgeting app that helps you manage your spending and saving goals.
You don’t need an expensive smartwatch or gym membership to track your fitness—many apps are location-independent. Try C25K, a free app that helps you work toward running a 5K by alternating walking and jogging for about 30 minutes a day.
There are also plenty of apps dedicated to tracking your diet, from Weight Watchers, which uses a point system, to LoseIt!, which lets you log food and exercise for accountability.
Make a Budget (and Stick to It)
Your budget shouldn’t be disregarded just because you’re traveling—after all, your financial obligations don’t disappear just because you’re on vacation!
While it’s important to have fun, there are plenty of budget-friendly options for everything from outfitting your canvas tent to keeping the family entertained. Many outdoor activities that help you stay active—like hiking or swimming—are completely free.
Track Your Goals as Often and Consistently as Possible
Regardless of what your goal is, the best way to keep yourself accountable is to make SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound.
For example, instead of saying, “I want to lose weight,” a SMART goal would be: “I want to lose 20 pounds by June by cutting out sugary drinks and exercising three times a week. I’ll track my progress weekly and aim to lose half a pound each week.”
It’s much easier to stay on track when you have clearly defined goals to follow—whether you’re at home or 1,000 miles away!
