A New Year's Resolution: To Travel More

A new year is upon us! It’s the time of year where everyone is thinking about and discussing their new year’s resolutions. One resolution we think you should consider: to travel more! Taking vacations, whether just a quick weekend getaway or a week long stay, offers a variety of benefits. Keep reading to learn why we think you should travel more in 2023.

New Year’s Resolutions

A New Year’s resolution is a common tradition in which a person resolves to continue good practices, change an undesired trait or behavior, accomplish a personal goal or otherwise improve their behavior at the beginning of a calendar year. Common resolutions typically revolve around being healthier, losing weight, getting organized or learning something new.

Unfortunately, more than half of all New Year’s resolutions fail. The reasons: it’s created based on what society is telling you to change, it’s too vague or you don’t have a realistic plan for achieving it. The key is to set a goal that’s not only meaningful to you, but also attainable. Be specific and make sure you can measure it’s success. For example, instead of just saying, “I want to travel more,” set a goal to plan two trips for the year. You can make one a week long vacation and the other a weekend getaway.

Benefits of Travel

While you might decide to add travel to your list of resolutions because it’s fun, there are so many other benefits you might not have even thought of. Travel can help you with other resolutions as well, such as avoiding work burnout, reducing stress and bringing more joy to your life.

According to studies, spending money on “doing something” leaves you with a longer sense of happiness than spending it on a “material purchase.” Along with happiness, travel is one of the best things you can do for your mental health. It offers you a break from the day to day grind, and lets you disconnect and recharge. Everyone deserves a break once in a while, and it can help prevent issues such as chronic stress, burnout, depression, anxiety, etc.

Planning Your Vacation

A common concern with adding travel plans to new year’s resolutions is that you just don’t have the time. Whether you have a bunch of saved up PTO or not, everyone can travel. You don’t have to plan some big extravagant trip. If you can’t take a week off from work, not a problem. How much of your own backyard have you not explored? Day trips still count! Weekend getaways are great! No matter where you live, you’re sure to find something new to experience within a few hours’ drive. Make travel a priority this year, as your health and wellbeing might depend on it!

As you’re making your travel plans, be sure to keep the beautiful Lake of the Ozarks area in mind! We offer a wide range of vacation rentals in Osage Beach and surrounding areas. The summer season offers a plethora of outdoor activities, from boating and hiking to waterfront dining. The great thing about the lake is that it’s centrally located and just a short drive from many large Midwest cities, making it an easy destination for a quick getaway. Contact us today to find the perfect Lake of the Ozarks accommodations for your needs!