It’s almost February, which means by now most of us are starting to lose steam on our New Year’s resolutions. And you’re probably thinking there’s no way your resolutions will survive your upcoming vacation. But don’t give up! Here at the Funjet Insider, we’ve got your back. Here are the top ten most popular resolutions, and how you can take all of them on vacation with you:
1. Enjoy life more. Okay, enjoying life more is the whole point of a vacation. You don’t need our help here. Moving on.
2. Travel to new places. Since this is a travel blog, we almost passed on this one, too. Traveling to a new place doesn’t mean you have to go outside your comfort zone. With consistent quality in dozens of destinations, resort chains like RIU Resorts and Barceló Hotels let you can switch it up a little. Take a break from Cancun and try Costa Rica! Seriously, Costa Rica is amazing.
3. Spend more time with family and friends. There’s a new crop of all-inclusive resorts, including Generations Resorts, by Karisma and Finest Playa Mujeres, that offer amazing amenities for groups and families, all while keeping the luxury turned up. At Generations, enjoy a private family dinner on the beach; then enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner the next night, while the kids enjoy the Eko Kids Club (open until 9 pm). Book a two-story Rooftop Terrace Suite or Pool Junior Suite at Finest Playa Mujeres, and the whole gang can gather together for your own private pool party.
4. Get Fit and Lose Weight. We covered a lot of this in our Top 5 Healthiest Resorts a few weeks ago. The gist? Many resorts are offering gyms, inspiring walking paths, even running shoe rentals. If you need a little more guidance, My Destination Wellness offers personalized “fit trips” at El Dorado Spa Resorts, by Karisma, and Hard Rock Hotels’ all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and Dominican Republic.
5. Quit Smoking. As in the U.S., smoking indoors is prohibited in Mexico and most Caribbean countries–including Dominican Republic, Bermuda and Barbados. However, you’ll still find a lot of places where smoking outdoors is common. If you’re looking for smoke-free beaches, head to Jamaica or Oahu. FYI, Hawaii is also the third most expensive state for buying cigarettes, if you need even more of a deterrent.
6. Get a Better Education. Who says beach reading has to be limited to romance novels and crime thrillers? Catch up on a classic, like Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird (ranked the #2 beach book ever by NPR listeners), a New York Times bestseller like Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell, or native authors like Mexico’s Carolos Fuentes. Or dig deeper into the culture. Ka’anapali Beach Hotel on Maui offers a ton of free cultural activities for guests of all ages, from Hawaiian language lessons to lei making.
7. Better Money Management. Funjet’s got your back here! For the best rates (and the best selection) on hotels, book your vacation 3-4 months in advance. Funjet’s payment plans can help you spread out the cost. Booking an all-inclusive resort can also help you keep track of your budget. Though many people think they’ll be spending less by not staying at an all-inclusive, once they get home and add up all those restaurant receipts, tips and extra fees, you’ll find that’s not necessarily the case.
8. Help Others. Be a voluntourist! (This is our second-favorite travel-related made-up word, right behind “racecation.”) There’s not much to pack for a beach vacation, and if you’re traveling on a Funjet value flight, you’ve got at least one free checked bag. Pack for a Purpose would love you to use that extra luggage space to bring school supplies to children in need. And if you’re staying at a Sandals or Beaches Resort in the Caribbean, you can sign up to go on a Sandals Foundation Reading Road Trip, where you’ll read to kids at a local school and help them with their literacy skills.
9. Eat Healthy. First off, skip the buffet when possible. Then try and follow the 80/20 philosophy: Make good choices 80 percent of the time and enjoy a few treats the remaining 20 percent of the time. Enjoy a treat now and then, but pass on items you can get at home that just add extra calories. A few resort chains we think do a great job of offering healthy menus are Excellence Resorts, and El Dorado Spa Resorts, which supplies its kitchens with produce from its own hydroponic greenhouse.
10. Drink Less Alcohol. Okay, if you’re going to an all-inclusive resort, especially ones with gourmet tequila tastings, we’re not going to lie—this one’s going to be difficult. Just remember, water and other non-alcoholic beverages are also included. Many resorts like Beloved Playa Mujeres offer exotic flavored waters made with hibiscus, tamarind and more.
So there you go! One vacation can meet all of your New Year's Resolutions. You're welcome.
