Achieve all 5 of the most popular New Year’s resolutions – with travel

Promises, promises. Your list of resolutions, will they be long forgotten by January 13, 30, or the end of February? It only takes 30 days to form a habit. But you have to get to day one. If you’re looking for a little inspiration, here are a few destination ideas that will make achieving your New Year’s resolutions a real pleasure. Ready?

Motu Teta, Tahiti | Photo:  Courtesy of Motu Teta

Resolution: Learn Something New

There’s nothing like a trip to Tahiti to explore uncharted waters. Motu Teta in the middle of the South Pacific Ocean in the Atoll of Rangiroa, Tahiti, is a place where “different” is the order of the day. Go for a midnight lobster hunt in the back reef of the island. Trek through shallow tide pools of fish and eels and snatch a lobster which your private chef will cook for you the next day. If you’re really daring, go on an excursion where a guide will help you tie leftover fish onto a large rope and wait for a shark to bite down. Then quickly pull the shark out of the water for a quick photo before releasing it back into the ocean. Deep Water Cay a private islandin Grand Bahama is where you want to go to get schooled on the basics of fly-fishing for bonefish. Learn to handle the fly rod and manage the line, how to cast it, work with terminal tackle and more.

Related: Here’s how to plan the perfect fishing trip

Chef Seraphine in the organic garden at Rosalie Bay Resort | Photo: Courtesy of Rosalie Bay Resort

Resolution: Eat healthier

Perched on a hill overlooking the Serchio Valley, about an hour outside of Florence and Pisa, Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa’s Tuscan Wine & Culinary Experience Package, is the answer for your quest for healthy eating. Take a trip to a local food market to hand pick your favorite ingredients and later cook alongside one of the resort’s chefs. Learn about healthy cooking and complete your foodie adventure with a three-course meal outdoors on a private veranda overlooking the mountainous region. Rosalie Bay Resort, Dominica is another spot to put your palate on the right path. The eco-boutique and wellness retreat is home to Zamaan Restaurant, which features healthful cuisine and Dominican favorites. Dishes are created with ingredients grown in the resort’s organic garden and locally. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free menu options are available.

Helping the elephant population of Namibia | Photo: Courtesy of Hands Up Holidays

Resolution: Volunteer more

What is more rewarding than giving back to others? Volunteer at Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort in Aruba. Plan your vacation to include the third Wednesday of the month and join in the resort’s monthly beach clean-up. Work with other guests and locals to preserve the beach and marine life. Pack with a purpose. Dedicate a small space in your suitcase to bring needed school supplies and art materials that are given to a local orphanage. If you want to lend a hand in Namibia, check out Handsupholidays.com. Help erect protection walls around community water sources, dig alternative sources away from villages for elephants to use, spend time at sanctuaries for orphaned or injured wildlife like lions, leopards, baboons, sheep, and wild dogs. Feed the animals and clean their living spaces.

SUP yoga, Condado Lagoon, San Juan, Puerto Rico | Photo: Courtesy of Puerto Rican Tourism Company

Resolution: Get fit/lose weight

 The San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino in Puerto Rico, embracing the FitBits trend, now offers a “Stay a Bit Fit in San Juan” package that includes complimentary bike rentals to explore Condado or Old San Juan, daily healthy breakfast, and a FitBit Flex to track fitness adventures. A short ride from San Juan, hike, zipline or kayak through one of Puerto Rico’s three bioluminescent bays. Pranda del Mar, a yoga and meditation retreat in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, with its surroundings – ocean, desert and mountains, is ideal for yoga, surfing lessons, snorkeling, kayaking, or taking long walks. Enjoy spa services and the healthy menu that combines Mexican and international flavors from Pranda del Mar’s organic vegetable and herb garden.

Related: Check out the top 7 things to do in Cabo

Tabacon Hot Springs | Photo: Courtesy of Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort

Resolution: Stress less

It’s hard to be stressed when 900 acres of lush rainforest are your playground at Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort – a natural thermal springs escape steps away from Costa Rica’s Arenal volcano. Relax with spa treatments performed in open-air bungalows to the sounds of local wildlife, soak in 100% thermal springs heated by the volcano’s magma, or channel your zen at the adults-only Shangri-La Garden, that includes a full bar and cocoon-shaped private cabanas. Or if getting your adrenaline going is the best way unwind, go white water rafting. At Turtle Beach Resort in Barbados, calm yourself by soaking up the culture. Try your hand at Bajan pastime. Jump in a game of beach cricket, or challenge yourself to play calypso classics on steel pan. Learn to cook with local ingredients like noni flour and cactus or to speak with a Bajan accent with dialect lessons.

Tagged: Caribbean, Europe, Mexico