Where I want to go and what I want to do in the year ahead.
Are you making any New Year’s resolutions? What about travel resolutions? Here are my travel goals for 2009.
1. Visit Italy again
In particular I really want to go to Venice and Naples. I’ve been to Italy once before, in June 2006, and visited Rome, Florence, Pisa and the Umbrian countryside. I’ve always wanted to go to Venice and I fancy the idea of going in January, when the canals are misty and atmospheric yet the tourist numbers are at their nadir, or maybe February, for Carnival. Naples has been on the agenda for a while as well, but the protracted garbage strike last year delayed our plans.
2. Have a fabulous honeymoon
Our wedding is in April back in our home town of Sydney so a trip to Australia is on the cards. We are currently debating whether to go to New Zealand or Tahiti for our honeymoon. I want to go somewhere beautiful and treat ourselves to a little luxury and privacy with our choice of accommodation. I’m also keen to cash in frequent flyer points for business class airfares wherever possible.
3. Make good on my promises to visit friends
This year will be the year that I visit my friend Jann in Amsterdam and my friend Misty in Dublin – hopefully without flying.
4. Be a tourist in London
I live in one of the most exciting and interesting cities in the world but I have to confess I don’t make the most of it. So I resolve to get out and enjoy London more and make a list of 20 things in London that I’m yet to do, or would like to do again.
5. Get my driving licence
I have always lived in big cities with decent public transport so I’ve never really needed my licence. However, it’s becoming a burden not to be able to hire cars or share driving when on holiday. I’m 32 now, so I really need to get this one sorted.
6. Travel writing
My travel writing takes me all over the world and it’s great. I guess I want to have more control over the places I go and my itinerary once I’m there – a goal for 2009 would be to plan at least one trip with multiple commissions, that I make a profit on in terms of time and expenses.
7. Travel photography and video
My little digital camera takes such good snaps that my bulky, heavy film SLR hasn’t seen the light of day for quite some time. However, I do miss taking arty snaps and I want to get back into it this year. I also want to produce at least one edited travel video to post here on Roaming Tales.
8. Tread lightly on the earth
Last but not least, I want to work on ways to minimise the impact of my travels, from taking my own water bottle to flying less.
I love this list… I am so with you on the being a tourist in your own back yard. It’s easy to forget you’re Not From Round Here! I’ve visited London a dozen times to see my sister and always end up doing the same things. For the next one we’re going with a hardcore itinerary!
Looking forward to seeing your photos over the year!
Thanks, Shauna. Feel free to look me up next time you’re in London. – Caitlin.