Lonely Planet's Travel Resolutions for 2014: Unforgettable Adventures Await
New Year's resolutions often fizzle out fast, but travel goals endure. At Lonely Planet, our expert team is ditching gym promises for epic 2014 journeys: scaling volcanoes, uncovering remote landscapes, and mastering snowboarding (with backup ready). Discover our achievable, inspiring travel resolutions.
Dance Up a Storm at Eurovision
I'm cranking the wind machine to 'cyclonic' and grabbing a glittering ticket for my first Eurovision Song Contest in charming Copenhagen, Denmark. Worth the long haul from Australia to catch every key change, costume reveal, dance mishap, and host awkwardness live. With decades of Aussie fandom, I'll wave my mirror ball and flag proudly.
Embark on an Indian Adventure
Finally heading to India in 2014, with flights booked and A Suitable Boy packed. I'll wander Rajasthan's palaces, marvel at Varanasi's chaotic beauty, and relax in Darjeeling's hills. Traveling with housemates—who once rocked a one-lens sunglasses and massive bum-bag look in Istanbul—means protecting my street cred is key.
A perfect landing or faceful of snow? 2014 reveals all. Image courtesy of James Smart.
Seek Out Solitude
Truly remote spots are rare, but as city dwellers, we crave them. Highlights include Volcan Maderas' primeval crater lake in Nicaragua's Isla de Ometepe; Spiti Valley's stark isolation amid vultures and Buddha statues in India; and fog-shrouded Black Cuillin on Scotland's Isle of Skye. In 2014, Namibia's Skeleton Coast and Chile's abandoned Atacama mining towns beckon this apocalypse seeker.
No souls for miles in India's Spiti Valley. Image courtesy of James Kay.
Take the Kids Up a Mountain
Our 2013 Brecon Beacons hike featured a 7-month-old in a backpack and an 18-month-old toddler who ditched the pram after 0.2 miles. We carried and coaxed her to Sgwd yr Eira waterfall. For 2024, we're aiming higher: Pen y Fan summit for full 'Mountain Baby' status.
A summit to celebrate... will the kids conquer it? Image courtesy of Claire Naylor.
Hit the USA's Music Scene
Relocating to the USA for a year in 2014 supercharges my goals. Instead of all 48 states or the full Appalachian Trail, I'll dive into music: country in Nashville (my base), blues in Memphis, jazz in New Orleans, indie in Austin, and electronica in Motown.
Guitar solos and Tennessee whiskey: Nashville's musical magic. Image by munabril. CC BY 2.0.
Explore My Own Country
More Wales Coast Path walks in Pembroke, Brecon Beacons hikes, Snowdonia climbs, a first Scotland trip via Caledonian Sleeper, and Edinburgh Festival—no excuses for missing UK gems like Tenby's clear waters and rugged isles.
Clear waters and rugged isles in Tenby, Wales. Image by Tony Young. CC BY-SA 2.0.
Finally Head Down Under
Australia calls in 2014 for family—cousin's wedding. With three weeks, we're RV-ing Western Australia: Perth to Ningaloo Reef and back. Distances and costs be damned; memories are priceless.
Craving more 2014 inspiration? Download our free ebook, Travel Resolutions: 52 New Ways to Experience Planet Earth.
