New Year's resolutions can be hard to keep, but what if you could combine them with travel? From finding inner peace to preserving the Amazon rainforest: go all out this year and take time for yourself or the environment.
Busy, busy, busy… our days are so packed with responsibilities that we rarely have time to stop and think about how we feel. Focus on yourself in 2019 and sign up for a yoga retreat or a meditation course in a beautiful inspiring setting. That should get you into a zen state of mind.
Bali offers countless ways to find your inner peace. The atmosphere on the island alone will make your daily troubles melt away. Go for the real zen experience and sign up for a yoga retreat. A unique option is the Oneworld Retreats location in Ubud: here you will spend time in the back yard of the Prince of Ubud. The retreat is set amidst jungle and rice paddies. In addition to daily yoga sessions, you will have time for spa treatments and walks through the Ubud rice fields. For a special experience, participate in a sunrise yoga session at the foot of the Batur Volcano.
The top contender for best spiritual destination surely is India. The country is the birthplace of Ayurveda, a more than 5,000-year-old natural medicine method that takes a holistic approach to body and mind, which of course includes yoga. Meditation is a daily activity here.
For the finest spiritual detox, head to Ananda. Located at 1,000 metres of elevation in the mighty Himalayas, the retreat offers breathtaking views of the Ganges. This former residence of the Maharaja of Tehri-Garhwal now houses meditation and yoga pavilions, a luxury spa and magnificent guest rooms. In the one-on-one meditation sessions you can focus entirely on yourself, but you can also participate in Ayurveda sessions and group yoga. The resort also offers weight loss programmes and a 5 day stress management course. You will fly home totally rejuvenated and refreshed.
We are becoming more climate aware and wish to contribute to a better planet and to the conservation of animal species. Are you ready to do your share this year? There are numerous ways to combine your holiday travel with a worthy green initiative.
Peru is one of the world's richest countries in terms of biodiversity. Around 63% of its landmass is covered by the Amazon rainforest. These jungles make up one of the most important ecosystems in the world, but are greatly threatened by deforestation. Thanks to local projects and public initiatives, the rate of deforestation is decreasing and the number of trees is increasing. As a volunteer, you can participate in a tree-planting programme, help observe wildlife or teach educational workshops to the locals.
Are the Big Five and an African safari at the top of your bucket list? Join a wildlife research expedition for a close encounter with animals. Nkonzo is an organisation with numerous projects along the famous Garden Route and in the Karoo region. Volunteers receive an introduction to bush basics and learn how to study animal behaviour and approach wildlife. Your tracking and observation efforts will also contribute to nature preservation and conservation of the local wildlife population.
Is your resolution to become more active in 2019? Then take the opportunity to transform your holiday into an action-packed outdoor adventure. Don't get us wrong, relaxation is important but sometimes you get more energy from going out there and challenging yourself!
Paddle your kayak from platform to platform to pitch your tent for the night: in the US, platform camping is all the rage among outdoor adventurers. In the Everglades National Park in Florida you can set up camp at the so-called chickee huts: elevated platforms above the water. Spend the night camping on your own mini-island amidst the mangrove swamps of Florida's most famous national park. At the same time, you will be contributing to nature preservation. Platform camping leaves a much smaller environmental footprint on the rich ecosystem in this wetland area.
Bike from Germany to Venice in Italy, along the ancient Roman trade route: the Via Claudia Augusta. This symbolic route traverses three countries (Germany, Austria and Italy) and covers 700 km. The Roman emperor Claudius commissioned this road around 2,000 years ago to build the first passage across the Alps.
The road will take you through unforgettable and diverse landscapes, historic sights and vibrant cities. Along the way, excavations, old bridges and stretches of the original pavement testify to the road's rich history. To complement the experience, several restaurants along the way serve up dishes from the days of the Roman Empire.
If the going gets too tough, there are shuttles available along six of the more challenging.
