Travel Resolutions
We talk to Tom Hall Editor at Lonelyplanet.com about the new book Travel Resolutions.
Travel Resolutions is a free eBook in which Lonely Planet’s team of experts have handpicked their ultimate travel resolutions for 2014. From learning to cook the Jordanian way in Wadi Musa, to mastering the ancient art of flower arranging in Kyoto, Japan; the book incorporates some inspirational and often weird (but wonderful!) experiences from around the globe.
Why is the book a different take on New Year’s Resolutions lists?
Firstly, Travel Resolutions is about exploring the world and discovering what’s unique about it, rather than the usual boring list about losing weight and going to the gym. We’re aiming to inspire people to get out there, and are giving them a few ideas to help make it happen. We’re also hoping to inspire people to make their own personal travel-themed resolutions for 2014.
Can you tell us a bit about a couple of the experiences in the book – you mentioned Jordanian cooking and flower arranging in Kyoto?
In Petra Kitchen in downtown Wadi Musa, Jordan, instead of going out for supper, you cook your own mezze, soup and main course. The local experts who teach you first-hand how to cook Jordanian food give you valuable tips throughout the evening, and the experience of cooking in the company of strangers makes you realize that cooking in Jordan, just like dining, isn’t about the locally grown ingredients or the handed-down recipes – it’s about being sociable.
If you would rather do something more artistic this year, perhaps you could head to Kyoto, Japan to learn Ikebana - the ancient art of flower arranging, which was developed in the 15th century. There are thousands of modern schools, each sharing one aim: to arrange flowers to represent heaven, earth and humanity. The resultant art form is evident all over Japan, beautifying everything from hotel lobbies to traditional restaurants.
Why was it important to incorporate off the beaten track experiences?
We have experiences from all over the world in this eBook, so hopefully there’s something in there to whet everyone’s appetite. Ghost hunting in York by night and even bog snorkelling at an annual festival in Wales also made the list. You don’t have to travel thousands of miles to experience the world in a different way in 2014.
Why should people always make at least one travel themed resolution for the year ahead?
In January your year is a blank page, but it gets filled up all too quickly. Now’s the time to put in place exciting travel plans for the coming year before other more mundane pursuits get in the way. By resolving to take a trip and try something new, people will be challenged, refreshed and will quite possibly return looking at life with a different perspective.
Why was it important to incorporate a new skill in with some of the travel suggestions?
Most people use the beginning of a new year as a time to reflect and make promises to themselves to improve in some way – here at Lonely Planet we also think that that’s a great reason to get out there and see more of the world while you’re at it! Visiting a destination to learn a new skill also helps you to get under the skin of another culture. For instance, you might want to learn how to bust some Brazilian capoeira dance moves. Well, there’s not a gym in London that could rival the experience of watching the capoeira circles at the huge weekly fair (Feira Nordestina) in the city of São Cristóvão! Make seeing it firsthand your resolution for 2014.
How were the final 52 decided upon?
Each experience was hand-picked by Lonely Planet’s global team of expert authors, who each contribute to a number of Lonely Planet titles throughout the year.
What is next for Lonely Planet?
We’re going to keep travelling and hoping to inspire great journeys across the world. In 2014, you can expect to see new digital and print editions of some of our destination guidebooks as we continue to help people plan their travels. We will also be publishing more beautiful coffee table books for the armchair traveller, new travel apps, and a whole host of inspiring travel content at www.lonelyplanet.com.
The eBook is available to download from lonelyplanet.com/travelresolutions.