You’ve nearly made it to March – well done, you! Most resolutions don’t make it past the first two weeks of the year (cough gym memberships cough), but you’re still going strong. Now it’s time to reward yourself while doubling down on your 2025 goals… and what better way to do that than with a bucket-list getaway that actually matches your New Year’s resolution?
So, pack your bags – your dream trip (and your best self) awaits!
- If your resolution is to SPEND MORE TIME WITH FAMILY → Head to… BRAZIL
Brazil just gets big family vibes. It’s loud, colourful, packed with adventure, and full of warm-hearted locals who make you feel right at home. It also happens to be one of Flight Centre South Africa’s rising stars, according to their Year in Travel 2024 report.
“Thanks to recently reinstated direct flights to São Paulo via SAA, Brazil saw a whopping 51% surge in bookings last year,” says Antoinette Turner, General Manager at Flight Centre South Africa.
Brazil guarantees family moments to cherish, whether it’s building sandcastles on Copacabana, seeing your kids marvel at the grandeur of Christ the Redeemer, or watching capybaras waddle past in the Pantanal.
- If your resolution is to EXERCISE MORE → Get moving in… NAMIBIA
If the gym’s getting boring, maybe making it to the top of a massive sand dune in Namibia will do the trick. Namibia makes staying active feel like an actual reward – think hiking the candy-coloured landscapes of Sossusvlei, sandboarding over Swakopmund’s massive dunes, or cycling through the barren beauty of the Namib Desert.
“Namibia is one of the world’s best destinations for active travellers, but distances between attractions can be vast. If you’re planning on hiking in Fish River Canyon or climbing Sossusvlei’s dunes, self-driving is a great option, but always factor in extra fuel, food, and water – facilities can be limited in remote areas,” says Turner.
- If your resolution is to LEARN SOMETHING NEW → Take a deep dive into… CHINA
There’s plenty to learn in China: the art of making delicate xiaolongbao dumplings, mastering Tai Chi with a local instructor in a temple courtyard, or soaking in 4,000 years of history from the Great Wall to the Terracotta Army.
“China – another destination with skyrocketing bookings, up 36% last year – is endlessly fascinating, but South African travellers should be aware of the visa requirements, which can be detailed and time-consuming, so apply well in advance,” Turner cautions.
“The other key to enjoying China is local guidance – joining a guided walking tour or booking an experience like a dumpling-making class will give you far richer insights into the culture than exploring solo,” she adds.
- If your resolution is to STRESS LESS → Unwind in… DUBAI
Self-care isn’t just facemasks and manicures… sometimes it’s floating in an infinity pool overlooking a glittering skyline. Dubai knows how to help you prioritise YOU, whether you’re gliding through desert dunes, sipping a cocktail in a cloud-high rooftop lounge, or finding your zen in award-winning spas. According to Turner:
“Dubai specialises in seamless travel, but it’s essential to book experiences in advance – especially for sought-after activities like high tea at the Burj Al Arab or a desert safari. The best options fill up quickly! Luckily, Saffers can get a visa on arrival, making this one of the easiest international destinations to visit.”
- If your resolution is to GET MORE SLEEP → Recharge in… TURKEY
Forget counting sheep – in Turkey, you’ll be lulled into the deepest sleep of your life inside a fairytale cave hotel, listening to the soft echo of the ancient world around you. With thermal hot springs, dreamy beach towns, and endless cups of soothing apple tea (yes, that’s a thing), Turkey slows you right down.
“If you’re flying from South Africa, Turkish Airlines is usually the best option, offering a direct route to Istanbul with easy domestic connections. Also, take advantage of Turkey’s affordability – a week in a five-star resort there can cost less than a three-star hotel in Europe,” Turner advises.
- If your resolution is to LIVE IN THE ‘NOW’ → Say oui .. PARIS
If mindfulness is high on your 2025 agenda, Paris is calling. Here, life is about the right now: the flavour of an espresso at a bustling café, the golden glow on the Seine at sunset, the intoxicating swirl of butter and jam on a just-baked croissant. Forget rush mode – this is ‘leisurely stroll and long-lunch’ territory with plenty of romance sprinkled into every experience.
Paris is all about slow, immersive travel, but it’s one of the world’s most visited cities, so planning is crucial. Turner’s advice? If you’re keen to avoid crowds, book major ticketed attractions – like the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and Versailles – at least a month in advance.
“The best way to explore is on foot, but Paris’s metro system is fantastic, so invest in a multi-day travel pass for ease and economy. And don’t rush your itinerary – Paris isn’t a ‘tick-the-boxes’ city, it’s a place where moments matter more than landmarks,” she adds.
Tips for sticking to your New Year’s Resolution while travelling
- Rigid resolutions don’t survive flight delays, local delicacies, or spontaneous detours. Adapt instead! If exercise is your mission, forget the gym – walk everywhere, hike iconic landmarks, or swap your morning routine for paddleboarding or a cycling tour.
- Travel is unpredictable: jet lag, missed connections, and street food too tempting to resist (we’re looking at you, Parisian pastries!). One indulgence isn’t a failure – balance it out. Had a rich meal? Make the next one fresh and healthy. Skipped journalling? Jot down quick notes on your phone. Let your resolution enhance your experience rather than limit it.
- Ever return from a trip only to realise it felt like a blur? Slow down. Be truly present. Absorb the sounds, smells, and feelings of each moment. If your resolution was to stress less, use travel as a reset – not another source of pressure.
Remember, sticking to resolutions while traveling shouldn’t be about restriction. Make it about alignment instead! When your goals and adventures work in harmony, they don’t feel like chores… they feel like life well-lived.
Happy travels!