I know that resolutions are usually meant to be broken – how many of us resolved to lose weight the next year or work out more or learn a new language but never did it ? – but somehow, putting some ideas in writing makes everything clearer. And at the end of 2013 I’d be able to kick myself in the behind if I didn’t stick to them!

1. I resolve to be patient when I go through too long security checks at too old and stupidly organized airports (Baneasa in March 2011 comes to mind). Let’s try to get away with being charming and smiling…

2. I resolve to learn better Hungarian and Greek. We travel a lot to Hungary and it would serve me well to speak better. As for Greek, I’m in love with Greece…and that says it all! Also I resolve to use the knowledge I have in the local languages when/if I travel to Italy, Spain or France.

3. I resolve to pack light and keep things simple. I can improve on this, so hoping to do better each time we travel.

4. I resole to be patient with the unexpected things which happen along the way when we travel. I resolve to adapt as I go.

5. I resolve to keep a tab on the currency exchange rate and figure out whether it’s cheaper to exchange money before I leave – in my case it is!- or when I arrive at the destination. Using the debit card outside the country usually means US$3 in fees plus whatever exchange rate for each transaction.

6. I resolve to try a new food in each place I visit BUT stay away from red meat, as usual.

7. I resolve to continue traveling on low-cost carriers and second-class trains and stay in cheap hotels/hostels. No amount of luxury beats the experiences you have when you meet people who travel in such conditions.

8. I resolve to continue talking to the persons I meet on trips after I get back home (email, skype). I resolve to make meaningful connections.

9. I resolve to forget about work when I travel (as much as possible) but always take notes for possible articles. I resolve to share what I’ve learned with others.

10. I resolve to take more photos from each destination and try new angles to look at places and events.

11. I resolve to visit a new country.

12. I resolve to take time and continue to travel as slowly as possible. I resolve to slow down and enjoy the experiences.

13. I resolve to value options over possessions.