It’s that time of the year again, when we start reflecting on what we’ve done over the past year and plan what we hope to achieve in the new year. As you pen down your new year's resolutions for 2023, make sure that travel is on your list! Whether it's a trip within your country or that multi-city European adventure that you postponed because of the pandemic, this is the year to make it a reality - here's why!

1. You Get To Improve Your Fitness Level

The number one resolution most people have is “This is the year I will get fit and healthy!". Well, a travel adventure might help you with that or at least inspire you to start. Visiting countries where walking is a norm like Japan and London, will make staying active feel less like a workout since you'll be busy having fun while exploring a foreign city. Alternatively, book a cycling tour instead of a bus tour to explore a new destination or maybe try out a new sport like surfing or snorkelling on a beach vacay. If you're staying in accommodation with an in-house gym or pool, make the most of the facilities!

2. You're (Almost) Guaranteed An Epic Adventure

Have you ever wanted to live the life of Indiana Jones? Okay, maybe not exactly that adventurous but if there is one thing you cannot deny about travelling, it's the fact that travelling is an adventure in itself.

When you’re out travelling in a foreign country, you’ll realise there is so much you didn’t know about the world. And it’s not just about being there in a new place. It's also about the journey - figuring out the transportation, trying out the local delicacies, trying to communicate in a foreign language, learning the culture, and meeting people; be it the locals or other travellers alike. It’s exhilarating, it’s fun, it can be taxing and tiring, but gosh, you’ll realise after everything that it’s definitely worth it!

3. You Learn More About Yourself

Always thought that you wouldn’t be able to survive in another country without your fried rice or nasi lemak available nearby? Or did you think that you’d get totally lost and helpless should you have to rely on public transportation in a place where you don't speak the local language? Well, in the end, you didn’t, did you? And if you did get lost, you managed to find your way in the end, right?

Travelling is a fantastic way to discover things you never knew you could do in the first place. You’re thrown out of your comfort zone, and for many, that is a terrifying place. But when you finally look past things, you’ll realise that being uncomfortable forces you to become stronger both mentally and physically- and in the end, you will benefit from your newly found strength. This is what makes you a better person. So do it. Get out of your comfort zone, and learn more about yourself and your capabilities. You might just be surprised at the things you’re able to achieve!

4. You Gain More Knowledge

Knowledge is power, and life is a never-ending lesson. When you travel, you will find yourself studying more about the country you’re heading to. If you don't speak the local language, you’ll end up learning basic words and sentences to ease your journey in communicating with the locals. You’ll learn more about different cultures, you’ll better understand why different people behave in a certain way, and the differences and similarities you have with them are what makes everybody and everything unique in their own right.

5. You Create Lifetime Memories

Travelling creates irreplaceable memories. Do you remember the first time you experienced snow in the freezing cold? The first time a Japanese local bowed to you and you weren’t sure if you’re supposed to bow back and ended up just smiling sheepishly as you walked away? How about the first time you took the wrong train and ended up at an unexpected gem of a place?

Remember your first trip with your family, and then the next with your friends and loved one? It’s not just about the pictures you take, as the memories you share with those around you not only allow you to be closer to your loved ones, but also create a bond between you and that particular place for the rest of your life.

6. You Discover The Local Food Scene

Possibly one of the main reasons we travel… and well, possibly one of the main reasons you’d like to travel is FOOD! There’s so much food in the world for us to discover, so why not make this part of your resolution this year? Okay, make it a part of your travelling resolution, that is.

There’s a ton of halal food around the world for us to eat, so instead of travelling and looking for the usual kebab joint, Malaysian or Indonesian eatery, make sure a local eatery is on your list! P.S. At HHWT, we'll try our best to help you uncover the best halal/Muslim-friendly local cuisine wherever you visit. For example, halal Japanese food in Tokyo and so much more!

7. You’ll Meet New People

If you’re the sociable, I-love-to-talk-to-new-people kind of person, what’s a better way to meet new friends than by travelling? This way, you’ll meet people of all walks of life, from all over the world- and you get to find an excuse to travel to their country (and vice versa) the next round! But in all seriousness, travelling is truly an amazing way to meet new friends. The best way to learn about a person’s culture, lifestyle and language is by communicating with them, so when you’re out and about and you find someone to chat with, make sure you actually get to know the person! And if they're a local, make sure to jot down the insider/local thing to do while you’re there!

8. You Get To See The World For What It Truly Is

I think this is a crucial reason why we should all travel the world. Certain destinations or certain cultures are often portrayed a certain way in the media, and sometimes we can no longer tell what is true and what is false. Exploring and seeing the world with our own eyes is one way of actually discovering the truth. The media is out to shape our minds and our perceptions of other countries, people and cultures. But how far is it really true?

We can either sit down at home and believe whatever we see or hear, or find the truth ourselves. We hope this is the year that you get to travel to wherever your heart takes you, and see the world as it truly is. See the locals, read their news, discover how they see the world and compare it with how we see ours. Maybe you'll realize we're not all that different from one another! So are these reasons enough to get your blood pumping and your fingers clicking for your next flight out? Be sure to research and be prepared for a fun, exciting and memorable experience every time you head to a new destination! And try not to break this New Year’s resolution ;)

8 Reasons Why Travelling Should Be Your 2023 New Year’s Resolution