13 Travel Resolutions For 2013

With more than 31 years of experience trekking around the globe, I consider myself an experienced traveler, but even veteran travelers fall prey to travel missteps abroad. This year, I resolve to be a better-rounded traveler and soak up every minute of time I spend in each new destination.I resolve to avoid giving money to people I meet as I travel in a misguided effort to help those who are asking (begging) for money. Instead, I resolve to support real outreach to those same people through programs that make a difference yet don't encourage a culture of dependency.

I resolve to look at the people I meet as I travel, no matter how different from myself, as flavors of ice cream. Some of us are plain vanilla, some are fruity strawberry, and some are exotic rum raisin--but we're all still basically ice cream (or people). I resolve to learn a few words in the local language of the places I visit, like please, thank you and it's nice to meet you, as a gesture of respect.I resolve to remember to behave according to how I would like others to perceive Americans.

If I act like an idiot, those who may not have met many other Americans may assume we're all idiots. I resolve to pack lightly; keeping in mind that except for North Korea or maybe Somalia, pretty much everything I need is locally available, in one form or another. The lighter I pack, the easier it'll be for me to get around, and the more room I'll have for souvenirs to bring home. Whenever possible, I resolve to travel with only a carry-on bag if I can get away with it to avoid extra fees and hassle.