Do you hate making New Year's resolutions?

Many people find them irritating. After all, the nature of the act forces you to admit you've done things poorly, and that changes are in order.

I've found travel is one area where people are willing to admit they can do better and make a resolution or two without groaning.

The more you travel, the more you discover about the process itself. You won't make the same mistakes on your fourth trip overseas that you did the first time.


With that in mind, here is my 2004 offering of four possible resolutions that could brighten your travel experience and stretch your budget at the same time. They are offered in no particular order of importance.

Resolution #1: I will make heavy-duty sightseeing a lower priority.

No one is suggesting you go to Paris and skip the Louvre or Notre Dame.

But many of us get so stressed over packing as many sights as possible into our four day stay that we fail to appreciate more subtle things that are just as important.

Sometimes, nursing a cup of your favorite beverage at a sidewalk cafe for an hour and watching the people pass will tell you a lot more about a city than the six-hour grand tour.

Allow yourself time to drink in the atmosphere. Visit a supermarket or department store. Spend time in a popular park. See how people live.

It's no accident that these things are usually quite inexpensive. After all, this is a budget travel forum.

But beyond the money you'll save, you'll come home with memories of a culture and a destination, not the back of a tour bus seat.

> One Example: Venice

Click "next" or "2" to the right to learn about how travel could actually save you money on your next car.