You’ve made a small dent in your New Year’s resolution and that means – for some – the novelty of healthy eating, paying bills on time and getting eight hours of sleep is already starting to wear off. We aren’t encouraging you to throw in the towel, but if your willpower is ready to crumble (or you’re looking for a reward for making it to a milestone), then we say bust that resolution in style. We have the perfect spots that will help you say sayonara to those promises you made to yourself. That’s right, we’ve compiled a list of the top destinations where your newly designed resolution will be the last thing on your mind. Check out our list of common resolutions and the best spots to break them.
Resolution: Save money
Where to break it: New York, N.Y., United States
If you’ve claimed this is the year you’ll finally build up that savings account, sock money away into your 401K or pay down those pesky loans, then a trip to New York City might not be on your radar. Sure, you can try to do it on the cheap, but a decent hotel room in a good location will cost you and the fun will entice you. Certainly, with so many trendy cocktail bars and tempting restaurants, it’s easy to run up quite a tab. In the mood to add to your wardrobe? Tons of boutiques and high-end stores call your name from Fifth Avenue (not to mention the city’s many other shopping districts) – just waiting for you to open your wallet. From Armani Exchange to Gucci to Louis Vuitton, just a walk down the iconic avenue peeking at the window displays might be temptation enough for you to spend your allocated retirement money on a new outfit. Of course, there are ways to dine, shop and stay in New York on a budget but, then again, how much fun is that?
Resolution: Exercise more
Where to break it: Anguilla, Leeward Islands
Voted the top beach in the Caribbean by the Travel Channel and a traveler’s favorite by “U.S. News & World Report Travel,” Shoal Bay on the British overseas territory of Anguilla is one of 33 beaches on a 16-mile stretch of white sand on the island. Spend your days lounging poolside at one of many resorts, or choose to dig your toes in the sand and find your spot on the shore. Take a dip – but don’t strain yourself – in water that averages 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit or take a light stroll along the seashore. Plus, there is an official ban on cruise ships, casinos and high-rise hotels on the island providing you with the ideal stress-free retreat. The gym will be worlds away as far as you’re concerned. So, as soon as your exercise routine gets boring, venture here for some serious downtime.
Resolution: Cut your calories
Where to break it: Rome, Italy
Of all the major cities known for their food, Rome has to take the proverbial cake. Stroll through the cobblestone streets and allow yourself to be beckoned into one of the sidewalk cafés by a friendly host. Choose from a menu of hand-rolled pastas, pizzas complete with the freshest ingredients or meat and fish from the deli down the road – and that’s just dinner. When you’re ready for dessert pop into the highly reviewed Il Fornaio for cookies or pastries, or head to one of many gelato spots in the city to try the famed Italian treat. These may not be the healthiest of food options, but hey, when in Rome…
Resolution: Get more sleep
Where to break it: Las Vegas, Nev., United States
New York may be dubbed the “city that never sleeps” but chances are, during your trip to Las Vegas, you’ll be the one who doesn’t sleep. A city that caters to your every need – at all hours of the day and night – Vegas is the ultimate adult playground. You can hit the tables at any hour of the day, explore the club scene, take in a show – the list goes on. If you do want to catch some shut eye, there are plenty of hotel choices that come in at price points both less than and (far) more than $100. But with endless entertainment choices and countless world-class spas and pools for ultimate relaxation, the last thing you’ll want to do is sleep.
Resolution: Drink less alcohol
Where to break it: Munich, Germany
Munich may be widely known for its annual Oktoberfest celebration, but it attracts beer lovers all year long. For an authentic German beer experience visit the historic beer gardens, The Lowenbrau Keller and the Paulaner am Nockerberg. According to the official Oktoberfest website, 6.7 million liters of beer were consumed by 6.4 million visitors at the 2013 event. If you’re looking to get in on the action in 2014, the festival runs from Saturday, Sept. 20 through Sunday, Oct. 5. During other times of the year, there is plenty to see and do that revolves around hops and yeast, including brewery tours to Erdinger, where you’ll find the world-famous Weissbier or wheat beer or Augustiner Brau for some of the best Helles or pale ale around.
Resolution: Stay away from stress
Where to break it: Los Angeles, Calif., United States
Los Angeles may have been coined America’s most stressful city at times, but visitors will just see it as a place to get as close as possible to that intoxicating culture of fame and fortune. Sure, L.A. may be home to a few things that would stress anyone out, including some of the most expensive homes and shops in the U.S. and traffic that can send a shiver through even the most chill drivers. But with plenty of celeb-spotting opportunities, a famous Hollywood sign to see and miles of beaches, it’s worth sifting through the potential stressors. Check out Santa Monica Beach, Venice Beach and Manhattan Beach, then stroll down the Hollywood Walk of Fame, window shop on Rodeo Drive, and duck into a trendy club on The Sunset Strip.
Resolution: Curb your coffee addiction
Where to break it: São Paulo, Brazil
If you’re determined to kick that caffeine habit, a visit to São Paulo may derail your plans. Not only does Brazil produce almost 40 percent of the world’s coffee, but coffee is an integral part of the social life in many Brazilian cities with São Paulo topping the list. The sidewalk café culture is at large in this city of more than 11 million residents, making people watching a great pastime as you sip a delicious local brew. Give Octavio Café a try — it’s designed in the shape of a coffee bean — or head to Suplicy Café, which has a wide selection of local beans.
Resolution: Detox from your digital life
Where to break it: Singapore
Looking to step away from the constant buzzing, ringing and dinging of all your tech devices this year? A trip to Singapore might make that resolution a little difficult. To start, wireless broadband is available to everyone free of charge, so there’s no need to find a local hotspot to get online. Tech giants HP, Microsoft, IBM and others have set up offices in this plugged-in paradise. Singapore is also moving fast towards the widespread use of mobile money, allowing its 5 million residents to pay for products on their mobile phones and other hand-held devices. Get ready to delay the digital detox just a little longer.
Resolution: Spend more time relaxing
Where to break it: Ibiza, Spain
Located in the Mediterranean Sea about 50 miles off the coast of Valencia, Ibiza may seem like the ideal locale for some solo relaxation time. But given the fact that it consistently ranks as one of the best party cities in the world and is nicknamed the “party capital of Europe,” you might not have that much tranquil alone time on the island. If this sounds like your ideal getaway, check out the club Pacha, which was named one of the top international party spots by CNN Travel. The club is complete with five rooms each with a different genre of music playing. The island’s clubs are also known for their foam parties, which involve gallons of foam dumped on club-goers as they dance the night away. No need to pack a suitcase full of books on this trip because chances are there won’t be much down time.
(Main image: portobayevents)
