2017, I’m coming for you! More silliness starting NOW! ✨

A photo posted by Adam ? Top 10 Travel Blogger (@travelsofadam) on Jan 2, 2017 at 11:03pm PST

I think a lot of us can agree that 2016 was shit. So, now that we’re in the first week of the new year, I’m finally prepared to move on. I’m determined to make this year exponentially better not just for myself, but for others too. There’s this feeling that this year is going to be a challenge because of the world events conspiring against us, but hopefully with the right attitude and a whole lot more of activism, we collectively can turn this world around. Here’s what I propose:

7 Fun & Easy Ways To Make This Year Better

Kiss a stranger

I’m all for free hugs, but maybe that’s not enough anymore. Without being rapey (please don’t be rapey), let’s vow to kiss each other more. Personally, I’m a big fan of the European style of hello kisses, though I’m always confused on the count. Is it one, two or three kisses hello, and do you start on the right or the left cheek? I don’t care anymore—four kisses hello for everyone!

Climb a tree

Ever since I turned 30, I feel like I’ve both grown up as an adult, but also re-embraced my childish tendencies. I’m like a big little kid and the freedom that comes with being slightly wiser with age while simultaneously embracing the wildness of being a kid again—it’s fucking fantastic. This year, let’s go outside more and be more silly. Fly a kite; climb a tree—be a kid again! Because the joy of childhood shouldn’t be lost with age.

Do a Facebook live video

LOL, okay okay okay. This whole live video trend is cute. Sometimes annoying, but also cute. Maybe I’m eating up all my data on my phone, but I’m living for it. I want to watch you eat strawberries at 4 a.m. and I want to hear about that boy who didn’t text back. And you best believe I want to watch whatever it is you’re doing at that music festival over there.

Read an independent magazine

News has become oddly monotonous. Trump will continue to tweet terrible things and The New York Times will continue reporting on it. I used to believe it was important to be acutely aware of the world, but frankly, I’m over it. Well, not completely. I still need to know things and I think we should all be mindful of our surroundings. Recently, I’ve started reading more and more independent magazines—less about news and more about what to eat, where to go and weirdly fun things to do. Go into any newsstand or bookstore and you’ll find more and more independent magazines on the shelves. Pick one up, try it out and just read something different for a change.

Make a charitable donation

If there’s one thing pretty clear from last year, it’s that social activism is going to have be stronger, better and much more fierce. I’m working hard to make things better for myself, but a big part of that is getting more actively involved with those organizations that matter. Donations of time, money and objects are going to go a lot further this year, so let’s do what we can.

Go for a walk out in nature

Is there anything more relaxing than just getting away from the world? I admit it’s a big part of why I travel these days—to simply escape my current reality. But recently I’ve discovered the ease and delight of simple getaways. There’s an overwhelming calmness from going out for a walk somewhere quiet, away from the city. I visited a desert last year in Argentina and I think it was the most relaxed I felt all year. In the new year: more nature!

Send a postcard

Listen, social media is great and all—but it’s also emotionally and physically draining. Let’s spend less time posting selfies on Instagram and vow to send more actual, real, live postcards. Start collecting your friends’ home addresses sooner rather than later.

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Also! Something new — I’ve launched a Travels of Adam SHOP! You can find all sorts of my favorite things—from backpacks to socks, and of course plenty of cute underwear.

SHOP now!

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