The New Year is almost here, and what better time to reflect on what has passed and what is to come? Being the kind of person I am (one who never stops learning and loves to research!), I am excited about taking on new projects and going in new directions. My “next big things” (which are just things I’m pretty excited about) as 2013 begins are…
1) Quality travel: I am super excited to focus on travel from a somewhat new perspective. (I say “somewhat” because my view of travel has always included this consideration–though I wasn’t always aware of it–and because I’m not the only one.) To me the term “quality travel” is travel that seeks out the authentic, includes real experiences, and is respectful of local people and places. Other terms like slow, sustainable, or green travel may be involved, but not necessarily. As I will explain in a detailed post coming soon, quality travel is not just better, it’s also becoming a necessity in the new world reality we all face.
Choosing a less-known sight in Florence: the gorgeous Santa Maria Novella pharmacy
2) Travel Mindset: I am writing for a new interactive travel website called Travel Mindset, set to launch in early 2013. My articles focus on off-beat experiences, ways travelers can immerse themselves in a place, and fun travel ideas for Northern California.
Cornerstone Gardens is an off-beat destination in Northern California
3) Giving back: I was thrilled to participate in Passports with Purpose this year. They raised more than $110,000! That money will go to build wells and provide a sustainable source of clean water for people in Haiti. If you donated, thank you so much! You know what an exciting and amazing project it is. I am already looking forward to participating again next November-December!
I also wrote about my reluctance to participate in the insanity that revolves around the holiday season and my interest in giving back to others. I am still finishing up some of my giving back projects, but it felt wonderful to choose to limit gifts and instead to pick out which charities I would donate to for Christmas.
UNICEF is one of the charities I gave to last week
Soon after, I decided to channel some of that energy into my work on this blog in two ways. First, I will from time to time highlight charities that I especially like–the fit is natural since a love of travel is a love of people and the world. Second, I have committed to donating 25% of everything I make from this blog to charity, and I hope to increase that percentage soon. (It’s not much, since blogging doesn’t bring in big bucks, but it is something every month).
4) Getting organized: Finally, on a personal note, I should share with you that one of my greatest faults is terrible organization. I used to have an excellent memory and have always been a fast worker, so not having good organization wasn’t a big problem because I could sort of get away with it. However, as my life continues to be busy and my memory is not as sharp as it was pre-kids, I can’t get away with it anymore, and I get really frustrated with myself when my lack of organization causes a problem. My goal is to get organized! If I could get organized, I could change my life, so there is no excuse not to do it. First step: get off the computer! 
Despite my love of gadgets, I still prefer to get organized on paper.
What are your next big things, the changes are you looking forward to in 2013?
Very excited to check out your Travel Mindset project, I just followed you on FB. I’m always interested in finding new things to do in NorCal! And I love your mindful travel focus and your efforts to give back. I’m excited to find out more. I was really excited by PwP and kind of let down when it was over. I need to find another way to give back, myself. Have a happy new year!
Cassie recently posted..Our Top 10 Food Adventures from 2012!
I know what you mean about the let down after PWP. I felt the same way.
Travel Mindset is being run by the same people behind Vagabond3. I am excited to be writing for them.
Your Travel Mindset idea sounds a lot like my series for California next year. And I am completely with you on #4. If I ever get organized (a horrible flaw of mine), I may actually get more written and accomplished!
Jeremy Branham recently posted..2012 Best travel moments from around the globe
Good luck to you getting organized as well. I find that it is SO important but so hard to keep up.
Travel Mindset is not my idea–it is a new website that I am writing for. Look for it soon!
What a great commitment you’ve made with giving blog proceeds to charity. Pete and I have talked about doing something similar, but have not landed on the charity we want to work with yet. We may be too picky! And also, being more organized might help us make a decision one of these days too.
Dalene recently posted..In the Rearview – Our Favourite Days of 2012
Thanks for the kind words. I am starting by giving again to UNICEF. It seems like they and Oxfam do such important work around the globe and are reliable charities. I would like to transition to smaller charities soon, though.
I discovered your blog just recently, and I look forward to your posts in 2013 – especially those about Northern California!
Pola (@jettingaround) recently posted..Photo of the Week: Boats in Ensenada, Baja California
I’m glad I discovered yours recently, too! Looking forward to seeing what 2013 holds for you, Pola!
Dear Jenna,
Congrats on your great achievements with Passports with Purpose and of course the Travel Mindset (I will make sure to follow that one). I have the feeling that travel bloggers are slowly becoming local experts, rather than being able to just blog about every destination (of course they can, but the expertise seems to become more important).
I hope to be able so share my next big thing in travel blogging soon….
Emiel recently posted..50 shades of travel
I will always be on the lookout for your future news. I agree that travel bloggers are being known as local experts. Check out AFAR.com, which uses local experts to make up its travel resources.
I love your idea of quality travel. I’ve been thinking that we have gotten off track with the way we travel the last few years. I miss the days when I traveled just to travel. It’s different now that we have a blog, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be conscious of this and take some trips just for us.
Christy recently posted..The Grand Wailea: Turtles, Art & Waterslides
It’s true that as bloggers we approach traveling differently from before, but seeking out quality travel experiences is becoming so important, especially in certain places, like Italy where the country suffers a bit from too much tourism.
I haven’t done any planning for 2013 yet. I know it’s shameful but I have dedicated the next two weeks to figuring it out. Once I get offline…
Ayngelina recently posted..How I will remember 2012
I am looking forward to finding out what your plans are for 2013, but you know what? I haven’t planned any travels for this year either (beyond the trip I will take next week).
I wish I knew! Focused on figuring out our next steps this month and then hopefully I can make some new goals…wishing you a wonderful, productive 2013! =)
Andrea recently posted..Found Along Portobello Road (Photo Essay)
Looking forward to seeing what you end up doing in 2013!
Sounds like a good year you have planned — I’ll be interested to learn more about what you mean by “quality travel” and what that looks like. Best wishes!
The Time-Crunched Traveler (Ellen) recently posted..Where we’re headed in 2013
Thanks, Ellen! I will be posting more about quality travel soon. Best for 2013!