Revved Up With Itu Motoba
I’ve never been a New Year’s resolution girl — until I found a different way of doing them. Instead of setting myself up for failure by claiming I’d join a gym, I’d say, “I’ll take more fun walks,” or “I’ll dance more after work.” Same results, but way more fun. And travel? Same story. We end up not doing it because we set unrealistic, unattainable, and completely unachievable goals. So I need you all to sit in the lotus position while we Eat, Pray, Love your travel New Year’s resolutions — bite-sized, achievable, and absolutely meant to be fun.
New year, same wanderlust — but this time, it’s about intentional adventures, unforgettable experiences, and a passport that actually earns its keep. Step outside your comfort zone, xplore a foreign country, soak in a new culture, and maybe even pick up a few words in another language. Bonus points if you live like a local — no hotel pool selfies that look like every other influencer’s feed allowed. And just to show you how attainable this dream is, Lesotho, Eswatini, Botswana, Mozambique, or any other neighbouring country counts. You can even drive to most of these, which makes it more affordable and a whole lot more adventurous. So go get your first passport stamp — just 400km away.
Challenge your taste buds with new cuisines from different countries. Sushi in Sandton, dim sum in Durban, or Thai street food in Pretoria — your stomach deserves a little passport of its own. Take a short trip to a neighbouring country, experience a completely different vibe, and come back with stories that make everyone else mildly jealous. The more you eat foreign food, the more it opens your desire to actually visit those countries.
And don’t forget your own backyard. Every few months, pick a small town or hidden gem in your own country. Local crafts, authentic food, Insta-worthy spots, and people who actually know the best places to go — you’d be surprised what treasures are hiding right under your nose. I mean, how long have we been preaching that you take a short left right here in our beautiful Mzansi?
Travel is about more than ticking boxes. Attend a festival, a workshop, a retreat, or even a cooking class, whether abroad or locally. If you can leave with a story, a skill, or a memory that sticks, you’ve done it right. Walk, taste, breathe, and genuinely soak in the place. Take fewer selfies, have more conversations, and let yourself actually live in the moment.
Collect memories, not souvenirs. Photos, stories, laughter, experiences — those are the treasures you’ll keep forever. That one souvenir? Only if it truly speaks to you… or if you’re trying to earn brownie points with your in-laws or boss.
So, this year, don’t just exist. Travel, taste, explore, and laugh at yourself when you inevitably get lost. Your passport, your stomach, and your Insta feed will thank you. And remember, even finding the best croissant in your own city counts as a little adventure. I’ve started my own little quest with my obsession with schnitzel. I want to find the restaurant that makes the best schnitzel in South Africa — who knows, I might end up eating some in Germany or Austria one day.
Happy travels everyone, and a very Happy New Year!
