Well, not this year! Here on Hilton Head Island and in the surrounding Lowcountry, we’re taking a different approach. We put together a list of realistic New Year’s Resolution ideas that we could all benefit from, all inspired by the sights, flavors, and spirit of Lowcountry Life. We even threw in helpful links to help you make your resolution a reality.  You don’t even have to complete them all—just one should do the trick. Take a read through the list, print them off, or pin them to Pinterest so you won’t forget about them, and get ready to make 2018 the best year yet.

1. I will take that vacation I keep dreaming about.

More than 50% of Americans left a portion of their vacation time unused last year. Does this sound like you? It’s easy to get swallowed up by our work, family, and social commitments, but it’s important to take time to relax, to pack your bags, and to get outta Dodge. Make 2018 the year you take your dream trip. Still looking for your dream destination? Well, we know this ONE place…

2. I will add another dash of seasoning.

“Lose 10 pounds” is never going to be on this list. We’re far too busy digging into delicious Southern dishes to worry about our waistlines. In 2018, take notes from Lowcountry cuisine and get adventurous in the kitchen. Try a dish you’ve never made before. Shuck an oyster for the first time. Have a hush puppy. Your taste buds will thank you, trust us.

3. I will get out more.

Maybe it’s the friendly, social nature of Lowcountry, but we love a good party. Food and wine festivals? Sign us up. Fireworks and concerts? Yes please. We always keep a booked calendar. Especially in the winter time, it’s easy to become a hermit and stay warm and cozy at home. Our challenge to reluctant homebodies in 2018? Come out of your cocoon and give being a social butterfly a try. If you’d rather stay home, bring the party to you! There’s nothing like a good ol’ fashioned Lowcountry boil to bring everyone together.

4. I will have more fun in the sun.

Fresh air is good for you, that’s a fact. We think some of the greatest outdoor experiences are right here in Lowcountry, and we challenge you to explore them all. This upcoming year, get outside, however you can. Whether it’s a hike, a bike ride, or soaking up some sun on the beach, you’ll feel relaxed, recharged, and better for it; we promise.

5. I will take time to chill out.

We know with the trillion things on your to-do list, it can be hard to take a minute, sit back, and relax.  Good news: laid-back and easygoing is what #LowcountryLife is all about. Take a page out of our book, and remember to carve out some “me time” for yourself this year.

6. I will fill the photo album. 

You’ve heard it a million times: “A picture is worth 1,000 words.” Especially in the Instagram age, it’s how we capture a mood, share a story and keep our memories.  With our serene sunrises, beautiful beaches, and picturesque outdoor scenes, you’re sure to snap many great Instagram photos while here in Lowcountry. In 2018, find your inner shutterbug and share your photos with your pals. If you take resolution #1 to heart and visit Hilton Head Island this year, don’t forget to hashtag your vacation photos with #LowcountryLife.

7. I will step my porch game up.

If there’s one thing we do well in the South, it’s porch style. Nothing’s more relaxing than pouring a sweet tea—or a cocktail—and watching the evening come to a close. In the Lowcountry, we call it “porch-sitting”, and it feels so much better with a few rocking chairs, some string lights, and a place to set your drink. We encourage you to try it out in 2018, and you can find tips on how to style your porch here.

8. I will take the path less traveled. 

It’s easy to fall into a routine, even on vacation. Once you find your favorite place to get away, why wouldn’t you revisit it every year? If Hilton Head Island’s that place for you, we can’t wait to have you back again in 2018. We encourage you to try something new when you visit, and have two places in mind. If you love unspoiled nature, you must visit Daufuskie Island. Just a short ferry ride from Hilton Head Island, white sandy beaches, ancient oak trees, and very few paved roads make this spot a nature lover’s dream. Don’t just take it from us, Daufuskie Island was recently named one of The Most Underrated Islands in the U.S. by Conde Nast Traveler.

Looking for a quintessential Southern small town? Bluffton is your go-to. There’s a lot of history and culture packed into the moss-shaded streets. It’s a quick drive from Hilton Head Island (just over the bridge), so plan a day trip to check out art galleries, antique shops, eateries, and boutiques in South Carolina’s fastest-growing town.

9. I will stay active while on vacation.

You didn’t think we could get through a list of New Year’s resolution ideas without #FitnessGoals, did you? We’re all for treating yourself to amazing Southern cuisine when you visit us on Hilton Head Island, but this year we have a little challenge for you. Make your Lowcountry vacation an active one and take advantage of the many biking paths, long stretches of sand and award-winning golf courses. Use our guide to staying active on vacation, pick your activity, and we’ll see you on a trail, court, course, beach…you pick!

10. I will work on my swing.

Food ‘fore’ thought for the golfers out there: what’s your game plan for making 2018 an even better year on the green? Whether you’re just starting out or going pro, everybody has room for improvement, and there’s no better place to practice than right here in Lowcountry. We hope you’ll make it out this year to practice your put or develop the perfect drive technique on one of our 33 championship golf courses.

No matter what your goals are for the year ahead, we’re sure these ideas will inspire you to add a touch of Lowcountry life into your 2018. Start your year of planning off right, and schedule a trip to Hilton Head Island for that dream vacation we mentioned all the way back in number one. You deserve it; so, we’ll see you soon!