New Year, New You

by Dan Jackson, Exodus Agency Sales Manager

For the first New Year ever I have not made a resolution - I have, after many years finally admitted to myself that I'm not going to keep it so why bother making one. And besides, with the inclement weather forcing us to hunker down, the odd glass of red wine helps to keep the chill at bay, right..?

Add the challenging (the snow was exciting for a day, now it’s a pain, unless you live in Aviemore and own a pair of skis) weather into the mix and we all need a lift (feel good factor if you work in Marketing).

So, I'm looking down alternative avenues, rather than the standard spirit sapping steamed broccoli and nettle tea purgatory for my healthy approach to kick start 2010. After all, most of us like to eat decent food and enjoy the odd drink, so the best solution to the old seasonal resolution is to take an active holiday (doesn’t have to be adventurous, don’t panic) to gently burn off any Christmas excess.

The heavy snowfall recently has taken me back to those halcyon days working in a ski resort when I was young, fit and healthy…My only Exodus trip involving deep and fluffy white stuff was to Norway, a place called Rondablikk, staying at the remote and charming Hoyfjellshotel, most memorable for its fine food, cosyness and Bulgarian band who belted out an assortment of 80’s ‘hits’ – in that order I might add.

The scenery was stunning, unspoilt and not a queue lift, or French school group in sight (Or Norwegian, I just mention French as they tended to be the most irritating and bad mannered during my ski season back in the day). I returned from the trip feeling completely refreshed, invigorated by the crisp, clean mountain air and far fitter – who needs a sweaty, steamy Gym with all that garish Lycra wobbling about..?    

A couple of years ago I did the ‘Undiscovered Atlas’ trip in Morocco - a delightful one week trek deep into the Berber inhabited isolated South West region. We camped each night under the stars and enjoyed moderately challenging walks amidst oases and terraced valleys often walking for hours before encountering any locals, let alone tourists. This area is very arid, clear blue skies the norm and the views of the snow capped High Atlas magnificent.

New for this year, and based on the incredibly popular 16-day trip, we have introduced a 9-day leisurely cycle ride to a truly unique, intoxicating island with a history like nowhere else. Cuba was my first Exodus trip nearly 10 years ago and holds many special memories for me.

If weight loss is your incentive then get on your bike. Cycling in tropical conditions with a gang of other often very-occasional-pedal-pushers, many of whom will have the same objectives, is a wonderful way to see a country and burn off those irksome calories.

Exercise during the daytime can be complemented by some salsa dancing in the evening, or a session on the Mojitos depending on how disciplined you want to be – after all, you know you will burn it all off the next day….

And lets be honest, after spending the festive period feeling bloated round the log fire and opening up your umpteenth useless present from Auntie Doreen who you see once a year (begrudgingly) don’t you deserve a holiday with a group of like-minded travellers?