Holiday a New Year’s resolution list

A SIGHT TO SEE: The spectacular, nightly water and lights show next to Dubai Mall.

Contributed

Related links

• Dubai's safe if you play by the rules
• Experience Europe for less
• Emirates launches Buenos Aires flights
• Seabourn announces guest speakers
• Five-star stays that fit the budget
• Palazzo Versace welcomes new chef
• Low-season prices for peak period
• Popular Adelaide hotel renamed

WEAK-willed Aussies are depriving themselves of a dream trip to a five-star hotel in Dubai* by wasting approximately $2858** every year.

Many Aussies have seen in the New Year with promises to get fit and lose weight by hitting the gym and cutting out unhealthy food and drink; yet within a few months or even weeks many have already given up and resumed the previous years' bad habits.

Expedia.com.au has looked at some of the most popular New Year's resolutions and calculated** just how far Aussies could travel by the end of 2012 if they stuck to their goals throughout the year.

This New Year, Expedia.com.au is encouraging all Aussies to walk the walk, rather than just talk the talk, when it comes to sticking to New Year's resolutions so the annual holiday remains on the calendar.

How fulfilling New Year resolutions can equate to a holiday:

1. "I want to get fit" 

'Getting fit' is always towards the top of the resolution 'to do' list for everyone. Rather than joining the gym this year, which can cost upwards of $80 a month, Aussies eyeing an overseas holiday should consider pounding the pavement and exercising outdoors for free.

2. "I want to lose weight"

Again, losing weight is always high on the list of New Year promises, especially after the over-indulgent eating and drinking habits typical of the Christmas break. Giving up a few of life's little luxuries can mean we not only drop a dress or pants size but we will be able to flaunt our new beach bod on our well-deserved holiday.

3. "I want to spend less"

At the end of the month, many of us are left wondering where our hard-earned money has disappeared. When we cast our mind back, incidental purchases such as the latest gossip magazine, a morning coffee or a takeaway pizza are more common than many of us would like to admit.

We often start the New Year promising to be more money-conscious and when we know how far our savings can take us, keeping our New Year promise will be a lot easier.

^{*Equivalent to the cost of eight nights in the Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai and flights from Sydney}

^{**Figures are based on the average cost of foregoing:}

• ^{Annual gym membership}  
• ^{Daily can of soft drink with work lunch}
• ^{Chocolate bar as a workday snack}
• ^{Weekly schooner of beer}
• ^{Weekly glass of house wine}

>> Read more travel stories.