Stay strong in 2013 with destinations that complement your goals

TORONTO, Jan. 7, 2013 /CNW/ - Ok, we admit it...resolutions are really hard to keep.  Each new year we create a list of things to start doing and come February, most are out the window. Whether you're looking to lose weight, learn something new or just find that happy balance, Hotels.com® wants to help make those resolutions stick. Using its favourite incentive - travel - the travel experts at Hotels.com paired popular resolutions with destinations that will help you keep those promises.

Resolution: Eat healthier food.
Destination: Tokyo, Japan. This is a country with high life expectancy and low levels of obesity. Not surprising considering the local cuisine is also low in cholesterol and packed with nutrition. In Japan, the presentation is equally important, so expect dishes so beautiful you'll relish every bite. For a foodie, this culinary experience is a life-changer.

Resolution:  Learn a new language.
Destination: Barcelona, Spain. While there are more languages to learn than we could possibly imagine, being Canadian it's assumed we know English and/or French, so Spanish is next on our list because of its popularity. As one of the most spoken languages in the world, this is a helpful skill for any global traveller. Head to this romantic city, bask in the sunshine and exercise your Hola's - you can thank us later!

Resolution: Spend more time with family and friends.
Destination: Muskoka District Municipality, Ontario. It can be hard to wrangle together all your loved ones at once, so staying local may be the best route to take. Pack it into a weekend by renting an all-season, lakeside cottage. Winter or summer is ideal because of the range of activities from canoeing to snowshoeing, but you could easily spend a few days getting cozy by the fireplace with some board games and movies too.

Resolution: Quit smoking or drinking.
Destination: Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. As of last year, this country now has one of the strictest smoking regulations in the world. This makes it more difficult for lighting up, but helpful for those looking to kick their habits. If your vice was in liquid form, forget the bourbon and get your buzz by being active instead. When you're surrounded by rainforest and ocean, there is no shortage of exciting things to see and explore and you'll be so busy you won't notice that you haven't indulged.

Resolution: Get more exercise.
Destination: Amsterdam, Netherlands. This country is one of the most bicycle-friendly places to be with loads of bicycle lanes and a flat landscape. No surprise then that bicycling is one of the most popular methods of transport. So ditch the taxi, rent a bicycle and tour the city on two wheels. With so much to see, you'll barely notice the extra effort and your physique will reap the rewards...just leave the clogs behind.

Resolution: Figure out the finances.
Destination: Zurich, Switzerland. While the country is often associated with skiing, chocolate, cheese and watches, its largest city is famous around the world for the high quality of life and its sheltering financial sector. A trip here can inspire you to work hard to attain life's luxuries, and if that doesn't pan out you can always open one of their famous bank accounts!

Resolution: Better manage stress.
Destination: Mumbai, India. In this spiritual country the ancient practice of yoga is very popular and although it continues to gain momentum all around the world, with a visit to Mumbai you can get closer to where it all started. Plan a trip to The Yoga Institute, which is the oldest organized center of yoga in the world, and open yourself up to new experiences and a more relaxed state of mind. Namaste.

Regardless of your resolution, there is a destination that'll help support your goals. You're working hard, so it's important to give yourself a little something to look forward to. Resolve to start planning that 2013 trip now!

About Hotels.com^®
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Image with caption: "Maintain your fitness goals while soaking in the culture in the active city of Amsterdam (CNW Group/Hotels.com)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130107_C4142_PHOTO_EN_22284.jpg