Resolution 1: save more money<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\""<strong\"](\"\/images\/default-source\/user-jamey\/body---nashville-[size_650x450].jpg\")
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Spending less and saving more tops resolution lists every year, and we doubt 2016 will be an exception.<\/em><\/p>\n\nBest U.S. city: Nashville, Tennessee<\/strong><\/p>\nSo you\u2019ve sworn off spending and think traveling is out of your budget? Not so fast. Of cheap places to travel in the U.S., Nashville, TN, is a top contender. You\u2019ll find an array of free and affordable activities, from art galleries to historic sites. Savings don\u2019t mean sacrifice\u2014Nashville is full to the brim with music, natural beauty, great cuisine, and culture. Break in your cowboy boots at the no-cover music venues on Honky Tonk Highway, meander around the fountains and memorials at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, and brush up on your Civil War knowledge at Fort Negley\u2014all without spending a dime.<\/p>\n
Check out places to stay in Nashville<\/a><\/p>\nBest international city: Porto, Portugal<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\u201cPorto, Portugal, has all the history and charm of Europe with half as many tourists!\u201d \u2013Midlife Road Trip of Viewfinder<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\nResolution 2: get in shape <\/strong><\/h2>\n![\""<strong\"](\"\/images\/default-source\/user-jamey\/body---burlington-[size_650x450].jpg\")
\nFlickr via Church Street Market<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nGetting fit and feeling better is the perfect way to start the year on a healthy high.<\/em><\/p>\n\nBest U.S. city: Burlington, Vermont<\/strong><\/p>\nBreak up with your treadmill and be a better you in Burlington, VT. This city is consistently recognized for its healthy residents, and it\u2019s no wonder thanks to its countless hiking trails and co-ops. It\u2019s easy to make outdoor fitness a priority during your stay; embrace the burn as you rock climb Petra Cliffs, and then stock up on some local produce at Burlington\u2019s Farmers Market.<\/p>\n
Look for hotels in Burlington<\/a><\/p>\nBest international city: Vancouver, British Columbia<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\u201cTake a trip to Vancouver, British Columbia. Follow in the footsteps of Vancouver locals, who eat fresh fish, vegetarian fare, and meats sourced from nearby farms, and then burn off the calories hiking the Grouse Grind, biking the Stanley Park Seawall, or strolling in the ultra-pedestrian city.\u201d \u2013Trip Styler of Viewfinder<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\nResolution 3: spend more quality time with family and friends<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\""<strong\"](\"\/images\/default-source\/user-jamey\/body---asheville-[size_650x450].jpg\")
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Making more time for loved ones is a rewarding resolution, especially when it includes a getaway.<\/em><\/p>\n\nBest U.S. city: Asheville, North Carolina<\/strong><\/p>\nQuirky and crunchy, Asheville, NC, has a laidback attitude that rubs off on you almost as soon as you catch sight of the hazy blue mountain range. Slow down and spend some quality time with family. Rugged and adventurous kids make the town\u2019s Appalachian terrain their playground, while couples flirt over pints of the local hops in the burgeoning brewery scene. With history lessons at palatial Biltmore Estate and music festivals with homegrown artists, there\u2019s plenty of ways to unwind and reconnect with your crew in this hippie haven.<\/p>\n
Find a family-friendly hotel in Asheville<\/a><\/p>\nBest international city: Punta de Mita, Mexico<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\u201cWhen I think of quality family time, my mind wanders to places without too many distractions, such as Punta de Mita, Mexico, near Puerto Vallarta. Here, there are only a few resort restaurants and the beach is the main attraction.\u201d \u2013Trip Styler of Viewfinder<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\nResolution 4: give back to the community<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\""<strong\"](\"\/images\/default-source\/user-jamey\/body---salt-lake-city-[size_650x450].jpg\")
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Aiding your fellow humans (and animals, too) is good for the heart and soul, so pledge to lend a hand in the new year.<\/em><\/p>\n\nBest U.S. city: Salt Lake City, Utah<\/strong><\/p>\nRecently ranked number one in the nation for its volunteering initiatives, Salt Lake City, UT, is ever in the giving spirit. Studies show that assisting others can make you feel happier, so this year, figure out how to help people on your next vacation in SLC. Between cleaning up Jordan River in Rose Park and socializing with the animals at the Humane Society of Utah, there are countless local nonprofit organizations that provide short- and long-term service opportunities.<\/p>\n
Browse lodging in Salt Lake City<\/a><\/p>\nBest international city: Tortuguero, Costa Rica<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\u201cLet\u2019s be honest: sea turtles are the best. And in Tortuguero, Costa Rica, you\u2019re able to volunteer during nesting season to protect the hatchlings and their parents.\u201d \u2013Jennifer Cuellar of Viewfinder<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\nResolution 5: join the green movement<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\""\"](\"\/images\/default-source\/user-jamey\/body---portland-[size_650x450].jpg\")
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If you really want to make an impression in 2016, erase your carbon footprint and get progressive. <\/em><\/p>\n\nBest U.S. city: Portland, Oregon<\/strong><\/p>\nGreen is the new black. Hop on the eco-travel train, and head to Portland, OR, the land of clean air and bike trails. With Mother Earth on the forefront of its mind, Portland was one of the first cities to ban plastic bags. It also leads the nation with the highest number of LEED-certified buildings per capita, and is often considered the most bikeable city in the country. Cycle along one of the more than 250 bike trails and breathe easy knowing the city is a crusader in the realm of recycling and renewable energy.<\/p>\n
Look for green accommodation in Portland<\/a><\/p>\nBest international city: London, England<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\u201cHead to the Big Smoke if you want to limit your carbon footprint on your next vacation. London\u2019s system of buses and underground trains (aka The Tube) are easy to navigate and pretty cheap to ride. A single ticket gives you access to trains and red, double-decker buses throughout the city.\u201d \u2013Lara Vukelich of Viewfinder<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\nResolution 6: eat like a foodie<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\""<strong\"](\"\/images\/default-source\/user-jamey\/body---pierogies-[size_650x450].jpg\")
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Get a little adventurous with your palate this year. Order a dish you don\u2019t recognize and make reservations at that trendy restaurant everyone\u2019s buzzing about. <\/em><\/p>\n\nBest U.S. city: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania<\/strong><\/p>\nVoted one of the best food cities in America, Pittsburgh, PA, has since graduated from topping every meal with french fries to earning itself a spot in the sophisticated culinary arena. Innovative creations grace the menus at Steel City joints, like trout cured in Italian liquor, beef tongue ravioli, and rattlesnake pierogis. Slip into your stretchy pants and food crawl around the city, piling your plate with roasted pumpkin gnocchi, duck-fat-fried hash browns, and chorizo dirty rice.<\/p>\n
Get your grub on in Pittsburgh<\/a><\/p>\nBest international city: Vienna, Austria<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\nVienna is the perfect place to get gross outside of the US. The food is excellent and authentic, but their version of a salad is a vegetable covered in some sort of mayonnaise. It’s glorious. To do it properly, hit up a classic spot for a schnitzel like Cafe Anzengruber. You’ll also want some wurst, and one of the best can be had at Bitzinger Wurstelstand\u2026.\u201d \u2013 Chris Stang & Andrew Steinthal of The Infatuation<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\nResolution 7: expand your cocktail repertoire<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\""<strong\"](\"\/images\/default-source\/user-jamey\/body---charleston-1-[size_650x450].jpg\")
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This year, save your sanity instead of your pennies, and spend more on the things you deserve.<\/em><\/p>\n\nBest U.S. city: Charleston, South Carolina<\/strong><\/p>\nPull up a bar stool and experience some good ol\u2019 fashioned Southern hospitality and the best drinks in Charleston, SC. Whether you\u2019re in the mood for crafty cocktails served by bow-tie wearing mixologists at speakeasies or craft beer pitchers at dive bars where you\u2019ll rub elbows with the locals, there\u2019s plenty of watering holes in Charleston where you can wet your whistle. Get your boozy fix with a Hemingway Mojito in one hand and a native Holy City Pilsner in the other.<\/p>\n
Check out places to sleep it off in Charleston<\/a><\/p>\nInternational pick: Barcelona, Spain<\/a><\/strong>
\n“Barcelona should be high on your list. Spanish wines and craft beers need no intro, but travel there to find a lot of styles that are only available locally. But the real obsession in Spain revolves around three specific drinks: Gin + tonics, vermouth, and sherry. Hit up any of the tapas or cocktail bars there, and they’ll likely have premium offerings of all three.\u201d \u2013Aida Mollenkamp of Salt & Wind<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\nResolution 8: treat yourself <\/strong><\/h2>\n![\""<strong\"](\"\/images\/default-source\/user-jamey\/miami_resized-[size_650x450].jpg\")
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This year, save your sanity instead of your pennies, and spend more on the things you deserve.<\/em><\/p>\n\nBest U.S. city: Miami, Florida<\/strong><\/p>\nForget what Thoreau said about simplicity, and live luxuriously in Miami, FL. High-end stores and celebrity chef kitchens abound\u2014so what if they tempt you to take out a second mortgage? Roll out the red carpet and spend a pretty penny on martinis infused with liquid nitrogen, fresh seasonal stone crabs, and some of the world\u2019s fanciest designer brands. Throw in some VIP vibes with Miami Club Crawls<\/a>, champagne helicopter tours, and private yachts, and the locals will be lining up for you autograph.<\/p>\nGet pampered at luxury hotels in Miami<\/a><\/p>\nBest international city: Aix-en-Provence, France<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\u201cI studied for a year in Aix-en-Provence, in the South of France, and remember thinking how lovely it would be to return one day with money\u2026it’s a destination resort town for well-heeled Europeans; with high-end boutiques, plenty of culture, and (not surprisingly) amazing food.\u201d \u2013Megan Collins of Style Girlfriend<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\nResolution 9: live on the edge<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\""<strong\"](\"\/images\/default-source\/user-jamey\/alaska-[size_650x450].jpg\")
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Playing it safe never looked good on you, so get out and live dangerously in 2016.<\/em><\/p>\n\nBest U.S. city: Anchorage, Alaska<\/strong><\/p>\nRelease a surge of fear and euphoria in Anchorage, AK, where just thinking about the extreme activities will make your adrenaline peak. Heli-ski on the country\u2019s largest mountain terrain, hit the snow-packed trails on a fat bike, or snap on some crampons and ice climb Matanuska Glacier. During your outdoor adventure travels, hop in a seaplane and brave brown bear country or paraglide off Mount Alyeska for a charging rush of excitement.<\/p>\n
Check out places to hang up your gear in Anchorage<\/a><\/p>\nBest international city: Revelstoke, British Columbia<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\u201cOne of my favorite towns in the world for skiing is Revelstoke, which is located in the Kootenay Rockies in southeastern British Columbia, Canada\u2026Not only does it have a world-class ski hill Revelstoke Mountain Resort, but there is also a chapter of CMH heli-skiing right there in town.\u201d \u2013Ross Borden of Matador Network<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\nResolution 10: say yes to everything<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\""<strong\"](\"\/images\/default-source\/user-jamey\/new-orleans-22259-[size_650x450].jpg\")
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Throw caution to the wind and let this be the year of \u201cyes\u201d\u2014you\u2019ll be surprised what can happen when you open yourself up to new adventures.<\/em><\/p>\n\nBest U.S. city: New Orleans, Louisiana<\/strong><\/p>\nDare to say yes to everything: Head to New Orleans, LA, and agree to it all, from joining in a second-line parade to communicating with a deceased voodoo priestess. This wild city, where brass beats resonate through cobblestone streets, serves up phantom tours, America\u2019s first cocktail (that you can drink in the street), and whimsical, fantastical festivals. Exercise your right to adventure, and crunch on some cricket cookies at the Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, or fly into the clouds on a Big Easy Lights at Night Aerial Tour<\/a>.<\/p>\nCheck out places to stay in New Orleans<\/a><\/p>\nBest international city: Paraty, Brazil<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
<\/p>\nBest U.S. city: Nashville, Tennessee<\/strong><\/p>\n So you\u2019ve sworn off spending and think traveling is out of your budget? Not so fast. Of cheap places to travel in the U.S., Nashville, TN, is a top contender. You\u2019ll find an array of free and affordable activities, from art galleries to historic sites. Savings don\u2019t mean sacrifice\u2014Nashville is full to the brim with music, natural beauty, great cuisine, and culture. Break in your cowboy boots at the no-cover music venues on Honky Tonk Highway, meander around the fountains and memorials at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, and brush up on your Civil War knowledge at Fort Negley\u2014all without spending a dime.<\/p>\n Check out places to stay in Nashville<\/a><\/p>\n Best international city: Porto, Portugal<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cPorto, Portugal, has all the history and charm of Europe with half as many tourists!\u201d \u2013Midlife Road Trip of Viewfinder<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Getting fit and feeling better is the perfect way to start the year on a healthy high.<\/em><\/p>\n Best U.S. city: Burlington, Vermont<\/strong><\/p>\n Break up with your treadmill and be a better you in Burlington, VT. This city is consistently recognized for its healthy residents, and it\u2019s no wonder thanks to its countless hiking trails and co-ops. It\u2019s easy to make outdoor fitness a priority during your stay; embrace the burn as you rock climb Petra Cliffs, and then stock up on some local produce at Burlington\u2019s Farmers Market.<\/p>\n Look for hotels in Burlington<\/a><\/p>\n Best international city: Vancouver, British Columbia<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cTake a trip to Vancouver, British Columbia. Follow in the footsteps of Vancouver locals, who eat fresh fish, vegetarian fare, and meats sourced from nearby farms, and then burn off the calories hiking the Grouse Grind, biking the Stanley Park Seawall, or strolling in the ultra-pedestrian city.\u201d \u2013Trip Styler of Viewfinder<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Making more time for loved ones is a rewarding resolution, especially when it includes a getaway.<\/em><\/p>\n Best U.S. city: Asheville, North Carolina<\/strong><\/p>\n Quirky and crunchy, Asheville, NC, has a laidback attitude that rubs off on you almost as soon as you catch sight of the hazy blue mountain range. Slow down and spend some quality time with family. Rugged and adventurous kids make the town\u2019s Appalachian terrain their playground, while couples flirt over pints of the local hops in the burgeoning brewery scene. With history lessons at palatial Biltmore Estate and music festivals with homegrown artists, there\u2019s plenty of ways to unwind and reconnect with your crew in this hippie haven.<\/p>\n Find a family-friendly hotel in Asheville<\/a><\/p>\n Best international city: Punta de Mita, Mexico<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cWhen I think of quality family time, my mind wanders to places without too many distractions, such as Punta de Mita, Mexico, near Puerto Vallarta. Here, there are only a few resort restaurants and the beach is the main attraction.\u201d \u2013Trip Styler of Viewfinder<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Aiding your fellow humans (and animals, too) is good for the heart and soul, so pledge to lend a hand in the new year.<\/em><\/p>\n Best U.S. city: Salt Lake City, Utah<\/strong><\/p>\n Recently ranked number one in the nation for its volunteering initiatives, Salt Lake City, UT, is ever in the giving spirit. Studies show that assisting others can make you feel happier, so this year, figure out how to help people on your next vacation in SLC. Between cleaning up Jordan River in Rose Park and socializing with the animals at the Humane Society of Utah, there are countless local nonprofit organizations that provide short- and long-term service opportunities.<\/p>\n Browse lodging in Salt Lake City<\/a><\/p>\n Best international city: Tortuguero, Costa Rica<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s be honest: sea turtles are the best. And in Tortuguero, Costa Rica, you\u2019re able to volunteer during nesting season to protect the hatchlings and their parents.\u201d \u2013Jennifer Cuellar of Viewfinder<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n If you really want to make an impression in 2016, erase your carbon footprint and get progressive. <\/em><\/p>\n Best U.S. city: Portland, Oregon<\/strong><\/p>\n Green is the new black. Hop on the eco-travel train, and head to Portland, OR, the land of clean air and bike trails. With Mother Earth on the forefront of its mind, Portland was one of the first cities to ban plastic bags. It also leads the nation with the highest number of LEED-certified buildings per capita, and is often considered the most bikeable city in the country. Cycle along one of the more than 250 bike trails and breathe easy knowing the city is a crusader in the realm of recycling and renewable energy.<\/p>\n Look for green accommodation in Portland<\/a><\/p>\n Best international city: London, England<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cHead to the Big Smoke if you want to limit your carbon footprint on your next vacation. London\u2019s system of buses and underground trains (aka The Tube) are easy to navigate and pretty cheap to ride. A single ticket gives you access to trains and red, double-decker buses throughout the city.\u201d \u2013Lara Vukelich of Viewfinder<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Get a little adventurous with your palate this year. Order a dish you don\u2019t recognize and make reservations at that trendy restaurant everyone\u2019s buzzing about. <\/em><\/p>\n Best U.S. city: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania<\/strong><\/p>\n Voted one of the best food cities in America, Pittsburgh, PA, has since graduated from topping every meal with french fries to earning itself a spot in the sophisticated culinary arena. Innovative creations grace the menus at Steel City joints, like trout cured in Italian liquor, beef tongue ravioli, and rattlesnake pierogis. Slip into your stretchy pants and food crawl around the city, piling your plate with roasted pumpkin gnocchi, duck-fat-fried hash browns, and chorizo dirty rice.<\/p>\n Get your grub on in Pittsburgh<\/a><\/p>\n Best international city: Vienna, Austria<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Vienna is the perfect place to get gross outside of the US. The food is excellent and authentic, but their version of a salad is a vegetable covered in some sort of mayonnaise. It’s glorious. To do it properly, hit up a classic spot for a schnitzel like Cafe Anzengruber. You’ll also want some wurst, and one of the best can be had at Bitzinger Wurstelstand\u2026.\u201d \u2013 Chris Stang & Andrew Steinthal of The Infatuation<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n This year, save your sanity instead of your pennies, and spend more on the things you deserve.<\/em><\/p>\n Best U.S. city: Charleston, South Carolina<\/strong><\/p>\n Pull up a bar stool and experience some good ol\u2019 fashioned Southern hospitality and the best drinks in Charleston, SC. Whether you\u2019re in the mood for crafty cocktails served by bow-tie wearing mixologists at speakeasies or craft beer pitchers at dive bars where you\u2019ll rub elbows with the locals, there\u2019s plenty of watering holes in Charleston where you can wet your whistle. Get your boozy fix with a Hemingway Mojito in one hand and a native Holy City Pilsner in the other.<\/p>\n Check out places to sleep it off in Charleston<\/a><\/p>\n International pick: Barcelona, Spain<\/a><\/strong> This year, save your sanity instead of your pennies, and spend more on the things you deserve.<\/em><\/p>\n Best U.S. city: Miami, Florida<\/strong><\/p>\n Forget what Thoreau said about simplicity, and live luxuriously in Miami, FL. High-end stores and celebrity chef kitchens abound\u2014so what if they tempt you to take out a second mortgage? Roll out the red carpet and spend a pretty penny on martinis infused with liquid nitrogen, fresh seasonal stone crabs, and some of the world\u2019s fanciest designer brands. Throw in some VIP vibes with Miami Club Crawls<\/a>, champagne helicopter tours, and private yachts, and the locals will be lining up for you autograph.<\/p>\n Get pampered at luxury hotels in Miami<\/a><\/p>\n Best international city: Aix-en-Provence, France<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cI studied for a year in Aix-en-Provence, in the South of France, and remember thinking how lovely it would be to return one day with money\u2026it’s a destination resort town for well-heeled Europeans; with high-end boutiques, plenty of culture, and (not surprisingly) amazing food.\u201d \u2013Megan Collins of Style Girlfriend<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Playing it safe never looked good on you, so get out and live dangerously in 2016.<\/em><\/p>\n Best U.S. city: Anchorage, Alaska<\/strong><\/p>\n Release a surge of fear and euphoria in Anchorage, AK, where just thinking about the extreme activities will make your adrenaline peak. Heli-ski on the country\u2019s largest mountain terrain, hit the snow-packed trails on a fat bike, or snap on some crampons and ice climb Matanuska Glacier. During your outdoor adventure travels, hop in a seaplane and brave brown bear country or paraglide off Mount Alyeska for a charging rush of excitement.<\/p>\n Check out places to hang up your gear in Anchorage<\/a><\/p>\n Best international city: Revelstoke, British Columbia<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cOne of my favorite towns in the world for skiing is Revelstoke, which is located in the Kootenay Rockies in southeastern British Columbia, Canada\u2026Not only does it have a world-class ski hill Revelstoke Mountain Resort, but there is also a chapter of CMH heli-skiing right there in town.\u201d \u2013Ross Borden of Matador Network<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Throw caution to the wind and let this be the year of \u201cyes\u201d\u2014you\u2019ll be surprised what can happen when you open yourself up to new adventures.<\/em><\/p>\n Best U.S. city: New Orleans, Louisiana<\/strong><\/p>\n Dare to say yes to everything: Head to New Orleans, LA, and agree to it all, from joining in a second-line parade to communicating with a deceased voodoo priestess. This wild city, where brass beats resonate through cobblestone streets, serves up phantom tours, America\u2019s first cocktail (that you can drink in the street), and whimsical, fantastical festivals. Exercise your right to adventure, and crunch on some cricket cookies at the Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, or fly into the clouds on a Big Easy Lights at Night Aerial Tour<\/a>.<\/p>\n Check out places to stay in New Orleans<\/a><\/p>\n Best international city: Paraty, Brazil<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\nResolution 2: get in shape <\/strong><\/h2>\n
\nFlickr via Church Street Market<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nResolution 3: spend more quality time with family and friends<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/p>\nResolution 4: give back to the community<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/p>\nResolution 5: join the green movement<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/p>\nResolution 6: eat like a foodie<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/p>\nResolution 7: expand your cocktail repertoire<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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\n“Barcelona should be high on your list. Spanish wines and craft beers need no intro, but travel there to find a lot of styles that are only available locally. But the real obsession in Spain revolves around three specific drinks: Gin + tonics, vermouth, and sherry. Hit up any of the tapas or cocktail bars there, and they’ll likely have premium offerings of all three.\u201d \u2013Aida Mollenkamp of Salt & Wind<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\nResolution 8: treat yourself <\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/p>\nResolution 9: live on the edge<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/p>\nResolution 10: say yes to everything<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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