The Mayans predicted that the World would end on 21 Dec 2012 (scarily precise for a civilization that used hallucinogenic drugs on a daily basis). Given this extremely relevant piece of questionable trivia, you’ve got 2 options.

The first option, and this is the logical option, would be to wait until the 22nd of Decemeber to point a finger at your gullible friends and laugh. This might not be the right option if patience isn’t your greatest virtue. Option 2 is to grab 2012 by the neck and live like there’s no tomorrow. For starters, waistlines be damned. Go ahead and order that cheesecake that’s been staring at you all evening. While this anarchist sentiments running high, you might consider getting out of your little rabbit hole and traveling the World.

If you’re not a travel freak looking to escape at the slightest opportunity, here are a few excuses you could use to justify this end-of-the-world induced travel to yourself and to your non-believer friends.

1. Diving

Take the plunge. But suit up before you do so. Be it Brazil, Thailand, Egypt, Indonesia or a plethora of other places, underwater tourism is the way to go. With the ability to move in all 3 planes, diving is like flying in slow motion; except that the view’s much nicer. Light below the water distorts in ways that we aren’t used making for a trippy surreal experience.

2. Volunteering

If you’d like to see how the rest of the World lives, but at the same time would like to save the World (despite the Mayan’s morbid prediction), volunteering is the way to go. Whether you’re a teacher or a financial consultant, tons of organizations are waiting for people like you to sign up and share your skills with the rest of the developing World. From Cambodia to India to Mali, you could get out there and make a difference in somebody’s life.

3. Safari

Safari is a Swahili word that means journey. If you’re ready to take your life’s journey to the great outdoors, then Africa should be your first stop. From breathtaking plains that nurtured early humans to humongous sulphurous lakes that lie at the bottom of silent volcanoes, Kenya, Namibia, Ethiopia will spoil you for choice. Rest assured, your adventure here will be a memory that even time will not erase.

4. Mountain Climbing

Stand beside a tall mountain and you’ll feel insignificant. Climb a tall mountain and you’ll feel invincible. To get in touch with your true self, head to the mountains. Here you will find peace, joy, suffering, solitude and maybe even enlightenment. If Mount Everest sounds daunting, try Mount Fuji or how about that tall hill behind your house.

5. Marathon

This option is not for the faint of heart. 42.2 kms has the ability to crush your spirit. However, if you do survive, the elation that takes control at the end of a race is addictive. So powerful is this emotion that people the world over travel hundreds of miles to Tokyo, New York, London and countless other obscure places to join in the only sport that involves thousands and thousands of participants. If you ever need to feel a connection with humanity, a marathon is where you need to be.

So whether it’s a wild safari or a life changing volunteer placement, 2012 is a new chance you’ve got to get out there and live your life to the full. May the force be with you.