Travel Planning Wellness Retreats

5 Ways to Stay Fit on Your Trip

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Exercise, working out, staying fit – whatever you call it, it’s become an integral part to so many people’s weekly routines. In the US in particular, we’re trained that to be healthy you must eat right and exercise. For some, these can be hard habits to build. And if you are one of those that actually make it happen, there can be some fear that your upcoming adventure will wipe those habits out – taking your health with it.

Well, I’m here to share a little secret (from an everyday non-doctor not-medically-trained lady – for personal council, please see your own physician). Taking some time off from your weekly routine is not necessarily a bad thing. It helps you train flexibility and adaptability to situations you may face in everyday life. A meeting during your regular workout time; a family dinner out; etc. It also allows you to fully embrace the place and culture you’re in, without fear or angst. Vacations are supposed to be fun, remember?

Now, you may say Drea, that’s all well and good, but I WANT to exercise! It makes me feel better. It helps me relax. Going without it for too long will drive me nuts! If this sounds familiar, then don’t worry, I’ve got you. Keep reading for five tips on how to stay fit on your next trip.

Pack the Gear Without Letting it Take Over

Staying active on the road starts with actually bringing the sneakers (without overstuffing your bag.) My free custom packing checklist makes room. 

1. Those feet are made for walking

The simplest way to stay active is to move our feet and just walk. I find that on many vacations, I end up getting more steps in than usual because I’m out and about.

Think about doing a walking city tour, walking through museums, or forgoing public transport and walking to your next destination. Whatever you choose, there are several ways to get your steps in.

I have a confession to make. I’m that annoying/endearing (I prefer the latter) friend that says, hey why don’t we just walk there instead! When I spent three months traveling through Italy, I actually lost weight without doing a single workout routine. That happened while also drinking wine and eating pasta every night. Averaging about 3-5 miles a day of walking was more than enough to keep me fit.

2. Find a running route through your (travel) ‘hood

If you’re one of those folks that need a little cardio in your life, then consider a run. This can be as easy as going around a few blocks near your hotel or Airbnb. If you’re on the beach, step it up a notch and take it to the sand. Or, if you want to make it a bit more exciting, plan a route that goes by key sights of the city. Apps like MapMyRun have popular route recommendations to check out. It can add a whole new perspective on your trip – especially in the morning before the city really gets going. You see a whole new side of the place you’re in.

3. Scope out your fave workout joint

If running isn’t for you, or if you have a favorite way to work out, you may be pleasantly surprised to find it near you. So many workout styles are popular nationally and many have multiple locations. I’ve hit up Orange Theory while in Las Vegas and Club Pilates while in Palm Springs. Even better – this was part of my current membership so visiting was at no extra expense! If you frequent a local gym or box, don’t be afraid to seek out a local one where you’re headed. If you’re into CrossFit, there may just be one where you’re going, and many are open to drop-ins. Bonus – you may meet some locals who have some inside tips on hidden haunts, or what’s going on in town while you’re there. Don’t be shy, get out there and get your sweat on.

4. Add a hike/bike/paddle to your trip

Another seamless way to integrate fitness into your trip is by getting outside! This is easier than it sounds.

Whether it be finding a local trail, biking through the city or on the boardwalk, or getting out on the water, there are plenty of resources to help you do that. AllTrails is a great app to give more information on trails near you, including level of difficulty, permits required, and any recent news/closures. In Queenstown, New Zealand, I found some trails that I could walk to from town.

If biking is more your thing, ask at your hotel – or even plan it into your research on where to stay.

On Catalina Island, our hotel had bikes we could take out for free, which made for a fun few hours going up, down, and around the island. If your hotel doesn’t have it, not to worry, there are usually rental places available.

Same is true for water activities. It’s a little more difficult to bring your surfboard/paddleboard/kayak with you (though props to those dedicated souls that do), but if you’re by water usually there are rental options for you. Renting paddleboards in Lake Tahoe, paddleboats in Austin, and kayaks in Anacortes are some of the highlights of my trips to those places. Exercise was a just a side effect!

5. Do your own circuit from the comfort of your hotel

If all of this sounds way too ambitious, I hear you. Staying active doesn’t have to be some grand affair. The good news is the best source of exercise you have is your own body. Simply building in time for stretching or a quick workout circuit can be enough to make you feel like you got your fitness in for the day. Your hotel may have a gym for you to use.

For me, I typically forgo the gym and instead do an in-room workout using no equipment. I use the Nike Training app regularly for this, as they make it easy to search for types of workouts, including length and intensity you prefer. Others, like Apple Fitness and 7 Minutes also make it very easy to find a workout you can do from the comfort of your own room. Whether you use this to build your energy for the day or wind down at the end of the night, it’s a nice way to easily incorporate exercise into your travels.

Wherever you go, there’s always a way to stay active.

It may be different than your usual routine, but isn’t that what travel is all about? Experiencing new things and taking a break from your day-to-day?

If incorporating exercise is NOT in your ideal vacation itinerary, forget everything you just read. You may still surprise yourself with the amount of movement you get, but you can just consider that a bonus (or necessary evil, depending on your POV). Happy travels, kindreds!

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