5 Travel Tips to Stay Fit on Vacation Without Missing Out

5 Travel Tips to Stay Fit on Vacation Without Missing Out

Fitness made easy.

Let’s be real: when you’re on vacation, the last thing you probably want to do is hit the gym. But, that doesn’t mean you have to let your fitness routine go completely out the window. With a little planning, you can stay active and healthy while still enjoying your well-deserved getaway. Whether you’re lounging by the beach or exploring a new city, here are five easy tips to maintain your fitness on vacation.

Also read: Top 11 Extraordinary Long Distance Hikes in Europe

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Tip 1: Make sightseeing your workout

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Sightseeing while on vacation is one of the best ways to get those steps in. Skip the bus tours and put your walking shoes on! Exploring a new city on foot is a great way to increase your daily step counter without even thinking about it. Walk through historic neighbourhoods, take a hike up to a scenic viewpoint, or visit a local market. If you’re in the mood for something more active, consider renting a bike or taking a walking tour that’s a bit more intense. Download a fitness app on your phone to help you track the steps, and get that sense of achievement at the end of every day! 

Tip 2: Incorporate workouts into your itinerary

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Make exercise a fun part of your travel experience by incorporating it directly into your itinerary. One way to do this is by trying a local dance class—many destinations offer cultural dance experiences, from salsa in Cuba to tango in Argentina. If you want a bit more variety, use an app like ClassPass, which is available in over 30 countries. You can explore new activities like yoga, spin or a local fitness class. For nature lovers, hiking is another fantastic way to stay active while immersing yourself in the landscape of your destination.

Tip 3: Make use of hotel amenities (or create your own)

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Not all hotels come with a state-of-the-art gym, but that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook. Many hotels offer outdoor spaces, pools, or even fitness classes that you can take advantage of. 

If you’re staying in a place that doesn’t have a gym, don’t sweat it! Turn your hotel room into a mini workout zone. Use the bed for some incline push-ups, do squats in the hallway, or get creative with a chair for tricep dips. With at-home workouts readily available on YouTube, spend just 20 to 30 minutes of your day to keep active. You can do everything from stretching and yoga to bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, and push-ups. You can even take a quick swim in the hotel pool to keep things fresh and fun. 

Tip 4: Set realistic goals and be flexible

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Vacations are about relaxing, so there’s no need to put pressure on yourself to stick to a hardcore fitness routine. Instead of trying to maintain the same level of intensity you have at home, aim for a more flexible goal. Maybe you only work out 3-4 times a week instead of every day. Alternatively, you can plan to fit in just 20 minutes of exercise in the morning before you head out for the day. Setting realistic, achievable goals will keep you motivated without turning your vacation into a fitness boot camp.

Tip 5: Having the right mindset

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Here’s the thing: staying fit on vacation isn’t all about structured workouts. It’s also about staying active throughout the day. Walk to your dinner spot instead of taking a cab, opt for the stairs rather than the elevator, and don’t be afraid to stretch or move around between sightseeing stops. All these little moments of activity can add up. Plus, you’ll get a nice little metabolism boost that will keep you feeling great during your trip. 

The key is to not get into the mindset of overindulging, which leaves you feeling guilty when you eventually get back into your fitness routine back home. Vacations don’t have to be a setback in our fitness journeys. With the right mindset, it can be easy to stay healthy and active without compromising enjoyment. 

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Also read: Self-Care for Travel: Tips & Tricks That Are Bound to Get You on Your Feet Again

Fitness on vacation doesn’t have to be complicated. By making small, smart choices throughout your day, you can maintain your fitness and avoid post-vacation weight gain and guilt. You’re on vacation, after all—don’t forget to have fun!

About Author

Xing Tian
Xing Tian

Xing Tian believes that every journey is best shared and enjoys having company to share her thoughts with. Always looking for aesthetic spots and stunning views, Xing Tian thrives on a full day of adventures rather than taking it slow. With a cheerful and energetic spirit, she sees every trip as an opportunity to have new experiences.

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