Dive into these fun and engaging ways to move and stay in shape while traveling!
There’s plenty of evidence that tells us that being physically active can help us to lead healthier and happier lives.
Yet sometimes, exercise and travel might not seem to go hand in hand. How exactly do you find time to incorporate exercise on the road? Especially when your bucket list of things you want to do is a mile long?
The secret is, it doesn’t have to be work!
The key to staying in shape while traveling is to follow your interests, so you better enjoy your adventures.
Exploring Travel through Exercise
You work hard for your vacation time, and the focus should be on enjoyment.
Getting a workout in shouldn’t cause stress. Instead, it should be about doing what you can when you can.
There are lots of ways to explore destinations through physical activity. It’s part of what makes travel fun and rewarding.
As well as, it can be a golden opportunity to meet people, boost happiness, and do your mind & body some good.
In fact, one of the best travel experiences I’ve ever had was on a wellness break in Cornwall. On a kayak tour in St Agnes, with Koru Kayaking.
We went up the coast, saw wildlife, explored an old copper mine, and got to learn about the history of the area from two passionate locals.
It was everything good about travel, in one afternoon!
As you might have noticed, I’m a big advocate of wellness travel. Or intentionally traveling in ways that enrich the mind & body, and support well-being.
Of course, being active is a fundamental part of wellness travel and a healthy lifestyle.
It’s a simple way to healthier travels that we can all practice. To build energy and find a better balance.
Every travel destination has physical activities to enhance your health & well-being. And no matter how you choose to put your fitness routine together, researching and planning wellness is the key to success.
12 Ways to Stay in Shape While Traveling
To help you plan you own wellness-infused adventures, here are 12 ideas for your travel toolkit.
A little something to help everyone recharge and explore through movment.
Walk The Sights
There’s no better way to stay in shape during travel than walking.
Walking is a great way of being active because you can do it anywhere. You just put one foot in front of the other, see the sights, and do your mind & body some good.
So much of the wonder of the world can be seen on foot. The sky’s the limit!
Why not…
- explore city life
- take a walking tour
- walk a coastal path
- visit a national park
- take a photo walk
- walk the beach
- stroll a landscape garden
- walk a garden cemetery
P.S. Don’t forget comfortable shoes!
Take An Early Morning Run
Why an early morning run?
Well, there’s something special about being up before everyone else.
When places are quieter and less populated, they have a different feel. It’s spiritual.
Starting the day with a run is a great way to get energized for the day ahead. It’s also advantageous to get it out of the way, so you have the rest of the day to do as you please. And that’s always a good plan!
Hit The Trails
There’s no shortage of beautiful spots to hike in the world. The mountains, coastal paths, woodlands, or even a city park.
So many places have organized paths and trails (of all levels) just waiting for you.
Just think about the fresh of exploring a mountain hamlet or the invigorating air of a coastal hike. Ahhh…
Here’s three ways to find trails:
- search on the internet before you go
- ask locals for suggestions once you arrive
- use the All Trails app, it has trails across the globe
Bike It
Bike rides can be a fun way to experience a new location. It’s also an incredibly scenic way to go! In addition, biking has got to be one of the most liberating ways to stay in shape as you travel.
There are a few locations for bike rentals:
- bike kiosks
- bus & train stations
- bike shops
- tourism offices
- bicycle touring offices
- hotels & hostels
One of my favorites is the Brompton Bike kiosk at the train station in Oxford, England. Riding these foldable bikes around any English town is fun and will definitely add happiness to your day!
Read More: Cycling The Camel Trail from Padstow to Bodmin
Scope Out Local Fitness Classes
If you really thrive at the gym or studio, with its structure and like-minded community, then you might want to suss out the local fitness landscape.
Google search is always a good place to start, and I have found some fabulous yoga experiences this way. Like FLY LDN in London and Lucy Aldridge in ST. Ives, Cornwall.
The staff at your accommodation can also be a wealth of information, as well as the concierge.
Practice Yoga
One of the ideal things about yoga is that you can do it anywhere, even a hotel room!
A perfect opportunity to be mindfully present, you can elevate your practice in the places you feel connected to on the road. And there are lots of beautiful spaces to be experienced, like…
- rooftops
- pool decks
- balconies
- beaches
- parks
- on top of hills & mountains
Or, if your prefer more structure, check out a local class. It can be a mindful way to connect with locals.
If not, a yoga sequence in your morning routine will always start the day off right.
In England, I frequently incorporate a local yoga class into my wellness weekend getaways. It’s an ideal way to relax and it just makes me feel better!
Go For A Swim
Swimming is an excellent form of exercise and gentle on the joints. So dive in!
You can swim anywhere there is a pool, lake or ocean. Making it a great way to stay in shape during vacation.
For example, take a fun dip or challenge yourself you a distance swim. Chat with friends or go solo for some much-needed peace and quiet.
Whether a pool or open water swim, it’s truly a great way to relax the mind and body.
There’s no sensation like being in the water.
Try A Water Sport
With all of the blue spaces in the world, looking to the water as a way to stay in shape during travel is a great idea.
Find a river for canoeing or punting. Look to a lake for swimming, stand up paddleboarding, or kitesurfing. Or try the ocean for surfing or snorkeling.
Moreover, just find something that interests you, and give it a go!
Check Out the Hotel Options
Working out at the hotel is a good solution if you’re pressed for time because gyms & pools are right at your fingertips.
One advantage of using the hotel facility is that its easy to roll out of bed & exercise first thing.
In the morning you have more control over your schedule (when you’re more likely to do it) and won’t yet be tired from a long day of sightseeing.
In addition, some major chain hotels have wellness and fitness initiatives where they provide fitness gear.
Excuses, be gone!
Find Local Recreation
Use exercise as a way to explore your destination.
Just imagine, seeing the local wildlife by taking a walk in the park, learning to cross country ski in The Dolomites, or playing bocce ball with the locals.
Every location will have unique offerings that reflect the culture and values of the area. So, be on the lookout for outdoor pursuits, local parks, and recreational activities.
For example, things like tai-chi classes in a park, paddle boats, or outdoor chess tables.
After all, your brain needs to stay in shape while traveling too!
Bring Your Fitness Routine With You
Have a streaming service or a favorite video workout?
Bring your shoes and fitness gear with you to keep those healthy habits going.
This is a great way to get in a workout you enjoy or get in some strength training in the comfort of your own hotel room.
Tubing and bands are easy to pack, or just use your bodyweight with some good old fashioned planks, sit-ups & push-ups.
Bringing your self-care on the road with you is always a good idea, no matter how big or small the habit may be.
Relax & Unwind With Bedtime Stretching
Travel can be hard on the body.
Planes, trains and being on your feet all day means stretching is a mindful way to reconnect with your body.
At the end of the day, just about everyone could use an opportunity to relax their mind and body (and hello better sleep). So, why not take advantage of that little piece of time before bed to stretch.
This is one of the engaging self-care things I regularly work into travel, particularly after a hot shower. It’s an ideal part of an evening bedtime routine.
When you’re considering how to stay in shape while traveling just remember, workouts don’t have to be perfect.
Be flexible and work in pieces that suit your interests, needs & schedule. Have some fun and try new things.
After all, you’re on vacation!
…until the next time
live well – travel well – be well…
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