A vacation is a wonderful break from the routines of daily life. It’s a chance to sleep in, try new foods, and relax. But for many of us, that break from routine also means a break from our fitness habits, and we often come home feeling sluggish and like we need a detox from our vacation. What if you could come back from your trip feeling not just mentally refreshed, but physically energized as well?
The key is to reframe your mindset. Instead of thinking of “exercise” as a separate chore you have to squeeze in, think of “activity” as your primary mode of exploration. An active vacation is an incredible way to truly experience a new place, but it’s also important to be prepared. Just as you’d pack the right shoes, you should also make sure you have the right travel insurance to cover you in case of an unexpected injury or trip interruption. It’s the peace of mind you need to truly embrace the adventure.
Here are a few simple tips for weaving movement and exercise into your travel plans seamlessly.
Walk Everywhere You Possibly Can
This is the golden rule of active travel. Walking is, without a doubt, the single best way to explore a new city or town. It’s free, it requires no special equipment, and it allows you to experience your destination at a human pace.
Instead of immediately hopping in a taxi or a rideshare, check your map. Is your destination a 20- or 30-minute walk away? Perfect. Take the walk. You’ll discover charming side streets, quirky local shops, and beautiful parks you would have completely missed from inside a car. You’ll get a real feel for the rhythm of the city and get your steps in without even thinking about it.
Turn Your Hotel Room into a Mini-Gym
There will be days when a big outdoor adventure isn’t on the schedule, or maybe you just have a spare 20 minutes before dinner. This is the perfect time for a quick, no-equipment-needed hotel room workout.
A simple bodyweight circuit can be incredibly effective. Think of a routine that includes squats, lunges, push-ups, and planks. You can also pack a lightweight resistance band or a jump rope, as they take up almost no space in your luggage but offer a huge range of exercise possibilities. For tons of free, travel-friendly workout ideas, look for resources with extensive libraries of exercises you can do anywhere.
Make the Activity the Main Attraction
Instead of planning your day around a museum visit or a bus tour, plan it around an active experience. This is the best way to guarantee you’ll get your heart rate up while having an incredible, memorable time.
- At the beach? Don’t just lie on the sand. Sign up for a surf lesson, rent a stand-up paddleboard, or go for a long jog along the water’s edge.
- In the mountains? Instead of just driving to the scenic overlooks, pick a trail and hike to them. The view is always better when you’ve earned it.
- In a city? Skip the bus tour and sign up for a guided bike tour instead. You’ll cover more ground than you would on foot and get a unique perspective on the city’s layout.
Pack the Right Gear
You don’t need a suitcase full of workout clothes, but packing a few key items will make it much easier to stay active. The single most important thing you can pack is a comfortable, broken-in pair of walking shoes. Your feet will thank you.
Beyond that, a couple of pairs of moisture-wicking socks, a versatile pair of athletic shorts or leggings, and a few sweat-wicking shirts are all you need. Having the right gear removes any excuse not to go for that walk or do that quick workout. For more detailed packing lists for active trips, outdoor resources are a great place to start.
Incorporating exercise into your travels isn’t about sacrificing fun and relaxation. It’s about enhancing your trip. It allows you to see more, do more, and discover more, all while maintaining your health. You’ll return home with amazing memories, feeling strong, energized, and ready to plan your next adventure.
