How to Stay Fit While Traveling: 9 Tips & Tricks

One of the challenges that comes with traveling is finding a balance between enjoying your vacation to the fullest while also maintaing some sort of a fitness routine. I know personally, when I am traveling the last thing I want to do is hit the gym. Fortunately, there are still tons of different things you can do to keep yourself in shape. Today, I'll be sharing the best tips and tricks to stay in shape while on vacation!

1. Walk, and walk everywhere. Skip the taxi, bus, or train, grab your walking shoes and hit the road. Walking between attractions is not only exercise, but also saves you money- and perhaps introduces you to sights and places you may not have explored otherwise.

little bit sweaty after a 5K in the Thai heat!

2. Find a local fitness activity and join it. Before heading to Thailand for our honeymoon, Nick and I did some research and discovered there would be a 5K run where we were staying. It was one of the last nights of our trip, which was perfect motivation to us to stay somewhat in shape throughout the trip.  The Koh Samui Midnight 5K was the perfect fun activity that also had us performing physical activity! The 5K run we chose was a charity event that benefited children in Thailand- so not only did we feel good from the run, we also felt good from supporting a charitable organization in the country we were visiting.

3. Learn to love jet lag. If you are like me, jet lag means that you may be waking up some time before you usually would. Learn to love this aspect of the vacation, and use that extra 30-60 minutes for a quick workout. Hit the beach for a run, go for a swim, use your hotel's fitness center. Whatever activity it is, waking up and getting a quick workout in will kickstart your day and leave you feeling awesome.

4. Pack a workout. Have extra space in your bag? Throw in a jump rope. Super small, compact, and lightweight, even the presence of this will help motivate you to workout. When you are fresh out of the shower and selecting your clothes for the day/night, you might happen to grab this- and do a minute, or three, then get on with your day. Any physical activity here helps.

5. Drink water. It can be hard to drink enough water while on vacation or traveling, but you definitely need it. Not only will it keep you hydrated, but it will also boost your energy levels, leaving you more in the mood for a good workout.

family hike in Bergen, Norway

6. Make exercise a part of your daily activities. Are you headed to the mountains? Great, go for a hike, skiing, snowboarding. Going to the beach? Go for a run, or hit the water and swim, snorkel, windsurf. Going wine-tasting? Instead of enjoying your wine at a table, grab a glass and walk through the vineyards. Instead of thinking of it as a workout, think of exercise as an activity you are doing. This will make it an experience, and definitely be more enjoyable than simply hitting the gym.

7. Take a bike tour or rent a bike. Many cities will have bike tours, where you can rent a bike and have a guided tour with all the sights. Look into these tours, or rent a bike on your own. It can be another great way to explore the city, and definitely a great form of exercise.

8. "Getting Ready" repetitions. While brushing your teeth, do wall sits, or lunges. Whenever you have a task like this, take the two minutes of down time and use it. Men, I'm looking at you here- instead of watching TV while your wife/girlfriend gets ready, use this time the get a few reps in and you'll feel much better about your day.

9. Relax & make smart choices. Relax, buddy. You are on vacation. Enjoy it. If you want that dessert, go ahead and have it- just don't have four. Same thing applies with alcohol. Making smart choices and enjoying everything in moderation is the key to your vacation.