6 Ways to Stay Fit While Traveling.
Have you finally managed to squeeze in some vacation days? Or is your boss sending you on another tedious business trip? Whatever the reason for leaving the comfort of your office (ha!), you certainly don’t want to stray away from your New Year’s resolutions, do you? Now that you’re eating healthier and exercising regularly, it’s important to try and stay on top of that routine...and some vacation days shouldn’t stop you from doing so!
So, here are a few ways to stay fit while traveling:
1. Stay hydrated.
At the risk of sounding like a walking billboard (WATER WATER WATER!), you really should drink plenty of water! Getting dehydrated can have lasting effects on your body, so make sure to always have a refillable water bottle like this super cute one from Ban.do by your side. I prefer to eat my calories than drink them (who’s with me on this one?) and would so much rather eat a brownie than throw back a soda.If you’re not so keen on drinking regular water, drop a slice of lemon or lime inside to jazz it up a bit!
2. Reach for a snack pack with protein.
Whether you’re planning a trip of a lifetime, hitchhiking on major highways, camping in the woods or simply taking a stroll around a busy city, it’s crucial to pack on nutrients! Eating regularly while traveling can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be impossible. Before your next adventure, prepare a few healthy snack packs to munch on while on the road. Bananas, nuts, eggs, yogurt and dark chocolate are great at keeping up your energy levels and best of all – they’re extremely healthy!
3. Indulge intentionally.
Unfortunately, what happens on vacation, doesn’t necessarily stay on vacation. This is true for plenty of things, especially for the foods you eat. So, eat that ice-cream and try that street food, but don’t make it an everyday meal! Try to find restaurants in the neighborhood that offer healthy food options and if your accommodation has a kitchen, by all means – cook!
I always visit the local grocery stores when I travel and try to pick up a few healthier snacks at the very least. It’s a great way to save money and also keep you from eating your weight in gelato for every meal (although, that definitely sounds amazing).
4. Go ahead and window shop.
Why not combine business and pleasure…and shopping? It might not look like the healthiest option out there (especially for your wallet!), but it can actually be a great way to stay on top of your fitness regime. Did you know that an average person can burn 200-300 calories during a 30-minute walk? So, what are you waiting for? Window shopping it is! Go ahead and walk down La Rambla in Barcelona or down the Champs Elysees or Galleries Lafayette in Paris. It’s good for you!
5. Stay active.
You might be used to jogging every morning or hitting the gym every other day, but that might not be possible while traveling. This shouldn’t discourage you though, because there are plenty of ways to stay active during your vacation! I recommend bringing a set of small exercise bands in your suitcase so you can get a few reps in before breakfast every morning. Kicking off your day with some movement will help get your metabolism going and ensure that you’re moving first-thing.
A nature hike is a great way to explore the surrounding area, but it’s even a better exercise. I loved wandering Park Güell in Spain for hours and always make it a point to do a big hike through Griffith Park in Los Angeles. Swimming is a full-body workout (and a must anytime you’re in Hawaii or Los Cabos), and cycling, trekking or skiing can also do wonders for your body image. Research the area before you hit the road and find out what kind of activities you’ll have available! Horseback riding in Mexico, anyone?
6. Rest up, buttercup.
Traveling is awesome, no doubt, but it’s also stressful, tiresome and energy draining. Jet lag is your biggest enemy while traveling, and try not to underestimate its power! You might want to hit the streets, find the best clubs and explore everything there is as soon as you arrive at your preferred destination, but before you do that, allow your body to rest. Get plenty of sleep and let both your body and mind relax before setting off to your next big adventure. Remember, you’re not doing yourself a favor by trying to push yourself over the limit!
Are you ready to leave the hassle of your everyday life and dive into the magical world of travel? Then you better start packing! Staying fit while traveling is very much doable. Just remember these wise words from our favorite adventurer/meme: Improvise. Adapt. Overcome.