Top Tips For Staying Fit While You Travel

For all the fitness fanatics out there who have dedicated a lot of time to creating a fitness routine that works for you, as exciting as going on vacation is, it can feel a little disruptive and you might feel like you’re going to fall off track and ruin all of your hard work. 

Well, I’m here to tell you that is not the case. Traveling and keeping fit and healthy are NOT mutually exclusive. Here are a few tips and tricks I’ve picked up over the last few years for staying fit and healthy while still enjoying your travels.

Tip #1 Hotel room workouts

If you have access to the internet, you have access to a whole load of free fitness content. Get on YouTube and you’ll find heaps of quick bodyweight hiit (high intensity interval training) workouts that you can do from absolutely anywhere without any equipment. 

A favorite of mine is Joe Wicks The Bodycoach - smash out one of his 20 minute full body workouts in the privacy of your hotel room in the morning, then enjoy the rest of your day knowing that you’ve already had good sweat sesh! 

Tip #2 Get moving

Try to make staying active part of your every day. Explore the local area on foot, go for a hike, swim in the sea or run up the nearest hill. Incorporate exercise into your trip in the most enjoyable way you can! Mix in activities that don’t necessarily feel like you’re working out. 

Sign up for a salsa dance class in Cuba or try your hand at muay thai training in Thailand! 

Tip #3 Eat Local

Be sure to take advantage of the fresh local produce on offer. Most hot countries serve up delicious fresh fruit for low prices, which is perfect for snacking on or sharing with friends. Don’t forget to do your research prior to your trip and note down any local cafes or healthy eateries you can check out on your travels too. 

I’m not saying you should eat only vegetables when traveling and ignore anything that tastes good. Instead, try to make 80% of your meals healthy, and then eat whatever you want the other few meals. Find a healthy balance between enjoying yourself and taking care of yourself. 

Tip #4 Choose wisely

Since you’re eating out all day every day, it can be hard to control your food intake. However, try to make the healthiest choices you can at the majority of your meals. I recommend adjusting your portions sizes to the level of activity you’re doing – if you’re on a sun lounger all day you’ll need less food than if you’re off on a hike! If you fancy a drink - have one. 

But be smart, maybe choose a lighter beer or a glass of wine instead of a sugary cocktail. 

Tip #5 Stretch and breathe 

Why not start each day with a short yoga practice while you’re on vacation? Taking some time to focus on your breathing will calm your mind and give you energy for the day ahead, and stretching out your muscles will help prevent soreness from any activities you may not be used to like hiking. 

There are so many benefits! Cat Meffan’s free yoga and meditation videos on YouTube are my favorite way to start my day. You can choose from a short easy practice to longer more challenging ones. 

Remember, staying fit and healthy isn’t only about your body - it’s about your mind too and this is just as important when you travel!

Tip #6 Don’t stress!

If you’re a regular gym-goer, the reason you train so hard and eat a balanced diet the vast majority of the time is so that you can enjoy these special occasions and experiences stress-free. Don’t pressure yourself to be perfect. 

Life is for living and your healthy lifestyle doesn’t need to stop you from having fun! People often get so worried about staying healthy on holiday that it makes it hard for them to truly relax. When you look back on your vacation you’ll want to remember how much you enjoyed it, not how much you were stressing about staying fit! Food tour anyone?!