Vacation Wellness: Keeping Healthy While Having Fun

Vacations can be exciting, offering a much-needed break from daily routines and a chance to explore new places, cultures and cuisines. However, they can sometimes throw a lot of things in your life out of order – including fitness regimens. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or simply looking to stay active while away from home, deciding to work out on vacation is a personal choice that benefits both mind and body. With a few easy tweaks, you can maintain your fitness goals and still have fun on vacation! Here are some helpful tips to help you stay committed to your fitness journey during your getaway:

Pack Essentials

Remember to pack your favorite workout gear! Keeping a pair of sneakers, resistance bands or a yoga mat in your luggage can make staying active effortless.

Embrace Active Exploration

Instead of taking a bus or taxi, walk or bike to restaurants or sites when able. Embrace your vacation spot by researching activities that involve physical activity. Going for a scenic hike, city bike tours, snorkeling, paddleboarding, surfing or even joining a local group workout class are all ways to keep your body moving.

Make Smart Food Choices

Enjoy the wide variety of cuisines available to you on your travels but try to balance your meals with healthy options. Practice mindful eating by loading up on fresh vegetables, fruits, lean protein and whole grains. Planning your meals ahead can help you manage the tempting array of delicious food nearby.

Stay Hydrated

With the excitement of a new location, it’s easy to forget to stay hydrated Bring a refillable water bottle with you wherever you go to replenish lost fluids. If you plan to go out drinking, avoid too many sugary drinks and consider limiting your alcohol intake to feel your best throughout the trip.

Maximize Your Surroundings

Many hotels offer fitness facilities with basic cardio and weightlifting equipment, so take advantage of these amenities to stay committed to your fitness goals. You can also get creative by doing bodyweight exercises in your room, like squats, lunges, pushups and planks, to maintain your strength with absolutely no equipment!

Prioritize Rest and Recovery

Vacations are meant to be a time to unwind and recharge both physically and mentally. Prioritize getting enough sleep, taking breaks when needed and listening to your body’s cues to get the most out of your vacation.

Finding balance between staying active and embracing relaxation on vacation doesn’t have to be complicated. With a little planning and a positive attitude, you can enjoy all the excitement of travel while keeping your health and wellbeing a top priority.

Sources:

‌Raphael. (2023, May 22). 10 Tips for Staying Fit On Vacations. Fitness Project.

‌Pohlgeers, K. (2021, July 23). Staying Fit on Vacation: Tips for Maintaining Your Routine | UofL Health.

Nick Karwoski. (2023, July 26). How to Work Out Out on Vacation: 10 Tips for Exercising. Hydrow.