One of the main reasons you might take a vacation is to escape your daily routine. But what happens when your healthy habits have been integrated into your day-to-day life? Many people abandon their routines while they’re away, but that doesn’t have to be the case for you.

After all, this lifestyle isn’t only about smashing goals, you have to be able to relax and reset too. Taking good care of yourself on vacation can help you beat jet lag, regulate your mental health, and reduce travel bloat.

So if the question in your mind is not whether you should abandon your healthy choices, but rather how you fit them in during a trip, then you’re in luck. Here are ten simple ways to stay healthy on vacation. 

 

1. Leave Nothing but Footprints (Everywhere)

Have you ever noticed how many steps you take during an exploratory walk around a new city? You’re having so much fun exploring a new environment that walking becomes a joy. Even if you’re heading to a beach-side resort, there are fun walking options for every kind of trip.

 

Can You Walk There?

Asking yourself “is it walkable?” is a simple way to keep active no matter what type of vacation you’re on. While it may take a little longer, you get the opportunity to explore so much more of the local area. You might even stumble upon some hidden gems – isn’t that what exploring is all about?

On the other hand, don’t rule out the possibility that walking could be the quicker option. Roads can get congested and transport can be unreliable, so pack your comfiest shoes.

 

Walks and Cultured Talks

Walking tours are an ideal option if soaking up the local culture is on your bucket list. Not only do you get insider knowledge from a local tour guide, but taking a walking tour keeps you active and in the know of the local secrets. Smart move. 

 

Take a Hike

Alternatively, you could be hungry for something more adventurous. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or not, hitting a nature trail, coastal path or mountain range is an incredible way to enjoy your new surroundings. Think of the sweet reward of accomplishment. Plus, you’ll get an impressive Instagram post to remember it all by.

To find the best experience, chat with locals or hospitality staff to get tips on where’s hot and where’s not. They might even recommend a tour group which would save any logistical hassle.  

 

2. Travel Hack: Book Hotels With Gyms and Fitness Centers

Long-term gym bunnies know that choosing a hotel with a gym is non-negotiable. Why? These days there are plenty of accommodation options that provide a gym and fitness centers. At the end of the day, thousands of people travel for rest and rejuvenation – exercise fits perfectly into that objective. These days there also lots of hotels that offer morning yoga, and it usually takes place at the most beautiful location on the property.

If you can’t find the right accommodation with a gym on site, there’s a good chance that they offer roof-top or pool-side classes. They might even offer the use of a local space or the facilities at their sister hotel a few blocks down. 

 

3. No Equipment? No Problem

If all else fails, you can still get a quick workout without any issues. You don’t even have to worry about equipment. As long as you have a towel or a pair of sneakers, you can work up a sweat for no extra cost and at your very own convenience. You can even skip the towel too, after all you are on vacation!

 

Enjoy the Privacy of a Hotel Room Workout

With a smartphone connected to the internet, you could have any workout imaginable right at your fingertips. Whether you want low-impact pilates or a 30-minute HIIT blast, you’ll find it on YouTube or a virtual fitness membership.

Roll out a towel, load up your video and get moving in the privacy of your hotel room. Easy!

 

Or Run With the Wind Through Your Hair

An even more effortless option is to lace up your running shoes and get out there. Going for a run is such an amazing way to get those endorphins pumping and shake off any cobwebs from a long day of travelling. 

Let’s not forget that you’ll probably have the most incredible scenery while on vacation. Make the most of that ocean sunrise, tree lined path, or mountainous horizon with a run as long or as short as you fancy.

 

4. Think Like a Fish and Swim to Your Heart’s Content

If you like the idea of saving money but running just doesn’t cut it, don’t worry because we’ve got you covered. But first things first: have you packed your swimsuit? 

Swimming can be such an easy way to stay fit and healthy. If you’re in a hot climate, you’re likely to be in the water anyway so adding a few extra laps will get your heart rate up nicely. Whether it’s a dip in a refreshing pool, ocean or lake, enjoy this peaceful activity knowing your body will love it. It’s especially great if you don’t want to pack sneakers or need something that’s low impact on your joints. If you have been working hard on that vacation body, this could be the perfect time to show it off too. 

 

5. …and Drink Like One. Stay Hydrated Out There!

After exercising, you’re instinctively going to replenish your body with fluids. But what’s most important is that you’re staying hydrated no matter what you’re doing throughout the day. Whether that’s strolling through the town or lounging in the sunshine, drink up.

A lack of proper hydration can affect all bodily systems, especially when it comes to mood and digestion. As someone who leads a healthy lifestyle, you know just how important this is. 

Make sure to opt for filtered water, herbal teas, and coconut water for optimal hydration. Bonus points for bringing a reusable bottle. Of course, you can enjoy your cocktails and coffees but be mindful of getting a good balance.

 

6. Don’t Forget to Recharge Your Social Battery

Solo travelers aren’t the only people getting alone time. People who have a good understanding of their energy levels and boundaries do too. While this might apply to you more if you’re an introvert, some time to yourself is still beneficial if you’re an extrovert. 

The point is, while you’re on vacation you spend the majority of your time with your companions. And it doesn’t matter whether it’s your partner, family or friends who are there with you – the chances are, you’ll need some space to breathe. 

Alone time not only allows you to recharge but it offers you an opportunity to soak up the experience. If you get a chance to pause, you get a chance to tap into the most precious thing of all: the present moment. 

 

7. Mindfulness Can Help You Stay Grounded

The present moment is the only thing that truly exists. That’s why it’s so precious. And while every day is a gift, you wouldn’t want to see your vacation whizz by in the blink of an eye, would you? 

As someone who’s health conscious, you’re likely already a mindful person anyway. But just in case you get carried away by the excitement of your trip, here are some ideas to help you practice mindfulness with minimal effort.

 

A Moment of Meditation

The most straightforward way of achieving presence is to practice meditation. Guided meditations are particularly helpful if you struggle with a wandering mind. You can get them for free on mobile apps or can just simply set a timer on your phone.

 

Observe Your Surroundings

Try to pay closer attention to the details around you. Observe the smiling people and the way the sunlight does that pretty little dance on the water can you help you appreciate and live in the moment. 

 

Look Through a Different Lens

Some might argue that trying to capture the moment in a photograph takes you away from it. But keeping an eye out for moments of beauty forces you to be nothing but present.   

 

8. Gentle Reminder: Being Active Isn’t Only About Workouts. Book Those Activities!

By now you know that exercise is totally possible no matter where you are in the world. But let’s face it: you don’t have to crush a sweat drenched workout to stay in full health mode on vacation. You can enjoy your strolls, take a dip in the pool, or, you could just enjoy the activities you came for.

From adrenaline-pumping watersports to browsing the local markets, moving your body is the goal and it comes in many forms. Unless your main activity is pounding down beers at the bar all day, your body is going to be happy. But if you do happen to have a wild time, these tips should help you take the edge off the morning after. It’s a win-win.

It’s also worth highlighting that your body’s needs are unique. Maybe on this vacation, you need a long deep rest with a yoga class thrown in for good measure. Or perhaps you’re adrenaline chasing after sitting behind a desk for months. Listen to your body.

 

9. Lunchboxes + You = Best Friends

Does good food influence your decision to visit somewhere new? From Italy to Vietnam, food is an irresistible attraction. Once you finally get a taste of the local cuisine, the unique flavors unlock a chapter of the story behind the culture of the very place you’re visiting. That’s one tasty history lesson.

Or is food a pleasant extra? For you, vacations could be an opportunity for you to be eating all day long. Whatever your relationship is to food, you might want to pack an empty plastic lunchbox for two reasons. 

 

Make Your Own Healthy Choices

Firstly, you get the opportunity to make yourself a lunch to go. This is a travel hack for anyone that’s struggling to find healthy options. Healthy eating is about balance after all and between the indulgences, you might want to whip up something light and fresh. Going to the local market to gather things to make and/or eat can also be a great way to learn more about the local culture and cuisine. 

 

You’re in Control

Secondly, food boxes help you manage your portions. Some restaurants might serve more food than you can stomach and rather than stuffing your face or wasting it, you can take the leftovers with you. Having a refrigerator in your hotel can be crucial for this reason. 

It’s easy to get carried away when you’re not in your usual environment. Save your stomach, save money and save the planet with one little box.

 

10. Enjoy Yourself and Relax

Sometimes in life, the healthiest thing you can do is nothing and the most important thing you need to do is to enjoy yourself. After all, you work hard every day of your life. 

If you’ve read through these tips and feel exhausted by the thought of it all, it sounds like the best thing for you to do is nothing at all.

A healthy lifestyle includes plenty of rest and rejuvenation. It’s important to note the difference too – you may feel rejuvenated after a rewarding hike but you won’t get the ample rest your body needs. As always, there’s a fine balance and the best thing you can do is to listen to your body, enjoy yourself and relax.

 

Staying Healthy While on Vacation Can Be So Easy

It’s understandable to question whether a vacation will get in the way of your health. There are so many temptations and distractions around. While a week or two of indulgence is never going to do any harm (if anything, it’s healthy), it takes time and effort to adapt to a new scenario.

What’s more, a life of fitness, nutrition and well-being is more than just achieving goals. It’s about the way it makes you feel. So if you’ve been searching for easy ways to stay healthy while on vacation, you now know you have plenty of options. From getting your daily walks to recharging your social battery, there are more ways than one to keep your mind, body and soul smiling.