Staying Fit On The Road: 8 Practical Tips For Your Next Trip

Traveling is certainly an exciting experience—but also one that can disrupt your routine, making it more difficult to keep fit and in shape.

This is especially true if you find yourself travelling often for work or preparing for a gap year or study experience abroad.

Fortunately, with the right tips at hand, you can look after your fitness while also making the most of your travel experience. Find out more in the guide below.

Opt For Walking Tours Instead of Bus Rides

Walking is a fantastic way to stay fit—and not just while travelling! Walking every day is part of an active lifestyle, and it plays a key role in weight management and cardiovascular health.

Plus, this is a very accessible, low-impact sport that is suitable to every phase of life and requires minimal equipment.

But how can you incorporate more walking when travelling? Well, even if you are planning a relaxing beach holiday, you may have scheduled one or two exploring days.

Here is a excellent strategy to up your step count is to…walk! Not only does walking provide exercise, but they also offer a closer look at the destination.

If you are unsure where to walk to make the most of your visit, some tips include:

Many cities offer free guided walking tours, covering everything from historic landmarks to local street art.

You can even use apps like Google Maps to design your own route. Be sure to plan for stops to enjoy the local atmosphere!

Pack Light and Smart for Active Travel

Traveling light makes it easier to stay active. Firstly, by only carrying a small backpack or suitcase, you’ll have more flexibility in how you move.

Additionally, it’ll take you less time to pack up in the morning, leaving you more time for activities like walking or enjoying a gym session.

Here are some tips:

• Choose versatile clothing that can be layered.
• Opt for lightweight shoes, which are the best option for both city walks and short hikes.
• Select multipurpose items like a sarong that can be a blanket or towel.
• Limit electronics to essentials to reduce weight.
• Use packing cubes to organize and compress your items.
• Leave behind unnecessary toiletries: don’t forget that hotels often provide them!
• Consider a compact, reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.

Embrace Local Outdoor Activities

Looking to stay more active when traveling? An easy way to achieve this is to plan an active itinerary!

And, by that, we don’t mean spending most of your holiday time at a local gym—no, it’s about planning an itinerary packed with activities that will get you moving.

For example, consider:

• Cycling tours through scenic routes
• Hiking trails in national parks
• Kayaking on local rivers or lakes
• Signing up for beach volleyball matches if you’re near the coast
• Yoga classes in outdoor parks
• Rock climbing in renowned spots
• Surfing lessons at famous beaches
• Stand-up paddleboarding to keep up with your balance lessons

Leaving Luggage at Luggage Storage

If you are planning a long trip or multi-stop journey, the chances are that you may not travel so light.

That’s where understanding how to manage your luggage can truly transform your experience.

Having a big suitcase to haul can cause you to waste precious time when you have just a few hours in a city. That’s where pinpointing the best luggage storage service in the area can help.

Services like Radical Storage London cater to travelers looking for secure, convenient storage options.

By leaving your bags, you are free to wander without the annoyance of having to carry your luggage.

Whether you’re between hotel check-ins or looking to make the most of your layover in a city like London, luggage storage solutions let you experience more of what a destination has to offer.

Prioritize Healthy Local Cuisine

Traveling gives you the chance to experience new flavors and dishes, but it can also disrupt your diet. Certainly, a few days of eating differently than normal won’t affect your overall nutritional regime.

However, if you travel often or for extended periods, you may need to be mindful of this aspect.

Here’s where the right tips to eat healthy on the go may come in handy:

• Opt for local dishes that are rich in fresh vegetables and lean proteins, like Mediterranean salads or Asian stir-fries. 
• Street food can be tempting, but opt for vendors known for fresh, quality ingredients. 
• Consider sharing portions to taste more dishes without excess
• Skip sugary drinks, opting for water, teas, or even fresh juices. 
• Lastly, consider a destination’s cuisine when choosing where to travel!

Use Travel Workout Apps for On-the-Go Fitness

Staying fit while traveling is easier with the help of workout apps designed for busy itineraries.

Apps like 7 Minute Workout, Nike Training Club, and MyFitnessPal offer short, effective workouts that require minimal equipment.

Sometimes, you may not need much more than just resistance bands for a full-body workout on the go.

These platforms provide video instructions, which can help you make sure that you’re doing exercises correctly even away from the safety of your gym, whether in a hotel room or at a park.

These apps also allow you to set workout goals and track your progress, helping you keep on track when on the road.

Stay Hydrated and Keep Regular Sleep Schedules

Staying hydrated and maintaining regular sleep patterns are crucial when traveling, both for fitness and overall well-being.

Always carry a refillable water bottle and drink water frequently to counteract dehydration from air travel or new climates.

Monitor your caffeine and alcohol intake, as they can disrupt your sleep. If you have a long-haul flight ahead, be sure to support your body for this effort by getting started with proper hydration a week in advance.

Of course, try your best to continue drinking water as you travel, and, when you arrive at your destination, prioritize rest and recovery.

Regarding sleep, try to stick to a routine similar to your home schedule. Take advantage of options like eye masks or earplugs if needed, and reserve accommodations in quiet areas.

These tips can help you optimize your energy, so you can make the most of your experience while looking after your health.

Incorporate Exercise into Your Free Time

Exercise doesn’t have to be a chore! Opt for leisure activities that involve physical movement.

For example, you can dance at local events or parties, play games like frisbee or soccer at the park, or try a new sport like tai chi in a local class.

And, of course, you could opt for walking instead of taking public transport and taking the stairs instead of elevators when possible.

Lastly, when choosing your accommodation, opt for a hotel or local stay with fitness facilities. So, you can take advantage of an on-site gym every time you prefer, be it before going out to explore or before dinner!