How to Stay Fit While Traveling

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If there is one thing I enjoy more than fitness, it’s traveling.

There is so much this beautiful world has to offer and I want to see it all!

Unfortunately, when you are trying to live a healthy lifestyle (eating right and working out) traveling can become stressful.

Eating nutritiously while on vacation can be difficult and finding time or means to get any kind of workout can seem impossible.

I want to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle while still enjoying your travel time.

As a fairly experienced traveler, I’m here to tell you it IS possible to keep up good habits, whether you are trekking across Europe alone, or going to Disneyland with everyone in your extended family.

All it takes is a little planning and mindfulness. 

How to Stay Fit While Traveling

Fitting some physical activity into your vacation doesn’t have to be a chore. Here are my top tips to get it in and make it fun!

1. Bring workout clothes.

Sounds obvious but if you forget the right clothing, you won’t be very motivated to work out! I usually prefer to bring workout clothes for warmer weather and cold weather, just to be safe. And I never go anywhere without my running shoes!  

2. Plan active activities.

If it’s possible, try and incorporate some kind of physical activity as part of your vacation. Plan a hike, a walking tour, go snorkeling! There are endless possibilities here and will only make your trip more fun!

Here are just a few ideas. Obviously, what you can do will depend on where you go but this should get you thinking and excited. 

• Hiking
• Biking-road, mountain, or beach cruisers
• Snorkeling
• Surfing
• Body Boarding
• Swimming
• Rock climbing
• Paddle boarding
• Boating-water skiing, wakeboarding, wake surfing
• Backpacking
• Kayaking
• Local or hotel yoga classes
• Running-trail, sand, pavement
• Walking- go explore!

4. Bring some packable equipment.

If you are really serious about staying in shape on your trip, pack some lightweight and non-bulky equipment. 

Here are some of my favorites: 

• Resistance bands
• Suspension trainer
• Jump rope 

5. Use available resources.

Many hotels have a small gym area with a treadmill and weights. If that’s not the case you can still get a great workout in your room with zero equipment! 

Check out my Instagram for workouts you can do just about anywhere!

Keep in mind, vacations should be a vacation! If your vacation is your period of rest and recovery then own it! 

Personally, I always feel better and have more energy when I get some kind of physical activity in, even if it’s as simple as a walk. Just remember to make it fun and tailored to your needs.

Eating Healthy While Traveling

Trying to stick to your healthy food choices while traveling can be tricky, but not impossible.

Here are my tips for eating with nutrition in mind so you can enjoy your travel more and worry less:

1. Bring healthy and portable snacks.

This is a must for me no matter where I go. You never know when you might need them! My favorites are protein bars or powder, grass-fed jerkey, raw cashews, apples, carrots, and other easy to carry snacks. 

Bring snacks that are low in sugar, and high in fiber and/or protein. This will help keep you full and satisfied while you enjoy adventuring!

2. Stick to protein and veggies at restaurants.

While eating out, try to find healthy protein foods such as wild salmon, chicken,  and grass fed beef if you can find it. Pair them with some local and in season veggies and fruits if possible!

Of course, you should enjoy the local cuisine! Personally, I try not to overdo it so I feel my best. Limit greasy fried food, overly processed meats, and excess sugar as these will most likely leave you feeling bloated and lacking energy. 

3. Portion control.

When you eat out, you are usually served large portions. To avoid over-indulging, find a friend and share a meal or take some of it to-go! Another option is to order from the kids menu if possible. The portions are smaller, it saves you money, and you may even find healthier options.

4. Don’t be afraid to be different.

When traveling with a group of people who aren’t as health conscious as you may be, it can be hard or even embarrassing to eat healthy while they chose otherwise.

You do what works for you. Enjoy yourself, but if you want to try and stick to your healthy eating do it! 

Your own health is more important than what your friends, peers, or family members think. Who knows, you may even inspire them to make healthier choices!

Wrapping It Up

 I’m not encouraging you to obsess over everything you eat while traveling. Not in the least bit. But it’s not a bad thing to try and stick with your healthy habits, especially when you feel best doing so!

After all, it’s not always fun to come back from trips feeling bloated, heavy, and more exhausted than when you left. 

That being said, please enjoy yourself!

If you only get to go to Disneyland once a year and want a Dole pineapple whip, EAT IT.

If you are in Paris and want to try a strawberry Nutella crêpe, PLEASE OH PLEASE DO IT (because they are to die for).

Life is meant to be enjoyed, tasted, and experienced! These tips are to just make your travel a little more enjoyable and to help you feel better so you can enjoy everything your trip has to offer.

Hope all your travels are happy, fit, and well! If you have any tips on how to stay fit while traveling please share in the comments below.