Do you struggle to stay fit while traveling and on vacation? Do you gain weight and beat yourself up about it when you return back home? You think, “I shouldn’t have eaten that, or I should have done more of this”… Hopefully after reading this post, you won’t have to think or feel like that anymore.
I used to be this way, too. I would get home after a week or two of traveling and look at myself on the scale and think, “How did this happen?”
I know exactly how it happened. I ate too many snacks in the car or on the plane, I didn’t keep to a regular eating schedule, I ate when I could no matter what which usually meant I would resort to fast food. I also didn’t exercise regularly like I do when I’m at home such as go to the gym or walk the dog.
It doesn’t have to be this way.
What if I gave you a plan to actually lose weight while vacationing? It is possible. Check out my tips below!
Tip 1: Sight-see by walking the city
Don’t take a bus or a tram, don’t go by horse and carriage, actually walk to see the city your in. Some of my favorite memories of places we’ve visited were actually from walking the city streets. New Orleans, Charleston, Minneapolis, Nashville – these are all walk-able cities that are best to be seen by walking!
Many cities offer free walking tours with apps such as freetoursbyfoot.com and freetour.com
Yes, these tours are free, but you must tip your guide! It’s a great way to learn the history of the place you are visiting and most tours are about a mile to a 2 mile walk if not more. You will make stops along the way so you don’t break into too much of a sweat, and you will definitely make your step count for the day!
Tip 2: Utilize your hotel gym
Many hotels both large and small offer a gym. It may not be anything significant, but it’s enough to keep your fitness routine on track. On the mornings you know you aren’t rushed to do anything or are able to get up early, go to that gym even if it’s just for a half an hour. Run 10 minutes on the treadmill and lift weights for 20 minutes. A quick circuit is better than none and you will feel refreshed for the rest of the day.
Tip 3: Rent a bike
Bike rentals are popping up in almost every city worldwide. Renting a bike allows you to get a great workout and sight see. It’s cheap, too! Here in Rochester, NY, bike rentals are only $1 an hour! After an hour you may be exhausted anyways so essentially you’re getting a great workout at an unbeatable price!
Tip 4: Look for free introductory classes
I don’t pay for a gym membership, so during these cold Rochester winters, I love to find free introductory classes at local yoga studios, Barre studios, and free trials at local gyms. Not only do I get a great workout for free, but I get to find studios I like that I may be willing to pay for a class later on. When traveling, I do the same thing. You can find really awesome classes for free or a very low introductory rate and you can do this at a number of studios throughout the city you’re visiting. So, you could actually work out every day you are on vacation for free!
Tip 5: Got access to a pool? Go swimming!
Does your hotel have a pool? Or are you daring enough to swim in the ocean or lake. (This is not me)! My favorite workout to do in the pool each day is to do 10 laps, do some arm exercises under the water, crunches with a noodle, and balancing exercises with a noodle or pool float. Even treading water will make you burn those calories! Exercising under water builds strength and endurance because the water creates resistance. Ever used resistance bands during a workout? Water can act very similar to those!
Tip 6: Skip a meal, grab a smoothie
I love making green and healthy smoothies for lunch. I love even more when I can find an awesome health shake place and order one to be made for me while I’m on the go! Smoothies are a great meal replacement and prevents you from eating out or grabbing fast food when traveling. It’s the same price if not less and will keep you feeling full until the next meal!
Tip 7: Find a fun adventurous activity/tour
When traveling, we love finding adventurous activities and tours to do. These include ziplining, rock climbing, paddleboarding, kayaking, hiking and more. Next place you go, look for a tour that involves some kind of exercise. Some of it won’t even feel like you are working out because you will be too excited looking at the sights around you. But trust me, you will feel it later!
Tip 8: Eat smart at restaurants
It’s easy when eating out on vacation to indulge..a lot! All you need to do is be smart about it. You can still eat out at amazing restaurants while still being conscientious about what you are ordering to eat.
Try and not order a drink, order water instead. It’s free and it’s what you really need. None of those sugary drinks. It will keep you clear in your mind and hydrated!
Don’t eat grains or bread. Ordering a burger? Get it on top of lettuce instead of with a bun. Don’t order rice, mashed potatoes, or fries. Order fresh veggies or a sweet potatoes option! Salad is even better.
Try and stay away from the appetizers. I know, they look amazing, but you will regret it later when you can’t finish your healthy meal! And do I need to even mention staying away from the desserts? I didn’t think so 😉
If you implement these 8 tips, you will come back from vacation feeling refreshed and looking better than ever! What other tips would you recommend to staying fit while traveling? Comment below!
