The best ways to stay in shape while travelling

May 22, 2018

family-cycling

We can often talk ourselves into thinking it’s alright to let ourselves go during our travels, but doing so can often have negative physical and mental impacts. If we don’t keep up with our fitness and health while travelling, it can cause us to become sluggish and unmotivated, and you want to be anything but when you’re on vacation.

While it is important to enjoy your holidays and not focus on being as strict on your exercise and diet routine as you normally are, maintaining a basic level of fitness will allow you to feel healthy and have energy to do all the things you wish to experience.

Here are some of the best ways to stay in shape while travelling without having to sacrifice your holiday enjoyment.

healthy-food

Eating healthy

It’s easy to overindulge when it comes to food and travel. With so many new exotic flavours to try, one can easily overeat and not pay attention to what they are putting into their body. But calories on vacation do count!

When you’re at home, it’s easy to read labels and prepare meals that adhere to your diet. So in that sense, a great idea is to try and book accommodation that will allow you to cook some of your own meals as opposed to eating out every day.

But if you’re opposed to cooking while on holiday, most cities around the world offer healthy restaurants, so seek them out as opposed to settling for fast food options. If you are staying in a hotel, take advantage of any free breakfast offerings. Breakfast is truly the most important meal of the day. A nice sized breakfast will kick-start your metabolism and helps you avoid giving into unhealthy cravings throughout the day

 

staying-hydrated

Staying hydrated

From the moment you step on a plane, staying hydrated becomes vital during your travels. Air travel creates an environment that is extremely low in humidity and oxygen-thin air, causing you to become dehydrated much more quickly. If you experience signs of fatigue or headaches, it may be time to ask the flight attendant for a glass of water.

During your travels, you may be more likely to engage in active activities whether it’s exploring the city or enjoying outdoor recreation. This may require you to drink more hydrating liquids and electrolytes. You may have also chosen a destination that is far more tropical than where you live and therefore requires you to drink more to avoid health complications.

Nearly every part of our body depends on water and staying hydrated keeps both our physical body and mind sharp. Consider travelling with a water bottle to cut down on plastic waste.

 

exercising

Exercising while travelling

Exercising while travelling has never been easier. Most hotels offer a fitness room filled with a variety of exercise machines. Many hotels rooms now even offer yoga mats so you can exercise in the comfort of your own room.

If your accommodation doesn’t have a gym, seek out a park that may have outdoor equipment or simply run/jog around recreation paths. You don’t need to adhere to the same strict exercise schedule you do at home, but make an attempt to at least set aside time during your travels to get a bit of exercise. This will help give you more energy for seeing attractions and will make it easier for you to return to your routine once you arrive back home.

 

cycling

Transportation options

Don’t always rely on using a city’s rapid transit system, buses, and taxis. A great way to stay active and truly see your travel destination is to rent a bicycle or simply walk. Many larger cities offer wonderful bike share systems that allow you to easily access bikes around the city, with many pickup and drop-off locations near main attractions or landmarks.

Simply use your phone’s GPS to navigate your new surroundings and download maps for offline use if data roaming is an issue in terms of signal or cost.

 

kayaking

Travel activities

Travel gives us a great excuse to take advantage of activities we may not normally participate in. Try skiing in the Alps, kayak the Mississippi, or explore the underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef. The excitement these activities provide will disguise the fact that they are also great exercise. You’ll come away from your vacation with unforgettable memories and a more fit physique.

But make sure you have protected yourself from overseas medical costs due to unfortunate sport or activity injuries. Our travel insurance plans will generally cover a wide range of sports and active adventures; simply ask to be certain your chosen activities will be covered under your policy.

 

sickness

Avoiding sickness

 

Getting sick while travelling will not only ruin your holiday plans but will also decrease your ability and motivation to want to stay active and fit. Be sure to get all the required or recommended vaccinations for your chosen destination. Carry insect repellent to avoid diseases like malaria and do your best to avoid contaminated food. This means staying away from street food vendors and making sure your food is cooked thoroughly.

Carry sanitiser and wash hands before meals. Limit the amount of alcohol you consume. And finally, be sure to get an adequate amount of sleep. All these things will help your immune system operate at its best.

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