A Guide To Staying Fit And Healthy While Traveling Abroad
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We’ve all been there. The post-vacation blues that comes from those extra pounds packed on during travel. But despair not! Staying fit and healthy while traveling isn’t a fantasy. Even if you don’t decide to dedicate an entire holiday to the “fitcation” as I did in Guatemala, you can still have a healthy vacation while enjoying your umbrella drinks and poolside relaxation.
Staying fit and healthy while traveling abroad: Walking tours
Nearly every major city has some sort of walking tour you can join. They range from just a few hours to nearly a full day. These tours are a great way to not only become acclimated with your surroundings, but also to gain a deeper understanding of the history behind many of the structures you may pass by. Since it’s a walking tour, you’re also sure to get in a decent workout as well. What’s even better is that many companies have these tours available for free (although tipping is encouraged) simply by pre-registering online in advance, such as those provided in over 19 cities by Sandeman’s.
A stroll along the Seine River during a walking tour in Paris
Skip breakfast
Yes, you read that correctly! But think about it. Not only will you save money by skipping breakfast, it will also give you back those early morning hours of sightseeing, sans crowds. After hours of walking around, reward yourself with a hearty lunch!
Breakfast…we don’t need no stinkin’ breakfast!
Limit the alcohol intake
Ok, ok…I know what you’re thinking. “What’s a vacation with the cocktails flowing!?!” While this may be true for some, those extra mimosas in the morning are only adding on extra pounds by way of your daily calorie count. I, too, love to sample the various spirits of different regions during travel, but it’s important to do so in moderation.
Do an outdoor activity
This might be the easiest suggestion. If you’re close to a beach, have a run along the shore. If you’re near mountains, go up for a hike. If you’re in a country that offers a chance for both…DO BOTH! Getting out and incorporating physical activity into a vacation is not only invigorating, but for those who may struggle with the part about limiting alcohol…at least the calories burned will provide a bit of wiggle room for a few extra drinks.
Get a day pass to a gym or exercise class
In Thailand? Give Muay Thai a try. In Brazil? How about Ju-jitsu or capoeira? Traveling through Latin America? Join a dance class! No matter where you go there will either be a gym or activity nearby that you can take part in. It’s a great opportunity to stay active and make local friends, who can offer suggestions of tours or nightlife that you may not necessarily find online.
Weekly salsa classes at Whee Institute in Bogota
Prepare your own food
Just because you’re preparing your own food, doesn’t mean you have to miss out on authentic cuisine during travel. Join a cooking class to get your feet wet and then venture out to a local market, sample a fruit or vegetable you’ve never seen, and continue to experiment a bit.
When in Rome…
In the comments below, share your most useful recommendation for staying fit and healthy while traveling abroad…either from the list above or your own personal experience!
19 Comments
I do a LOT more walking when I’m traveling, so I usually drop a few pounds on vacation. I also eat less, which is weird. I think being at home with kids, you eat way more than you would when you are out.
When I travel, I try to do several of these tips on the list, like cook my own food, take a walking tour, and do an outdoor activity. I also don’t drink because it can really cause people to have a gut.
I think when on holiday it is hard not to indulge but to eat everything in moderation and limit calorific food really helps as does partaking in activities . Also walking rather than taking cabs for short journeys is a good idea as you get to see the place more and same time get the exercise.
A lot of these are great tips! Although, I wouldn’t recommend skipping breakfast. That’s the most important meal of the day, and you are definitely going to need the fuel and energy to walk around and explore! I do beachbody workouts, so luckily I can do those anywhere 🙂 There’s also a great app called Sworkit that I used to use on business travel, before joining beachbody. It has a bunch of HIIT style moves to keep you fit!
These are some great suggestions! Nice photos too. “Get a day pass to a gym” is a great and useful tip!
Such a great guide! I’ll be sharing this with my friend who travels abroad she’ll love this 🤗
Great Tips! We dont skip breakfast but we eat a light one so we can eat a hearty lunch and dinner. I totally agree to get up and get moving in the morning while traveling!
I actually walk more on vacation than at home, and walking is exercise for me. I’ve never been a fan of running.
I would definitely do a lot of walking and walking tours. I wouldn’t be able to skip any meals though. Maybe opt for a lighter option but I am here for all the local cuisine when I travel.
Taking a cruise is a guaranteed way to lose weight. I chose healthier options since I wasn’t making the food AND I walked more than I usually do to get around the ship.
The alcohol part I’ve got covered as I don’t drink much. I do like to go on walks but the children make this hard as they complain about walking too far which is a shame.
I too agree. Sometimes while traveling our diet and lifestyle goes haywire. Best way to stay fit is to stay active and do some local physical activities that can also be interesting. Like Muay Thai for example when in Thailand!
You used the perfect word. The diet and lifestyle changes start out small and then the next thing you know…haywire!
Are you sure breakfast should be skipped? I mean I can’t imagine stepping out of my hotel room with an empty stomach. May be it’s just me 🙂
Hahaha…grab a few pieces of fruit for the road and it’s not so bad 🙂
Such great suggestions, my first thought on vacation is not to be healthy and eat all the bad things LOL! time to change that. thanks for the post.
I think that’s everyone’s first thought…but we can find a happy balance 🙂
I agree with everything you’ve said here. But, I only skip breakfast when I’m traveling to a country/place that doesn’t make it quite the way I like it. Otherwise, I’m chowing down. LOL! I’d much rather skip either lunch or dinner. I love the idea of taking a cooking class while on vacation.
haha…well, skipping lunch or dinner would pretty much be the same concept so you’d be good to still pig out at breakfast if that’s your preference.