I’m a full-time traveling nomad forever chasing sunsets and indulging in street food. But here’s the thing: I also love feeling strong, energized, and ready for an adventure. So, how do I stay fit while traveling and balance my insatiable appetite for adventure with my equally fierce dedication to fitness? It’s all about balance!
So, ditch the “vacation weight” worries and pack your sneakers next to your selfie stick. I’m rewriting the travel narrative, proving that adventure and wellness are the ultimate power couple.
I’ll show you how to be the healthiest, happiest version of yourself, no matter where your map app takes you. These are my little secrets to staying fit while traveling! Save for the next time you’re planning a trip.
Rise & Shine with a Healthy Breakfast
Starting the day with a large healthy breakfast will fuel your body with whole foods for an adventure. Avoid sugary dessert-like breakfast items that give you that mid-morning slump. Embrace hearty savory local dishes or make one of your favorite go-to breakfasts at home. My personal favorite at-home breakfast is an everything bagel topped with avocado, smoked salmon, and an over-easy egg with a side of fresh fruit and a kombucha!
Hydration is Key to Stay Fit While Traveling
Travel exposes you to so many different climates and activities, often increasing the risk of dehydration. Proper water intake ensures optimal body function, preventing fatigue, headaches, and even more serious health issues. Water also helps your body digest food efficiently, avoiding travel woes like constipation or stomach upset. This is especially important when trying new cuisines or navigating different food preparation methods.
Staying hydrated keeps your skin healthy and glowing, allowing you to look and feel your best as you explore new places. LiquidIV is my secret weapon. These electrolyte-infused packets are convenient and help me combat travel dehydration.
Book Accommodations with a Kitchen
When you’re traveling full-time and staying in locations longer, it’s not only more cost-efficient but easier to moderate your diet by booking a full apartment. Preparing your own food allows you to know exactly what ingredients are in your food. Plus it’s a fun activity to do with new friends; spend a few hours shopping the local markets and then head home to prepare a delicious meal. Of course, I’m not suggesting you cook at home every night. It’s still important when you’re in a foreign country to experience the local cuisine and restaurants. But it’s about finding balance!
Shop at Local Markets Instead of Eating Out
Freshly picked produce bursting with color and fragrant spices promising culinary adventures all at tempting prices. It’s more than just saving money – it’s a cultural immersion, a chance to connect with the heartbeat of the place you’re visiting. Discover hidden gems among the stalls like fragrant herbs or fruit you never knew existed. Support local farmers, fill your basket with goodness, and cook up a feast that captures the essence of your travels.
Get Your Beauty Sleep
You probably know this, but getting seven to eight hours of sleep per night is recommended to keep your body properly energized. A well-rested traveler is a happy traveler, ready to conquer museums, hike mountains, and dance the night away. Listen to your body’s whispers of fatigue, don’t shy away from naps, and treat sleep as the ultimate souvenir you bring back from your adventures.
Skip (or Reduce) the Alcohol
I’m not just saying this because I’m sober, I swear. But alcohol or better yet, a hangover can completely ruin your experiences. Ditching hangovers means more energy for exploration! You can conquer that mountain hike, spend an extra hour at the museum, or embrace spontaneous adventures without feeling drained.
Alcohol disrupts your sleep patterns, leaving you feeling sleep-deprived and groggy. Skipping it ensures restful nights, leaving you energized and ready to tackle the day’s adventures. Avoiding alcohol also strengthens your immune system and can help with jet lag.
If you don’t want to completely skip alcohol, I’d consider limiting your consumption. Allocating 1 night a week to be your night out or 1 drink at the bar. Try skipping the beer and wine and drinking more light cocktails like vodka & soda.
Rent a Bicycle
Biking is another one of my budget-friendly ways to not only explore a city and get around but to stay fit while traveling. A lot of accommodations in Central America, SE Asia, and Europe offer free bikes. It’s typically very cheap to rent for the day or week. Don’t worry if you’re rusty, embrace the wobbly joy of rediscovering how to ride – it’s a guaranteed mood-booster and a calorie-burning adventure all in one.
Utilize the Hotel Gym and Your Room
Get creative and turn your hotel room into a mini-circuit. Do jumping jacks and lunges across the carpet, incorporate burpees with balcony views, or use furniture as your partner for dips and squats. Even the building stairs can be used for interval sprints.
Take advantage of the hotel gym. Say goodbye to waiting for a machine or set of weights and enjoy a quiet workout – no one is ever in hotel gyms! Also, don’t forget to skip the elevator and take the stairs at your hotel and attractions. It’s a simple choice that adds up throughout the day.
Walk Everywhere
Exploring on foot isn’t just a budget-friendly choice. It’s about exploring and stumbling upon hidden alleyways, inhaling the scent of delicious foods wafting from restaurants, and creating an adventure instead of zipping straight by in a taxi or ride-sharing car. Plus, it’s a great way to get your daily steps and movement in.
Take Advantage of Nature’s Gym
Embrace the great outdoors and transform your adventures into workouts in disguise! Lace up your shoes and hike to a hidden waterfall for a refreshing dip, feel the invigorating pull of the ocean as you swim through its stunning turquoise waters try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding, or kayak through the lush mangroves. Every experience becomes a unique, healthy challenge. Nature is your ultimate playground, offering endless opportunities for movement and connection.
Dance the Night Away
Travel isn’t just about sightseeing – it’s about letting loose and embracing new cultures. So, find a local salsa night, lose yourself in the rhythm of a Bollywood party, or join a traditional dance class. It’s more than just burning calories – it’s a chance to connect with locals, learn new moves, and create unforgettable memories.
Class Pass
ClassPass is your passport to fitness in cities around the world! Dive into diverse workouts all without committing to a single studio. Let me break down how ClassPass makes staying fit while traveling a breeze:
How it Works:
- Membership Plans: Choose a plan that suits your travel style and fitness goals. From a few credits for occasional classes to unlimited studio access, there’s something for everyone.
- Browse & Book: Explore a treasure trove of studios and classes – HIIT, pilates, boxing, cycling, yoga, barre, – all at your fingertips. Book convenient slots ahead of time or snag last-minute openings for extra spontaneity.
- Credits System: Each class costs a certain number of credits, making it easy to budget and track your fitness adventures. Bonus: unused credits roll over to the next month, so no workout goes to waste!
- No Commitments: Unlike gym memberships, ClassPass has no lock-in contracts. Enjoy the flexibility to pause or cancel anytime, perfect for nomadic souls and short-term travelers.
Where it Works:
Forget about limitations! ClassPass boasts a staggering presence across thousands of cities in over 30 countries. Simply check the app to see what’s available in your current location.
Cost Considerations:
Membership plans vary based on chosen credits and location. For instance, in bustling New York City, a plan with 28 credits costs roughly $59 per month, while similar plans in smaller cities might be more affordable. Remember, the more credits you purchase, the more cost-effective it becomes per class.
Beyond the Sweat:
ClassPass is more than just workouts – it’s a community waiting to be embraced. Meet fellow travelers, discover hidden gems through local studios, and build lasting memories through shared sweat sessions. So, pack your sneakers, download the app, and let ClassPass unlock a world of fitness possibilities wherever your wanderlust takes you.
Pro Tip: Check out seasonal promotions and referral programs to score extra credits and make your fitness journey even more wallet-friendly.
Stock Up on Healthy Snacks
When you travel, it can be difficult to coordinate every meal. Pack protein bars, dried fruit, nuts or trail mix, beef jerky, or even fresh fruit for those on-the-go moments. Whether you’re trekking through the jungle or stuck in a long layover, having a healthy snack in your bag will keep you fueled and prevent hangry meltdowns.
Remember, staying fit while traveling isn’t about deprivation, it’s about balance and making choices that make you feel good. So go ahead and indulge a little, but balance it with a walk through the park and a plate of fresh veggies. Your body, your travels, and your future self will thank you for it!
Now, grab your reusable water bottle, lace up your walking shoes, and get ready to conquer the world with a healthy and happy heart. Happy travels!
