It’s summer vacation time. As the winter drags on, we count down the days until summer arrives, so we can pack up and set out. Drinking on a beach with a glass in hand is a wonderful way to pamper yourself and relax. However, routines and health often get thrown out the window when we embark on vacation.
Although we are all looking forward to an escape from the real world, we believe a fun vacation shouldn’t ruin your fitness and health progress. While on vacation or while traveling, let’s try out some of these suggestions to stay healthy and active:
- Choose an Environmental-Friendly Accommodation
Many hotels and resorts offer modern amenities, but if you want to enjoy your vacation properly, you need to choose somewhere that offers more than just a large suite with a mini-fridge and a TV. Tourist spots have emerged in recent years that aren’t just family-friendly but also environmentally friendly. In this regard, Gatlinburg stands out.
This small town in Tennessee offers many tourist attractions. It provides housing that promote sustainable development, do not harm the environment, and benefit tourists financially. There are effective waste treatment systems in Gatlinburg cabins, which recycle and are energy-efficient, as well as use renewable resources such as hydropower and solar power.
- Pack your fitness gear
Pack workout tools like an exercise mat, resistance band, or jump rope when you travel. If necessary, you can pack these pieces in your carry-on bag. They are light and small. Also, make sure to bring sunscreen, proper workout shoes, athletic gear, and a raincoat. If you have everything you need to stay active outside and indoors, you’ll be more likely to exercise during your vacation.
- Embrace Adventure
Take advantage of your vacation time to be adventurous and branch out of your comfort zone! See what your vacation area has to offer, and try something new!
Hiking trails, white water rafting, surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and rock climbing are enjoyable activities. Hiking is a fun activity even if you’re a beginner, and it’s a pleasant change of pace from your usual workout routine.
Try rock climbing or renting a bike at a nearby shop. It doesn’t matter where you are traveling on vacation; there will always be outdoor activities and recreational activities to keep you active and invigorated!
- Bicycle Through The City
Many cities and vacation destinations offer bike rentals at a low price, either per day or hour. Besides being a wonderful way to explore a newly discovered area, biking is also an easy way to get around, avoid traffic, and burn some calories. Biking is an adventure you won’t forget!
- Get A Feel For The Sights On Foot
Take a stroll around town wearing comfortable shoes. If you decide to walk (rather than drive a car), you can get in many exercises and see the sights simultaneously. A few cities have running tours you can take.
Don’t stop until you’ve done all you can! Skip the elevator at hotels and the escalator at the airport. Walk to restaurants rather than call a cab. Enjoy the views of the city as you stroll around your resort or take laps around the resort. Take steps every day of your vacation by wearing a fitness tracker or downloading an app. Your body burns more calories walking than you may think!
- Keep Your Body Hydrated
While on your trip, ensure you are adequately hydrated. Staying hydrated will allow you to enjoy your active adventures. When you’re on vacation, drinking lots of water is even more critical if you’re drinking alcohol. The alcohol in your body dehydrates the body, resulting in hangovers that make being active the next day difficult.
- Pick Healthy Nutritional Choices
You can make a huge difference to your fitness routine and progress by what you eat. On vacation, it’s perfectly fine to enjoy a few splurges, as long as you also consume some healthy meals. For instance, if you’re hitting the beach, healthy breakfasts will provide your body with the energy it needs to work out. Eat as much fruit and vegetables as you can, and keep your regular diet as healthy as possible.
- Take Time To Relax
When you travel somewhere new, it is common to participate in activities and sightseeing. However, if you don’t take the time to relax and recharge, you might need another few days off work after this long vacation.
Stretch, take a morning walk, or do some yoga on the beach – these are all effective ways to stay healthy and ready for whatever the day has in store! Keep your body loose and limber by opting for a spa treatment once in a while.
- Be Flexible With Your Expectations
It’s natural to change your routine when you travel, so become more flexible before you leave. What is your usual evening schedule for running? Start running in the morning before your vacation starts. What is your usual neighborhood walk like? What about a barefoot beach walk? Staying on track while enjoying a change is easier with simple adjustments like this!
- Be Mindful Of Your Eating Habits
Overeating is common when we’re on vacation. When out with family or friends, we often enjoy unhealthy options such as desserts and extravagant brunches.
When attempting to reduce overeating, you might want to consider substituting junk food with nutritious snacks. It is wise to carry with you almonds, dates, homemade nut butter, energy bars, etc., so you can steer clear of stuffing your mouth with junk.
When on vacation, you cannot avoid eating out, but you can’t stay in all the time either. Keeping your portions in check will help you enjoy new cuisines rather than completely abandoning them.
- Don’t Skip Sleep
You may compromise your sleep on vacation due to your constant desire to explore and adventure. Sleep deprivation can cause irritability, fatigue, and a slowed metabolism, all of which you want to avoid while traveling. As long as you can keep your sleep at a healthy 7-8 hours, you’ll have enough energy to enjoy all the fun things you have planned.
- Avoid Using Technology
It can be difficult to resist our devices, such as cell phones, iPods, video games, etc., in the age of social media. But take advantage of the newer locations and use your vacation to disconnect from technology and reconnect to real life. Detoxing from our gadgets can be beneficial for our mental health – after all, what’s the point of discovering new places if you’re looking at your phone the whole time?
Conclusion
You don’t have to let travel ruin your fitness routine and set you back on your health goals. If you make simple preparations and have a few tricks up your sleeve, you can enjoy your holiday without losing sight of your goals. Simply changing your mindset before your vacation will help you stay on top of your game. Keeping active and experiencing new things is the key.
