Tips for Staying Active on Vacation
I am a true believer in staying active while on vacation. Yes, I agree that travel should be relaxing, rejuvenating and overall as stress free as possible. But I have learned over the years that intentionally incorporating physical activity into my vacations can make for a holiday that is surprisingly more enjoyable and sometimes even more rewarding.
There are numerous benefits to staying active while travelling:
It keeps your mood in check: of course you’re going to be in a great mood, you’re on vacation after all. But travel can also often be stressful. The endorphins released through exercise keep your mood stable and your ability to cope with the unexpected at its best.
It allows for new discoveries: seeking out active adventures can be some of the most enriching experiences while travelling and can connect you to the local landscape in new ways.
It keeps your appetite up: This is honestly one of the number one reasons that I love to workout while travelling! I travel to experience culture, and a large part of that means eating the local cuisine. Exercise helps to keep your metabolism revving and your appetite high, which is a must for enjoying all of the delicious food that you’re inevitably going to be eating.
Como Shambhala Estate
Tips for Staying Active on Vacation
Stay at Hotels That Make It Easy
Many hotels and resorts are now tuning into the wellness movement, incorporating world class gym facilities, fitness classes and outdoor excursions into their offerings. Checking a hotel’s fitness facilities in advance and booking accordingly can help to keep you on track once you’ve arrived at your destination. COMO Hotels and Resorts are some of my favourite properties to recommend for clients interested in a physically active vacation. They are renowned for their deep commitment to wellness with unique offerings at each of their properties, including reformer pilates, yoga, and a variety of outdoor excursions, all paired with nutrition-oriented cuisine.
Rent a Bike
Instead of renting a car, consider renting a bike or e-bike to get around within your destination. This may look like staying at a well situated property and biking to nearby towns from there, or joining a group or private bike tour that will take you through the heart of the country you’re visiting. You’ll have the opportunity to experience the destination at a slower place, and may make new and unexpected discoveries!
Go for a Swim
Staying at a property with a great pool or seaside location makes it easy (and enticing) to get in a few laps. Water is incredibly rejuvenating, and I find this is one of the most effective ways to sneak in some restorative movement while on the road.
Try a New Sport
Is there an interesting sport available at your destination, such as surfing, paddle boarding, kayaking, or skiing. Trying something new can be an excellent way to incorporate a local experience and is sure to make for lasting memories.
Keep it Short and Simple
You do not have to keep up with and entire workout regime to reap the benefits of a little movement while on vacation. I promise you that even a short daily practice will go a long way to keeping you feeling your best. When I’m travelling, I turn to some of my favourite online apps that offer short workouts that I can easily fit in no matter where I am. Alo Yoga offers a wide variety of classes, from yoga to pilates to HITT to meditation, with plenty of options below 15 minutes. If you don’t want to pay for a subscription, YouTube is a great place to find free content with classes of varying intensities and durations.
Como Podere San Felipe
I love booking active holidays for my clients, whether they’re looking for a hotel recommendation with daily yoga or a more intensive adventure experience. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you’re interesting in learning more about incorporating wellness into your next vacation.