Tips for Active Living While You Travel in 2019

There is nothing that kills the excitement of a vacation like coming home and seeing the numbers on the scale go up. The fact is, it’s hard to keep up a regular exercise routine when you have sights to see or clients to meet on a business trip. Staying active not only has its physical benefits, but it can also help reduce the stress of traveling. Here are a few tips to help you keep active while you’re on the road in 2019:

Make use of the hotel amenities

Check out what your hotel or resort has to offer for exercise equipment. Some have gyms complete with weights and treadmills, and others may have a pool for swimming laps. Try to carve at least 30 minutes of exercise at the hotel before you dig into the continental breakfast or before heading to sleep for the day. If you are headed to the Hawaiian Islands, The Four Seasons at Lanai is one of the highest rated resorts in the world and has luxurious active living and relaxing accommodations for every member of the family.

Explore a new place on foot

Walking is a great way to explore a new city while getting in some exercise. Try to set a step goal every day, and keep track of it through a fitness tracker or a cellphone app. Take it a step further and try walking to business meetings or dinner destinations instead of driving. Regular walking helps increase cardiovascular fitness, reduce the risk of stroke and gives you a boost in energy.

Enroll in a fitness class

Try something different from your normal exercise routine and take a local exercise class while on vacation. There are new types of workouts popping up all the time, including barre, SLT (also known as strength, lengthen and tone), and boxing classes. Palm Beach, Chicago, Seattle, and many other cities offer workout classes free through the YMCA or other programs. Not only will you get your heart pumping, but you may also make a new local friend.

Unwind with a massage

Incorporate a massage into your workout routine while traveling. Massages can help ease sore muscles and reduce the stress that comes with flying on an airplane or driving long hours. Scientists have found massages help the body release serotonin and dopamine, which helps you feel relaxed long after the massage has ended. If you travel to a US hotspot like LA for a week at the beach, seek out local massage therapy & spa deals for you and the family. There are a variety of massages to choose from, such as a gentle Swedish massage or a deep Thai massage.

Sign up for a local race

Many cities have races for all skill levels throughout the year. Other than keeping you active, some races also donate their proceeds to good causes such as cancer research and children’s hospital funds. You could start with a 5k or 1-mile race, or step it up and try a half or full marathon. Some fun races include the Cupid’s Undie Run or the Great Santa Run. Take it a step further and join the few who have run a marathon in all 50 states.

Get enough rest

One unsung hero of staying active is getting enough sleep at night. Most people struggle to get enough sleep daily. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control found more than one-third of American adults are not getting enough sleep. It is even harder to get enough sleep when you’re traveling through different time zones, stuck on a noisy plane or staying in an unfamiliar hotel room. Thankfully, there are a few ways to get your hours of rest back on track.

First, invest in a good set of earplugs and a facemask that blocks out all light. Not only will this help you nap on a plane, but it can also help if you hear a lot of street noise in the hotel room. Make sure to set an alarm so you’re waking up at the same time every day, and try to go to sleep around the same time as well.

If you struggle to fall asleep, consider listening to white noise through a cellphone app. If you still can’t get to sleep, then try buying melatonin as a sleeping aid. This over-the-counter supplement helps people with insomnia or people who have jet lag. Other natural sleep aids include chamomile, which you can find as a flavor of tea.

Try an active adventure

Many resorts offer fun excursions that will have your heart pumping while trying something new. Fun summer options include hiking through a forest, zip lining, surfing, and mountain biking. Winter options include downhill skiing or snowboarding, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing. Make your next travel vacation an exercise retreat and try surfing in Bali, or go on a ski retreat in Andorra.

Take a yoga class

Yoga is great for de-stressing and relaxing your body during a trip. Studies have found yoga can help increase flexibility, improve muscle strength and give you energy. There are many different types of yoga to try, including hot yoga, flow, and core power yoga. Some studios offer their first classes free, and others have a pay-as-you-wish system in place. You could even try yoga on a local rooftop or beach yoga for scenic views.

Enroll in a cooking class

Take a break from eating out and take a local cooking class. Many cities offer classes that teach you about the local cuisine while relying on healthy ingredients from local farms. You could try spinning pizza dough in the air in Italy, or making the perfect pan of paella in Spain. Not only do you leave with a fun memory but also a new recipe to try at home.