Staying Active On Vacation: Here's How You Do It

Everyone needs a holiday from the pressures and routines of "normal" life. But does heading off for a holiday mean taking a break from regular exercise too?

The dilemma: how to balance the need to "get away from it all" with the desire to "stay on track" with your physical fitness goals.

Taking a vacation isn't just a pleasant way to spend time: research has suggested that taking frequent vacations is good for your health.

But if you're traveling somewhere for more than a few days, what do you do about exercise? Do you try to keep up your usual routine, or do you abandon your workouts for a tropical drink and a lounge chair by the pool?

If it's a short trip, you may just want to relax and unwind. But if you're going to be gone more than a few days, you may find yourself getting stressed and grumpy if you do nothing but lounge around.

Depending on your goals, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Choose your Destination Carefully

There are so many factors to consider when picking a vacation spot (price, weather, entertainment, accessibility) that it's easy to forget to factor in fitness-friendly concerns. Don't wait until you arrive somewhere to realize that it's scorching hot; there are no gyms, bike paths, swimmable beaches or hiking trails. Think ahead about the sort of activities you like to do and don't just assume that all destinations will have "something."

2. Set Realistic Expectations

On the other hand, if you go into a vacation with over-ambitious plans or a punitive attitude, you may find yourself obsessing about your exercise plans instead of relaxing and recharging. Vacations come all too seldom, and conditions are often somewhat unpredictable. Cut yourself some slack and try to stay active in fun ways without stressing too much.

3. Bring the Right Stuff

One way to create an excuse not to exercise is to "forget" to bring the proper shoes or clothing or equipment or to skip it in the name of packing light. Why not keep your options open and toss in your gear, even if you're thinking you may not want to use it? You may feel more energetic than you anticipated, and it's worth a little extra luggage to be able to hit the trail or spinning class or tennis court away from home.

4. Take Advantage of Unique Opportunities

Sure, you could go to an exotic destination and spend your time exercising in the hotel fitness center... but don't let inertia or fear of the unknown keep you from trying something new. Rent a bike or a kayak or some snorkel gear; ask around about nearby hikes or runs or bike trails. Or go out dancing at a local joint and shake your groove thang! Your vacation experience will be richer and your workout less of a chore if you take the plunge and to try something new.

5. Be Alert to Safety Concerns

Exercising in unfamiliar areas might require a little extra caution--find out if there's anything to worry about in terms of weather, dangerous traffic, aggressive wildlife, poisonous insects, crime, erupting volcanoes, quicksand, or hostile ghosts or spirits. (Paranoid? Who me?) And be sure to let someone know where you're headed off to and when you expect to be back.

6. Walk and Bike All Over the Place

Whether your destination is a bustling city or a secluded and scenic national park, see as much of it as you can on foot or by bicycle. Sure, sometimes the only practical means of transportation is a bus or taxi or train, but there's no better way to appreciate new sights, smells, sounds, and experiences like being outdoors in the middle of things.

I'm sure I've missed a lot of great ideas. How do you keep physically active on vacation, or do you prefer to flop down on a towel and wait until you get back home?

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