Tips for Staying in Shape While You Travel

Traveling can be an exciting adventure, but it can also disrupt your healthy habits. From sitting on long flights or car rides to indulging in new cuisines, it can be challenging to maintain a healthy lifestyle while on the go. However, with some preparation and a few simple hacks, it is possible to stay fit and healthy while traveling. Here are some tips to help you stay in shape while you’re on the move.

Pack the Right Gear

One of the best ways to ensure you stay active while traveling is to pack the right gear. Make sure you bring comfortable workout clothes and shoes, as well as any other equipment you need. If you’re short on space, resistance bands and a jump rope are lightweight and easy to pack. You can also download workout apps or find videos on YouTube.

My favorite items that I bring with me on every trip include mini bands and massage ball. These easily fit in my back back whether I am flying or driving.
Though when my family and I do drive, I also take my yoga mat, I use this to stretch during long driving days, my sandbag, a couple different types of jump ropes – a speed rope, a beaded rope, and my heavy rope. Because I don’t know what I will be in the mood for when we arrive at a charging stop. Bonus – I can get my kids to jump rope with me to burn off some energy for the next section of the trip.

Make Time for Exercise

While traveling, it’s easy to let your schedule get away from you. However, if you want to stay healthy, it’s essential to make time for exercise. Whether you squeeze in a quick workout before your day starts or take a brisk walk during your day, finding time to move your body is vital. Even small amounts of exercise can help you maintain your fitness level and keep your energy levels up.

My favorite times are early in the morning so it is done and over with before we get the day started. Or during a charging stop when we are in the car all day. I will get my yoga mat out and stretch a bit, and at least use the jump rope for a couple minutes if its a short stop, and if its a longer stop, I either do a body weight workout or a sandbag workout for 10 to 15 minutes depending on location and if there is a good spot at the charging station.

Explore Your Destination on Foot

One of the best ways to stay active while traveling is to explore your destination on foot. Walking tours, hikes, and bike rides are excellent ways to see the sights while getting some exercise in. You might even discover new places you wouldn’t have seen otherwise. Plus, walking is a great way to burn calories and improve your overall health.

Walking is the best! When planning on spending all day on my feet at Disney World, I opt to do a strength training session before hand, to get my muscles prepped and ready to go for the day.

Choose Healthy Food Options

One of the biggest challenges of traveling is sticking to a healthy diet. However, it’s possible to make smart food choices even when you’re on the go. Look for restaurants that offer healthy options, such as salads, grilled meats, and vegetables. Using the palm method to gauge your portions is helpful when you want to try some tasty treats. 

You can also pack healthy snacks like nuts, fruit, and protein bars to help you avoid temptation when you’re hungry. We alway pack some sort of jerky, pouches of tuna, and some trail mix to help keep us feeling satisfied in between meals on the road.

Stay Hydrated

It’s easy to forget to drink enough water while traveling, but staying hydrated is crucial for your health. Dehydration can cause fatigue, headaches, and other health problems. Make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you’re traveling to a warm climate. You can also bring a refillable water bottle with you to help you stay hydrated on the go. Adding a packet of Liquid IV or LMNT to your bottle of water will help you to stay even more hydrated and gives a nice flavor to keep you drinking more. These packets are easy to pack and keep in your bag to use when needed.

Get Enough Sleep

Getting enough sleep is crucial for your physical and mental health, especially when you’re traveling. Lack of sleep can cause fatigue, irritability, and other health problems. Make sure you get enough rest by sticking to a regular sleep schedule and avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bedtime. You can also bring earplugs and an eye mask to help you sleep better in noisy or bright environments.

Staying in shape while traveling doesn’t have to be difficult. By packing the right gear, making time for exercise, exploring your destination on foot, choosing healthy food options, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep, you can maintain your healthy habits even when you’re on the go. With a little preparation and some smart choices, you can enjoy your travels while staying healthy and fit.