We enjoy traveling and exploring a lot as a family. And this doesn’t mean that I am taking a break from my workouts. I really love continuing to move before my family gets up for our busy day or incorporating movement into our activities as a group. It just takes a little planning. Whether you are traveling to a colder destination or are relaxing on a beach, here are eight of my tips for workout out on vacation.

  1. If you’re staying at a hotel, take advantage of your free hotel gym, pool and sauna. After you’re checked in and settled, take a few moments to check out the space and see what kind of equipment is offered, the condition of the equipment and see if the gym is stocked with things like water and towels. This will help you save some time, knowing what you will be doing when you return to workout. And will prevent you from forgetting items in your room.
  2. See if your gym offers free or discounted gym visits at other gyms in the area that you are visiting. Nationwide chains or organizations like the YMCA allow you to visit other locations for free. Just a quick phone call help you from making excuses for the next week.
  3. If you don’t have access to a hotel gym or nationwide gym membership in your back pocket, there are plenty of exercises that you can do from your hotel room or B&B. Pack a resistance band for a variety of full body workouts or grab some water bottles and do some weighted lower body and upper body exercises. There are also plenty of exercises that you can do using just your bodyweight from the standing, seated or laying position. You can also browse my YouTube channel for an assortment of exercises and efficient workouts that you can complete along with me.
  4. If you’re planning on running, search safe running routes, visible bike paths or hook up with a local running store that offers free weekly run groups. Safe running routes, quiet roads and sidewalks are a great way to safely explore the new city in a different way and see how the city blocks connect. I have found many new parks, restaurants and activities while running in a new town. It also makes you feel more like a local!
  5. You can also search the internet during your car ride or while waiting in the airport for nearby hiking trails. Using apps like All Trails will help you find a variety of paved, grass and dirt trails that are perfect for exploring individually or as a group. The listings will often list the difficulty, distance and other suggestions from other hikers. Make sure that you have a pair of sneakers packed in a plastic bag, so that you can easily transport them back home without making a mess of everything else in your luggage.
  6. Research bike rental and electronic bike station rentals in the area. You can skip some of the extra use on your vehicle or rental car and explore the city on two wheels instead of four. Many rental companies also offer children’s bikes or tag-a-longs for your little travelers. Make it an outing as you bike to lunch or around one of the local parks.
  7. If you have your toes in the sand, why not get some movement in after you’ve finished that last chapter in your newest book. Take a stroll on the beach run barefoot along the shortline. You can even pull out your beach towel for a sunny core workout.
  8. Register for a local fitness class and pair it with a coffee date with your spouse or some one-on-one time with one of your kids at a new, local park. This is a great opportunity to try something new, like hot yoga, pilates or a spin class. New instructors can also add an lot of variety and freshen up your fitness routine.