How to Get in a Workout While Traveling

People who maintain a generally healthy lifestyle through exercise and clean eating often break from their good habits when traveling to a new city or country. It’s so easy to let good habits slide — with so much to see, eat and do on vacation, who wants to be stuck in a gym?

But the fact is you can maintain good health habits while on the road. The tips and ideas below offer the best of both worlds, allowing you to explore the world guilt-free!

Many U.S. and European cities host 5Ks, half and full marathons, and Color Runs throughout the year. These races are mapped out by officials who understand the geography, giving you a safe, guided route to burn calories. Runs are also a great way to see landmarks and monuments that a guided tour may not cover due to the large size of many cities. You’ll also be running alongside locals, allowing you to be fully immersed in the unique culture of that city.

Water covers two-thirds of the world, so odds are good that you may be vacationing near an ocean, lake or river. Water sports are a great way for travelers to explore the environment and marine life of the places they visit. Swimming with dolphins, snorkeling, SCUBA diving, kayaking and paddleboarding are all great options for burning calories while having fun. If you’re the adventurous type, you can even go cliff diving or swim through underwater caverns.

Almost 60 million tourists visit the Big Apple every year, but who wants to ride a hot, crowded subway when you can rent a Citi Bike? Sponsored by Citi Bank, this transportation option (similar to other bike-sharing options available in many major U.S. cities) allows tourists and commuters to rent a bike at one of 600 stations across Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens and ride to another station near your destination. A day pass is $12 for unlimited 30-minute rides, and a three-day pass is just $24. Ride a bike instead of hailing a taxi, and save big bucks while using those leg muscles to burn calories. Bonus: It’s also environmentally friendly!

Clubs and discos are great places to meet locals while breaking a sweat dancing the night away. You’ll be too busy having fun to realize that you’re burning major calories. (The average person burns about 400 calories in one hour of dancing.) This makes club hopping a great way to listen to awesome music, make new friends and stave off those vacation pounds.

Almost every continent offers great mountains with unbeatable views, many of which are not accessible by car. The Mayan Ruins in Mexico offer some great hiking trails with the added benefit of exploring a rich history. The Swiss Alps cover not only Switzerland but France, Austria, Liechtenstein and Italy as well. Mount Everest, located in Nepal, is one of the most dangerous mountains to summit, but tourists can take a short hike before the climb becomes too hazardous. Natural attractions like these throughout the world allow travelers to exercise while getting some fresh air and experiencing the beauty of our world.

Nothing is worse than having your flight delayed or cancelled and being stranded in an airport. Sitting around waiting for your plane can be boring and tedious. Why not take a walk around the airport, people watch and maybe get a coffee! Sitting for long periods of time can result in muscle loss, so even walking and stretching your legs can get your blood flowing during chaotic travel.