Whether you’re jetting off on vacation or embarking on long-term travel, there’s no reason to forgo your usual health and fitness routine when you’re abroad. However, if you want to keep fit while traveling, you’ll need to pay close attention to what you eat and how much you move, which requires a daily commitment.
Of course, vacations are for relaxation and fun most of all, but this doesn’t mean letting your standards slip completely. As with all things in life, there is a balance to be found that allows you to have fun and stay healthy. This is especially true for long-term travel, as you’ll need to find a sustainable way to keep fit over the course of months or even years. Here are five tips to help you stay in shape.
Cook Your Own Food
Eating in restaurants is one of the great joys of traveling, but if you do it too often, you could gain weight. You have no way of knowing how many calories are in the meals you consume in restaurants, plus your wallet will thank you if you go food shopping once in a while. Stock up on fresh fruit and vegetables to snack on, as well as protein bars to keep in your backpack to avoid hunger pangs. Luckily, in the UK there are many fresh produce for you to snack on; you could make your own Sunday roasts, complete with Yorkshire puddings!
Walk and Take Public Transport
If you’re wondering how people stay in shape when they travel, despite eating plenty of hearty meals, it’s because they move a lot. Instead of renting a car, you should walk or take public transport as much as you can. Not only will this save you money and help you keep fit, but you’ll also get to explore new places and see the sights on foot. Better yet, rent a bicycle to get around faster and burn more calories. What makes the UK great is that every town or city is easily linked by trains, and the journey to and from one place and another isn’t as long or arduous as other, larger countries like Australia.
Find a Hotel with Gym Facilities
If your budget extends to a hotel stay, choose one with gym facilities so you can keep up your workout routine while you’re away. Places like Tewksbury Park, a beautiful Cotswold hotel with health club, combine luxury accommodation and state of the art gym equipment so you can stay looking and feeling your best. Not only will you get a great workout, but you’ll also enjoy a good nights’ sleep, which is essential for long-term health.
Drink Lots of Water
Drinking water has many health benefits. It will also keep you clear-headed and hydrated while traveling, especially if you’re doing lots of walking or physical activity. You can buy bottled water reasonably cheaply in most countries, and the UK has safe drinking water wherever you go.
Go Dancing
Dancing is an excellent, full-body workout that’s also fun and sociable. Head out for a night on the tiles and get moving. Just watch your alcohol consumption, as frequent binge drinking can be dangerous, not to mention you’ll undo all your hard work. When you do drink, opt for clear spirits or white wine, and don’t mix beverages. What’s more, the UK is infamous for their gin and tonics, and when made slimline, you’re only consuming 100 calories. Remember to keep hydrated throughout the night to avoid a hangover, and fill up on healthy foods before you go out.
