How to stay active while traveling: Simple tips for every trip
Travel can easily disrupt our usual routines, especially when it comes to staying active. Whether you’re on vacation or travelling for work, finding ways to move your body can feel challenging - but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some practical tips to help you stay active while enjoying your trip.
Start Small and Make Movement Enjoyable
One of the biggest misconceptions is that exercise while traveling has to be intense or time-consuming. It doesn’t. Sometimes, all it takes is a short walk around the neighbourhood, taking the stairs, or a few stretches during breaks. I like to remind myself - and my clients - that movement is movement. Even gentle stretching or a 10-minute walk can boost your mood and energy. The key is to find something enjoyable that fits your travel style without making it feel like a chore.
Plan Where You Stay With Movement in Mind
When I book a trip, I try to pick accommodations that are centrally located or close to parks or walking trails. This way, I can easily explore on foot, whether it’s a quick walk to a local café or a longer hike if I’m in a place with nature nearby. It’s a simple way to sneak in activity while still soaking up the local vibe.
Use Everyday Opportunities to Move
Movement can be woven into your day-to-day activities, even on work trips. Standing during meetings, walking to meals outside of your accommodations or venue with colleagues, or stretching in your hotel room during breaks can all add up. I’ve also found that when I have long meetings, my hips tend to get tight - so I make a point to stand up and move regularly throughout the day. This includes trying to find a washroom that’s a little further away. It may sound silly, but little habits like this can make a big difference in how you feel.
Pack Light, But Be Ready
The best part of staying active while travelling is that you don’t have to lug equipment along with you. I usually travel with a set of comfortable activewear and sometimes a resistance band or loop. I’m not looking to do heavy workouts, just enough to keep my energy up and feel good. Having these simple tools on hand makes it easier to stay consistent, even in a new environment. There’s also typically a gym option, so if you prefer to have more of a workout-workout, then you have that to fall back on.
Honour Your Need for Rest
Travel can be exhausting, and it’s important to listen to your body. When work trips are hectic or days are long, I remind myself that rest is just as valuable as movement. Sometimes the best thing you can do is get good sleep, hydrate, and take gentle stretching breaks. Fitness isn’t about perfection—it’s about balance.
Ease Back Into Your Routine After Traveling
When you get home, give yourself grace. You’re unlikely to lose all your progress from a week or two away, but jumping straight into a demanding routine might not be realistic. I like to schedule a gentle walk with friends or a light workout to reconnect with my usual rhythm. This is also a great way to ease back in and share some of your travel highlights!
Remember - travel is about enjoying life, and staying active during it is simply one way to support your overall wellbeing. There is no wrong way to include fitness into your travel schedule, unless it’s making you feel more stressed than benefitting you. You won’t undo your hard work leading up to your travels, so go easy on yourself! The workouts will be waiting for you when you return.
