Skip to content

How Incredibly Healthy People Stay Fit While Traveling, Expert Reveals

Take a cue from incredibly healthy people, and make your next vacation the fittest one ever.
FACT CHECKED BY Alexa Mellardo

One of the most difficult parts of traveling is staying in shape and preventing weight gain. After all, when you're on holiday—and surrounded by all that delicious food—it's hard to stick to your diet and exercise regimen. This year, as you travel to fun destinations with family or friends, try out a few of these easy tips to stay in shape without depriving yourself so you can feel and look your best while enjoying a trip of a lifetime. Read on to learn more about how incredibly healthy people stay fit while traveling. And next up, don't miss The 6 Best Exercises for Strong and Toned Arms in 2022, Trainer Says.

Bon voyage!

Combine fitness and fun

snorkeling man demonstrating how incredibly healthy people stay fit while traveling
Shutterstock

When you're on vacation mode, it can be quite the challenge to feel motivated to use a tiny, bare-bones hotel gym. Fortunately, people who are super fit use countless ways to get great exercise and enjoy their vacation at the same time.

For example, go snorkeling along a beautiful coast for a total-body workout and marvel at the underwater wildlife. Or, go on a mountain hike to get a great leg workout and enjoy some splendid vistas. Do a long jog around a busy city center to improve your conditioning and tour the major sites. One thing's for sure: This will be an exercise session you really won't want to miss!

Related: The 5 Best Exercises To Lose Belly Fat and Slow Aging, Says Fitness Expert

Eat healthy (most of the time)

hand holding healthy tropical acai bowl on vacation
Shutterstock

Incredibly healthy people don't avoid all sweets, treats, or junk food on holiday. After all, that's the best part of traveling! Instead, it's all about balance.

For most of your meals, eat real foods with fruits, veggies, and healthy sources of proteins and carbohydrates. Then, plan your splurges in advance. For example, if you want to eat a heavy lunch, then have a lighter dinner. Or if you want ice cream at night, cut back on sweets earlier in the day. This way, you can have your cake and eat it, too.

Related: Foolproof Ways To Lead an Incredibly Healthy Lifestyle, Science Says

Stretch

woman stretching on beach
Shutterstock

After traveling the world for the past three years, here's my best piece of advice: Stretch!

When you're walking for five hours a day, visiting landmark after landmark, your body takes a beating. Take a cue from how incredibly healthy people stay fit while traveling, and do some light stretching to start and end your day. You'll reduce tightness and soreness, prevent aches and injuries, and help you relax after a long day of touring. For bonus points, pack a tennis or lacrosse ball in your suitcase so you can give yourself a massage if you're feeling extra sore.

Sleep well

happy relaxed couple sleeping on vacation
Shutterstock

When you're traveling across many time zones or doing long days of hikes, sightseeing, or flights, you need to get good sleep to stay fresh, stay healthy, and avoid illnesses. Packing sleep aids like earplugs, sleep masks, melatonin, or even a travel pillow can help you get the best sleep possible, because you never know what awaits you at your accommodations!

Relax

man peacefully meditates atop mountain, staying relaxed while traveling
Shutterstock

Ironically, travel can get very stressful. From traffic to flight delays (and cancellations) to long lines, sometimes your trip can frustrate you more than staying at home.

Incredibly healthy people, however, don't drive themselves crazy on the road. Instead, they show up early so they don't have to rush or panic, take things as they come, and make the best of every situation.

And when you put all these tips together, you'll make your next trip the best—and fittest—one yet.

Anthony J. Yeung, CSCS
Anthony J. Yeung, CSCS, is a fitness expert featured in Esquire, GQ, and Men’s Health and the founder of GroomBuilder, the destination for men who want to transform their bodies for their weddings. Join the free 5-day course to burn fat and build muscle for the big day! Read more about Anthony
Filed Under