Many people use their vacations as a means to relax, escape their day jobs, and enjoy peace of mind for several days out of the year. Unfortunately, the extravagant meals, excessive alcohol consumption, and long days spent on the beach are detrimental to a vacationer’s mental and physical well being because they are unhealthy in their own right. Masters degree dissertation studies have shown that a healthy diet and frequent exercise is good for one’s long-term health. For some people, these sporadic changes can cause queasiness. For others, being active may just be a normal part of life. Regardless of the reason, it is important to stay active while you travel.
Go Hiking
Choose a destination that allows you to hike to see the sights. While the word “hike” may sound strenuous, many destinations have hiking trails suitable for all fitness levels, from beginner to expert. As long as you remember to take it easy and bring along plenty of water to drink, hiking can be great exercise and will add a new experience to your adventure.
Use a Fitness Center
If you are used to a morning or evening workout, choose accommodations that offer a free fitness center onsite. You can fit in a short exercise regime in the morning before you head out for the day or in the evening before bed, if you prefer. This allows you to maintain your workout regimen even while you are on vacation.
Always Walk
If you are staying in a multi-floor hotel, take the stairs instead of using the elevator. Choose accommodations within walking distance of the sights you wish to see so you can walk instead of drive or take public transportation. Walking up and down stairs or to and from your destination provides you with enough exercise to stay active while you are away.
Use the Pool
Regardless of the type of accommodations you choose, many hotels and campgrounds offer pools for the enjoyment of guests. If there is a pool, make use of it. Taking a short swim in the morning, afternoon or evening allows you to exercise in a less-strenuous manner.
Take Breaks
As you travel, it is important to take breaks, especially if you will sit for a long period of time. If you drive, stop every couple of hours to walk around and stretch your legs. If you are on a lengthy flight, stand up and stretch so you don’t become stiff. Fitting in short walks or simply standing and stretching while you see the sights is also important.
You need to find accommodations that will fit your needs in terms of location and amenities. You must also make a commitment to setting aside time to implement your exercise routine. Staying active during your travels doesn’t have to be difficult or time consuming and it can actually be complimentary to your vacation — allowing you to return home fresh and full of energy.
Author: Elaine Hirsch
Elaine Hirsch is kind of a jack-of-all-interests, from education and history to medicine and videogames. This makes it difficult to choose just one life path, so she is currently working as a writer for various education-related sites and writing about all these things instead.
Photo by gplex.
