9 Creative Ways to Exercise on Vacation: No Hotel Gym Needed

“There is nothing more exciting than working out in a hotel gym,” said no one! Of course, you want to continue to exercise while on vacation to stay in shape, but it doesn’t have to be boring.

Airport as Personal Treadmill

There’s a growing trend of airports adding fitness centers or yoga rooms. If you’re at an airport that hasn’t added these types of services, there are other creative ways to use your time at the airport to get in an extra workout. Instead of sitting around in some of the most uncomfortable seats to be found globally, take a brisk walk around the terminals. Or use the steep escalators as your personal Stair Master.

Surfing Is LIT

You may be shocked but surfing is an aerobic exercise. Think about all that paddling you do to catch the wave. Then there is the core workout in trying to stay on the board once you’ve caught a wave and the weight lifting aspect of carrying the board. If you were to put all those wonderful ways to get exercise while on vacation aside, surfing is simply a fun and an awesome adrenaline rush! I’ve yet to see a grumpy surfer…IJS.

Dancing The Night Away

Did someone say adrenaline? Dancing is one of my favorite ways to exercise while on vacation. It’s also a fun way to incorporate learning about the local culture. While in Argentina I took tango dance lessons and spent many nights at the tango salons enjoying a local tradition. I also love a good dance club be it house music, salsa, reggaeton, or whatever is hot on the radio. On my nights off from tango, I danced my way into the early morning with many cute boys. Which brings up another added plus of dancing. It is an easy way to meet and potentially date people while traveling. It’s how I met my ex-boyfriend in Italy.

Suitcase Exercises

If you haven’t mastered the art of packing light, your suitcase or travel backpack is the perfect strength trainer while on vacation. Research kettle ball exercises for ideas on how to use your suitcase to exercise while on vacation. Doing squats or presses with your suitcase also works too.

Rent a bike

For the more adventurous types, take a bike tour through the jungles or up a mountain top to a scenic viewpoint. Or if you’re a casual bike rider like me, keep the pace slow and steady. I fell in love with riding a bike during my vacation in Costa Rica. I was able to get to all the beaches without spending a lot of money on a taxi. It also allowed me to see so much more than if I was only walking. The added bonus was that I didn’t have to use as much energy and that’s a win-win in my book. Remember, no matter how fast or far you go on a bike, this is a creative way to exercise while on vacation and see the local sites.

Snorkeling

In need of low impact, but high on entertainment? Try snorkeling on your next vacation. Water activities like swimming or snorkeling are an overall good form of exercise for all as they work your quads, core, and arms. The difference between swimming and snorkeling is that you don’t need to know how to swim to snorkel, which lets all to be able to explore the fascinating sites under the sea.

Yoga In The Wild

I enjoy yoga as my main form of exercise while on vacation. However, when I’m in a remote location it is often hard to find a yoga studio. That’s when I head outdoors to enjoy my yoga practice on the beach or in a park. There’s also something magical about taking your yoga practice outdoors and getting in touch with nature. You don’t necessarily need a mat, but there are a few travel mats that are light and can fit in your carry-on luggage if that’s your preference.

Get Lost…Literally

I make a point to get lost on every trip as it’s my second favorite way to get exercise while on vacation. Not only do you get your steps in, but it’s an opportunity to discover the hidden gems off the tourist path. I did this in Singapore and realized by getting lost for most of the day, I was able to see a good portion of the city on foot.

Sex, Do We Need To Explain?

Yes, I said it…sex! Sex is definitely a form of exercise that gets the blood pumping. It may not replace your normal exercise routine but it can be a fun and creative way to exercise while on vacation. How much of a workout really depends on you, your partner, positions, and stamina. It does, however, have the potential to add some steamy vacation memories during your next couple’s trip, especially if you’re able to think outside of the box (or bedroom).

No matter what you decide to do, don’t let your vacation be the excuse for why you ditch your exercise routine.

Travel Alert: Don’t miss our trips upcoming trip to Bali and Greece!