Everyone looks forward to a vacation. It’s a great time to visit a new city, celebrate a birthday or anniversary, or just to give yourself a well-deserved break. But while vacations offer the perfect opportunity to unwind and relax, they can also distract you from your nutrition and fitness goals. Whether you follow a strict routine all year round or have just started on your fitness journey, an upcoming vacation can tempt you to jump from your healthy ways. But don’t fret. Here are some easy tips to follow to keep track of your health while having fun on your vacation.

Find your perfect match

Different people like to stay fit in different ways. Some like lifting weights, while some prefer a quick jog, yoga or aerobics. Whatever your choice, do your research.When deciding on your hotel, find out if they have a gym, fitness centre, swimming pool, etc. You could also look up the closest parks, trails, beaches or health clubs that are a quick walk from your hotel. These are some of the easiest ways to keep fit and healthy while on vacation. Most hotels and resorts these days come with a gym or a fitness center. Make full use of them while on holiday.

Take some healthy snacks along

Whether you’re flying or taking a road trip, it’s always better to pack your own food. Not only can you ensure that what you eat will be healthy and nutritious, but it will prevent you from overeating as well. If you’re going trekking, take some fresh or dry fruits along, yoghurt or even your favourite protein shake. Granola bars and nuts are the best way to curb the munchies while at the airport. You could also try out some local produce that you don’t get in your part of the world. It’s a great way to sample local cuisine without consuming the unhealthy food.

 Walk everywhere

The best way to take in the sights, sounds, smells and the full experience of a new city is by walking. Ditch the cabs and buses and put on your running shoes instead. You’re more likely to discover some unknown parts of the city, and you’ll be burning calories while you’re at it. This is a simple trick if you’re wondering how to stay fit and healthy during a vacation. It’s something you could try even at the airport. Instead of amusing yourself with your mobile phone at the boarding gate, turn the terminal into your personal walking track. It will keep you from getting bored and shuffling over to the closest doughnut shop.

While at your hotel, enjoy the breakfast buffet, but for dinner, make a note of all the restaurants and eateries around your hotel and walk to them. This will build up your appetite before the meal and walking back to your hotel after dinner will help with your digestion. Both are great ways to keep fit and healthy. And in case it wasn’t obvious, always use the stairs.

Travel with your own equipment

We aren’t suggesting you haul your weights and gym equipment around with you. It’s important to pack light while on vacation, but you can travel with a resistance band and a skipping rope. Both are lightweight, compact and can help you keep up with your daily cardio routine. Alternatively, you could work out in your hotel room. Use the chairs and bed in your hotel room for your basic crunches, chair dips, etc.

Play with your kids

If you are travelling with toddlers, staying fit is as easy as just playing with your kids. Look for pretty shells at the beach and build sandcastles, play Marco Polo in the pool, kick a football around at the local park.

Plan movement activities every day

If your mornings are filled with a lot of standing at museums, cathedrals and other tourist spots, utilise the second half for some activity that involves a lot of movement. Go for a nice long walk or jog along the beach, or partake in some water sports. Beach holidays are the best as you can take full advantage of the water. Go surfing, kayaking, jet skiing or whatever the city has to offer. You could even ask your hotel’s concierge for walking maps of the area if you’re in unfamiliar territory. You could also opt for a cycling or motorcycle tour. It’s a great way to explore the city and solves the problem of how to stay fit and healthy while on holiday.

Medicines for travel related conditions

While travelling, we might be exposed to conditions which are very different from our home conditions which may lead to infection or sickness. This can be prevented by consulting your physician about your travel plans and getting medicines beforehand. Some of the common medicines include altitude sickness tablets, anti-diarrhoea tablets, cold and flu tablets, water purification tablets, and antiseptics for wounds and bruises. Having them handy will ensure peace of mind and reduce further complications.

Now that you know how to stay fit and healthy on your vacation, all that’s left to do is enjoy yourself. Read our blog on how to plan for your next road-trip for some travel inspiration. Head out to Grande Bay for some of the best vacation experiences!