Best Tips And Tricks to Be Active While on Vacation

When you take a vacation, it’s nice to enjoy all the luxuries, such as dining in nice restaurants, drinking cocktails and enjoying whatever snacks take your fancy – let’s face it, when on holiday, most of us could eat our body weight in ice cream! While that’s for some, it’s also nice to be active and not deviate from your normal routine, which you have at home, which could involve running, playing sports or just trying to fit in as many steps in a day that you can – 10,000 steps a day burns around 700 calories!

Staying active while on vacation, you can enjoy everything you do guilt-free, which makes the treats seem even more enjoyable. To do so, you could go to your hotel’s gym (if they have one) but who wants to do that?  There are many other ways, such as going on a cycling tour, booking an activity experience, or exploring on foot. You could also book a walking holiday, and then some time in the city afterwards.

To help inspire you to get active when away, we have put together a guide on eight ways to be active when on holiday. Keep on reading to learn more.

Eight ways to be active when going away on holiday

Explore by foot

The simplest way to be active is to walk. So many people don’t realize it, but by doing 10,000 steps a day, you can burn up to 700 calories, which is hugeeee number if you are trying to lose weight or keep to the weight. When you explore on foot, you’ll get plenty of steps in, not to mention see a lot of things you may miss if you use public transport.

If you’re someone who enjoys walking a lot, you may be interested in a walking holiday. When booking a walking holiday in Ireland, for example, it’s a fantastic way to combine sightseeing with exercise.  You’ll cover long distances while still feeling relaxed and getting to enjoy your time away.

Book a cycling tour

We are also big fans of cycling tours and trying to book them as often as we can while visiting a new destination. Not only do they allow you to be active and burn a lot of calories, but you also get to explore so much more of a place than you would on foot. Cycling allows you cover greater distances in a shorter amount of time, giving you the chance to see both the main attractions and the hidden gems which are tucked away from the usual tourist routes. Plus, it’s a great way to familiarize yourself with a new destination.

If you don’t fancy doing a cycling tour, the same applies if you just rent your own bike and go for a ride. You may not have the expert knowledge that will be shared with you on a cycling tour, but you will have the freedom to go wherever you like.

Organize an activity experience 

When planning your vacation, try to add in some activity experiences to balance out the downtime. This could be anything from going on a cycling tour (as mentioned above) to a kayaking trip or rock climbing. Not only do these activities keep you moving, but they also create memorable moments that make your trip feel even more special – you often create the best memories when actively doing something with the people you are traveling with.

Try water activities

If you’re near the coast, a lake, or a river, water activities are a fantastic way to stay active while having fun. Swimming is a full-body workout that builds strength and improves your cardiovascular health; while paddleboarding engages your core and challenges your balance. Kayaking strengthens your arms, shoulders, and back, and gives you the opportunity to explore hidden coves, inlets, or calm waterways that aren’t accessible by foot. Surprisingly enough, snorkeling can burn plenty of calories as well, as it works your legs, arms, and core while letting you discover marine life up close.

Visit a local wellness centre

Most destinations you visit will have a wellness center nearby (more so in major cities than in local towns or villages). Many of these wellness centers will have drop-in sessions, where you can pay to participate. The sessions will vary from a yoga class to a Pilates class, including reformer Pilates. Participating in these classes not only keeps you active but also provides a relaxing, mindful break during your trip – before going, make sure you read the reviews and check the location to ensure both are positive and safe.

Drop in to a social sports team

If you conduct an online search before you go, you’ll find that many destinations offer drop-in social sports sessions that both locals and travelers can join. These sessions can range from a friendly football match or volleyball game to tennis drop-ins or even table tennis sessions. In most cases, before you go, they will advertise the standards of the drop-in session, this way you don’t feel out of your depth when attending. A good example of this in the UK is an app called MeetUp. Anyone can download the app and sign up to play the different social events available.

Go for a run 

While traveling, a good way to stay healthy is to head out on a run in the local area.  It is not only a great way to stay active, but it also gives you the chance to explore different neighborhoods, parks, and scenic routes that you might not see otherwise while being active!  You may find a beautiful café as you pass.  As mentioned above about the social sports team, you’ll find that a lot of places have local running groups that welcome tourists – often in the local park, as park runs can be very popular.

Book a trial at a local gym

More often than not, you’ll find it easy to locate a local gym where you can work out during your break, especially if your hotel doesn’t have one. Many gyms offer day passes or short trial memberships, allowing you to try the facilities before booking a day pass. If you go to the gym at home, being able to go when away is a great way to stick to your current routine, whilst also enjoying your travels.

Local gyms can also provide the opportunity to try something new – different classes, equipment, or training styles you may not have at home. Group fitness classes like spinning, yoga, or high-intensity interval training (HIIT) are often available. If classes are something you are into, in the UK, you have ClassPass, which gives you access to local gyms in the area to try out their fitness classes at a discounted rate at first.

Staying safe while staying active on holiday

While being active during your holiday is fun and rewarding, it’s important to prioritise safety to avoid accidents, injuries, or unnecessary stress. Here are some practical tips to ensure your active adventures remain safe and enjoyable:

Research your activities in advance

As you can see in our guide above, there are so many different ways you can be active when going away. Before committing to any activity, make sure you do your research on it in advance. Check reviews, confirm certifications, and ensure the experience is suitable for your skill level. The last thing you want to happen is for you to turn up and find it’s not right for you – such as turning up as a beginner football player, to play in an advanced social match.

Wear appropriate gear

This rule applies whether you are doing an activity abroad or at home. Before turning up to enjoy your activity, make sure you have the right equipment. If you don’t have the right stuff, you could risk injuring yourself. For example, never run without having running shoes (this can damage your shins), if you’re playing football, make sure you bring shin pads or for any watersports, you may need a wetsuit if the water is going to be very cold.

Stay hydrated 

On a day-to-day basis, you should aim to drink around two to three litres of water to stay properly hydrated. When taking part in physical activity, especially in warm climates or during extended periods of exercise, your fluid needs increase significantly. Make sure to sip water regularly before, during, and after activities, and consider bringing a larger bottle with you, to ensure you have enough – we always bring a 1 or 2 litre bottle when possible. Staying hydrated not only improves performance but also helps prevent fatigue, dizziness, and heat-related illnesses.

As well as staying hydrated, it’s important to fuel your body with the right foods when being active on holiday. Eating balanced meals and snacks provides the energy needed to enjoy activities like cycling, hiking, or running without feeling fatigued. For longer excursions, pack portable snacks like nuts, energy bars, or fresh fruit to maintain energy levels throughout the day. Eating well not only supports your performance but also helps you recover faster and enjoy your holiday to the fullest.

Know the local environment

Different destinations come with different risks. Be aware of tide schedules when swimming, sun exposure in tropical destinations, or wildlife hazards in nature reserves. We would always advise you to familiarise yourself with local emergency numbers and the location of nearby medical facilities, in case you need it (it only takes a second to save it in your phone) – we hope you don’t need it. Also, when travelling to your activities, make sure the area it is in has a good reputation. Some activities will be at night, so make sure you are safe and aren’t walking around on your own.

Listen to your body

It’s easy to get carried away when exploring new destinations, but pay attention to signs of fatigue, soreness, or dehydration. Pace yourself, take breaks, and don’t push beyond your limits – your holiday should energise you, not leave you exhausted or injured. When going away, if you’re keen on being active, we would suggest having a day being active and then a day off being active. This way, half your holiday is spent being active, the other half relaxing.

Warm up and stretch

Just as you would at home, warming up before activity prevents strains and injuries. Simple stretches before a run, yoga, or water activity can improve flexibility, reduce soreness, and enhance performance. The last thing you want when being away is to be aching because you haven’t warmed up or stretched. Even worse, getting injured when you are away can stop you from enjoying the holiday as a whole. Dedicate time before a session to doing dynamic stretches and the static stretches at the end of the session – if you want some inspiration, there are plenty of warm-up and warm-down videos on YouTube.

Staying active while on holiday doesn’t have to feel like a chore – it can be one of the most enjoyable parts of your trip. From exploring cities on foot and cycling through scenic routes to trying water sports, wellness classes, or social sports sessions, there are endless ways to move your body while discovering new places. By planning ahead, staying safe, and listening to your body, you can balance relaxation with activity, making the most of your break.

Being active on holiday also allows you to indulge in your favourite treats guilt-free, boost your energy, and create unforgettable memories along the way. Have you got a holiday planned for this year, and what are you planning on doing? What activities will you be doing when away, and are there any that we haven’t mentioned above? Let us know in the comment box below. We look forward to hearing from you, and as always, Travel Till You Drop!