If you’re someone who loves to get outdoors or active on their vacation, then there are plenty of ways to make the most out of your next trip this year.
There’s nothing better than being somewhere new and getting the blood pumping. While it might not be for everyone - some may prefer a relaxed vacation - for others, staying active keeps it interesting.
There are lots of ways in which you can enjoy and have fun on vacation that’s sports-related or highly active. Keeping your days jam-packed might be just what you’re looking for in your next trip overseas or in the same country.
Here are some helpful tips on how to have a more active vacation this year and to make the most out of your time away.
Get organized with an itinerary
First and foremost, get organized when it comes to your itinerary. That means creating a plan for your vacation away, whether it’s a loose plan or one that dictates your day by the hour.
Set your alarm to wake up earlier to maximize the day
Setting an alarm is a great way to help maximize the day because it’s very easy to sleep in when you’re on vacation. When you’ve also got jam-packed activity days planned, it might be even more of a temptation to snooze into the mid-morning.
Do a morning workout
A morning workout is a great way of making the most out of your fitness when you’re vacationing. It’s a great opportunity to start the day on the right foot and there’s nothing better than working out while you’re on your vacation.
Pack plenty of sportswear
In order to keep you motivated during your time away, pack plenty of sportswear. This is important because it helps ensure you’re making the most out of your intended sports vacation.
Try a new type of sport while abroad
When it comes to trying a new sport, there’s no better time than a vacation to do it. Think about trying out a new type of sport while abroad, like kayaking for example. If you’re staying next to somewhere that has a lot of lakes and water to explore, then you might want to brush up your knowledge ahead of time.
Some places might be known for certain sports activities, so it’s always good to try something new. Even if you don’t end up liking it, at least you can say you gave it a go.
You might also find unique sports that you don’t get yourself back at home, so it’s a great opportunity to try something that you might not be able to try again once you’re back from your vacation.
Take part in a local sports club or group activity
While you’re over in the vacation spot, it’s useful to scope out some of the local sports clubs or group activities that might be going on while you’re there.
Whether that’s in the hotel you’re staying in or it’s a local club that encourages tourists and locals alike to join. Joining in on a local sports club or group activity might be just what you want when it comes to going away.
Who knows, you might make a few friends while you’re there, whether that’s fellow tourists from around the world, to the locals down the road. It’s a great way to socialize and connect with others who have the same love for the sport as you do.
Aim to hit a certain number of steps every day
To make the most out of your trip, especially if you’re looking to get active every day, aim to hit a certain number of steps every day. This is good if you’re not planning to take part in some form of sport or gym activity. Simply walking around is a great form of exercise and one that you probably won’t feel as much as other types of exercise.
This is also a great one for those who might not be as nimble as they once were when it comes to doing the more extreme or heavily movement-based sports.
A good number of steps to hit per day is around 10,000 but if you’re really fancying yourself a challenge, then consider doing 20,000 steps per day. You’ll certainly notice a big difference!
Focus on mental stimulation too
Mental stimulation is not so much a physical sport but it’s an active way of enjoying your vacation regardless. While relaxing and resting might be your ideal choice over a heavily active vacation, you might want to make use of the downtime to get the brain exercising too.
Create a family or group challenge for the vacation
If you’re somewhat of a competitive family or group, depending on who you vacation with, why not set up a few healthy challenges along the course of your trip? These could be broken up into individual challenges or group challenges.
- The person who reaches the most steps in a day
- Teams competing in multiple activities
- The person who did the most exercise during their trip
Explore the area on foot rather than via public transport
A good way to make the most out of your activities while you’re vacationing is to avoid public transport. Not only is it good for ramping up your steps but it’s also useful when you’re wanting to see every aspect of the place you’re visiting.