By Kara Mayer Robinson, contributing editor at TravelingMom.com
Don't use travel as an excuse to abandon your well-established health and fitness routine. There are plenty of ways to stay fit, eat right and – dare we say it? – return in even better condition than when you left.
A break in routine may be just what the doctor ordered, especially if you're traveling for pleasure. "If you're lounging by the pool or cruising the Caribbean, jump in the pool every 30 minutes or so," advises Jyl Steinback, a personal fitness trainer, lifestyle coach and co-author of Fill Up to Slim Down: The Diet That Lets You Eat All the Foods You Love and Still Lose Weight. "Don't just stand there sipping on that daiquiri. Jog in place, do standing leg lifts, swim a few laps, or hold onto the wall and kick your heart out! Be a kid with your kids. Bike, rollerblade, play in the park, run on the beach. As long as you're moving, you're staying fit."
Keeping your distance from the gym doesn't mean your body will turn to mush. If you're going on a second honeymoon or planning a conference for your sales territory, consider booking a fitness or adventure excursion. Go hiking, biking, snorkeling or waterskiing.
Or simply put one foot in front of the other. "Walk," advises Steinback. "It's free, easy, and you can do it anywhere. Sightseeing? Walk it! Purchase a [on-and-off] trolley pass and walk the distance when possible or walk to the furthest destination and take the trolley back."
"Traveling often involves a great deal of 'sit' time whether by car, bus, plane, or train," adds Kari Anderson, award-winning fitness instructor and director, former member of the Joffrey Ballet and creator of the Reach fitness DVD. "Make a conscious effort to counter that with equal 'movement' time when you arrive at your destination."
"Take the stairs," advises Steinback. "Keep track of how many stairs you climb during your stay, add these up throughout the year and see how far you've gone. [Eiffel Tower = 1,050 steps, Empire State Building = 1,020 steps, Sears Tower = 1,100 steps.] Set up a [non-food] reward for yourself once you've reached your destination. Then start over."
Whatever your destination, consider getting there and back on foot, a particularly easy feat if you're in a city. You'll juice up your blood flow and benefit from an up-close and personal tour of the unique neighborhoods in between.
"Find restaurants that are within walking distance of your hotel," suggests Scott Danberg, exercise director at the Pritikin Longevity Center in Aventura, Fla. "Why take a taxi when you can enjoy a leisurely walk in the cool evening air to and from the restaurant? And every step does count. With just 15 minutes of walking, you can burn 100 calories and more."
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