It all begins with the “pre-phase” where our plan of action begins to unfold. This stage sets the stage for our journey, serving as an incubator for ideas, thoughts, and crucial decisions – like whether to try paddleboarding for the first time.
Dive into the particulars of your intended destination which plays a crucial role in your fitness journey. You need to know if your hotel harbors a gym or if there’s a lap pool hidden somewhere close. Runners – get the scoop on local weather conditions and safety, so you’re prepared for your early morning jogs.
Nourishment is another crucial aspect of maintaining fitness goals while traveling. Discovering your culinary options ahead of time will help in meal planning. A hotel room with a kitchen? That’s a goldmine for home-cooked goodness! Only got a microwave or mini-fridge? That’s an opportunity for culinary creativity. With the right pre-planning, you won’t have to resort to unhealthy convenience food options.
In the sections below, we’ll dive deeper into each of these areas. The goal? To use our planning phase effectively, to kickstart your travels on the right path, towards a balanced blend of fitness and exploration. Consider me your personal guide, leading the way towards a healthier and more mindful travel experience!
Destination Reconnaissance
Embarking on the initial segment of the pre-phase involves a deep dive into your travel specifics: your destination and how long you’ll be staying there. These crucial details will steer the remaining stages of your pre-phase planning. When the power to choose your accommodation is in your hands, things get a bit smoother. You now have the luxury to sift through various hotels or Airbnbs to ensure they carry the fitness elements you require.
When shortlisting, ensure that your choices resonate with your requirements. For a brief, 2 or 3-night sojourn, a hotel with a rudimentary gym facility may suffice. Similarly, a room equipped with a mere mini-fridge and microwave could meet your nutritional needs for such a short stay.
On the flip side, for lengthier stays where you’re choosing the accommodation, consider opting for a room with a kitchenette. Simultaneously, intensify your focus on researching external fitness facilities.
If the choice of accommodation isn’t yours to make, acquainting yourself with the in-house amenities and the proximate areas becomes even more imperative. Familiarize, plan, and prepare – let’s ace this fitness-minded travel game!
Athletic Reconnaissance
Post getting a lowdown on your accommodation, it’s time to spread your search wider if the in-house offerings don’t quite hit the mark. Start with what you love. Personal favorites always set the pace right. Whenever I hit the road, my preference is to seek out picturesque trails waiting to be explored or a health club offering a bit more than my regular routine.
If your preferred activities are non-existent, embrace the opportunity to try something new. A large departure from your comfort zone like an overcrowded hot yoga class isn’t obligatory. It could mean finding a serene swimming pool to do a couple of laps or uncovering a hidden hiking trail.
While hunting for fitness venues, there are three considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, how far are you willing to commute for this activity? To avoid wasting precious time on travel, restrict your search within a 20-mile radius.
Secondly, consider the expense. If a class or a gym day pass is exorbitantly priced, being cost-efficient might mean choosing another activity. The bright side is that a simple communication with the facility could result in a better deal.
Lastly, safety is paramount. Research the neighborhoods adjacent to your chosen venues. Hotel by the highway means a run isn’t ideal. Thinking about hiking? Ensure there aren’t any uninvited furry guests ready to make you their lunch.
Of course, your individual circumstances might necessitate other considerations. However, these three form the crux of my thought process while planning my fitness itinerary. Use this as your kickoff point, and as you embrace the fitness-minded traveler lifestyle, you’ll develop your own unique formula.
Nutritional Reconnaissance
Prior to hitting the road, knowing what type of amenities are available at your hotel or Airbnb is essential. Typical setup includes a kitchen, or a microwave with a mini-fridge. Opting for a kitchen space might not be the ideal choice if your schedule can’t accommodate cooking. Therefore, it’s important to ponder over these scenarios while booking your stay.
After listing down what’s feasibly available, evaluate whether cooking is a plausible option for you. If not, consider local meal prep services that provide microwaveable healthy meals. I have personally availed this service during my trips and while everyone else was binging on fast foods, I stuck to my healthier alternatives.
Meal prep services might be a tad bit pricy compared to cooking on your own, but the time saved can compensate for the price. Additionally, it helps maintain your health regime and keep those extra calories at bay. Even if these services are located further than a 20-mile radius, they might be worth the journey as you can stock up for the whole week!
Therefore, steer clear of the temptation to hit the fast-food joint around the corner or the convenient restaurant next door for every meal – your future self will thank you for it. I’d also like to mention that for all the gym enthusiasts who, like me, rely on their supplements, knowing how close the nearest supplement store is can be useful.
In a nutshell – plan wisely, eat healthily, and don’t let your travels derail your fitness journey!