Healthy Vacations?

While the kids may (or may not) have started back to school summer is still here and with Labor Day Weekend just around the corner it is time to think of getting away to celebrate the unofficial end of summer. While vacations even short ones usually involve a lot of rest and relaxation in the form of good food and good drink they do  have a tendency to get you off the healthy track you are on most days.

Why not spend the Labor Day weekend doing a less resting a bit more active relaxation.  You can sign up via REI for some crazy adventure vacations, but you can also take a bit easier route and just modify existing plans.

Walk/Bike/Hike.  Visiting a new town?  Why not sign up for a walking tour of the city (in some cases it is free, but tips are appreciated for your guides), or hope a bike tour.  It is a great way to see the city and get some exercise at a nice leisurely pace.  Added benefit you get to see some out of the way things that would be hard to reach or even see from a tour bus.

Maybe you are doing a Staycation; you can still sign up for a walking/biking tour of your town.  Who knows you may learn something new to impress your next visitors or find a new place to have lunch or a local shop you would have missed in your daily routine.

Only got a day? Hit the Internet find an easy trial to hike near your hometown, pack a lunch and head off.  Sometimes the best relaxation is getting away from it all and hanging out with nature.  Going off the grid and hitting the trail has more than just physical benefits, but also mental and spiritual benefits.

Choose healthier:  Just because you are on vacation doesn’t mean every meal has to be decadent or indulgent.  Not that you should deny yourself (it IS vacation) but maybe while on vacation start off with a sensible breakfast most mornings splurge at lunch and make dinner a combination of both sensible and indulgent.  There are healthier options on most menus and you can always split a dedicate meal with a family member or friend to save yourself from eating the whole thing. You will still get to taste all the yummy goodness, but have a sensible portion size.

The easiest thing on vacation to makes sure you are drinking lots and lots of water.  Drinking a glass before each meal will help you to enjoy your food, but not overstuff yourself.

Also remember that sometimes a dessert of the local fresh fruits can be just as good as a piece of chocolate cake or slice of pie.

Scope out the gym. While away why not scope out the gym one day (or more than once).  If you tend to be an early riser, but the rest of your family is not why not head off to the gym and get in a mini workout.

Most hotels have a gym, it may not be a big one, but it will at least have a treadmill.  If you choose to stay in AirBnB why not see if you can get a guest pass for the nearest gym or see if there is classes you can join for a small fee.  You will get to try out something maybe you wouldn’t do at home (Zumba anyone) and not have to worry about every seeing anyone in the class again.  Who knows you may just find something fun to add to your at home routine.  Added perk you can ask your classmate for good local restaurants or things to do in the city not in the tour guide book.

Cruising? Cruises are the best for sneaking in a little workout between the gym, the track (can you beat the view) or even the pool you can sneak a bit of a work out and with a wee bit of fun.

While taking an Adventure vacation will most defiantly put you on the healthy vacation trail (pun intended), you can make any vacation a healthier vacation by just making a few healthy choices along the way.   You will still enjoy your vacation, but you won’t totally throw yourself off track when you get back home.