What type of traveler are you? Do you like to get to your destination and spend the majority of the time poolside or on the beach?
Or do you like to spend most of your time touring the local museums or shopping the boutiques? How about restaurants? Do you dig the local street food and snack stops or do you go for the gourmet dining?
I like a variety of food on vacation, but one thing is certain is that we usually end up eating a lot more while on vacation than we do at home. That can lead to brining home a few extra pounds along with the souvenirs.
A great way to counteract all that vacation dietary splurging is by staying active on your trip. I’m not talking about rock climbing or taking on class 5 white water rapids – – although awesome for you if you are an extreme traveler who already does that!
I’m talking about incorporating fun and moderate physical fun into your itinerary. Here are few fun active vacation ideas for non-extreme travelers.
Active Vacation Ideas for Non-Extreme Travelers
Explore on Foot
One of the best ways to explore a new city is by foot. When you are at ground level and going at a slow speed, you see so many things that you wouldn’t notice zooming by in a car. Walking also gives you more of a chance to feel what it would be like to live as a local in a city. My hubby and I like to wear our fitness bands to see how many steps we can rack up while on vacation.
Rent a Bike
Whether you’re in the city or in the country, biking is great exercise and a great way to see the sites. Bike trails through National Parks are a good way to immerse yourself in nature. Many tourist areas have many bike rental options, but if they aren’t readily apparent, Google “bike rental” to find a location in almost any city.
Horseback Riding
Riding a horse may not seem like exercise since the horse seems to be the one doing all the work, but it really is! Your muscles are engaged in staying on the horse and your balance and coordination get a workout too. The aches you feel in your legs the day after a ride will confirm this fact!
Hit the Water
There are many active buy not overly strenuous ways to get out on the water and enjoy local lakes and rivers. The easiest of these may be a paddleboat at a city lake – basically a bike on water.
For a step up from there, you might want to rent a canoe. Or you can take on a lower class of rapids like the East Race Waterway in South Bend, Indiana. So fun!
Get IN the Water
And you don’t have to just stay on top of the water! Rather than just lounging by the pool or catching the sun on the beach – get in the water!
That sounds like a no-brainer, but it’s easy to spend a lot of time just next to the water without fully enjoying it or getting active.
Take a swim, or if you’re in an area where it’s allowed, use water toys for games like water polo.
Are you ready to get active on your next vacation? Let me know your favorite ways to stay active while you’re traveling.
james jenkins says
I like walk-about travels; I get a lot of grass stains and ground-in dirt on my cuffs.
Laurie Emerson says
We like to go camping in the mountains and do a lot of hiking when we are there.
Brian E. says
Hiking, backpacking, & camping = grass stains, & dirt / soil stains on socks, clothing.
jaimeb says
My husband and I are always looking for a great park and lake destination. Our kids love hiking, fishing, paddle boating, and campfires. We are sure to aquire some fishy, sooty, muddy, stains on our next adventure.
Michelle H. says
We love hiking, fishing, and camping.
sarah mayer says
Rock Climbing, Hiking and Kayaking.
Kristen Patton says
Love hanging out by the pool bars and eating good grub. Definitely food and alcohol stains!
Sue V says
we love the outdoors – hiking and camping… so probably mud and grass and food stains
FRANK V. says
I like t hike and mountain bike riding. Most likely stain would be coffee.
Trisha McKee says
I love kayaking, fishing and hiking. Mud and grass stains are the most common stains i encounter.
Stephanie Larison says
Lots of grass stains from the kids being outside visiting family and playing with other kids.
liz l says
Trail running- mud!
laurie murley says
we like to go hiking, and I want to go horse back riding next
Jenny S says
I like to shop, eat, and sight see. I also love looking at old architecture.
Barbara says
I like the highly dangerous activity of navigating from a plush hotel room to a pool or possibly a nice beach. The only stains I’m likely to get are from spilling my drinks or something from room service on myself. 😀