🏝️ How to Stay Active on Vacation (Without Missing Out)

Because adventure and movement go hand in hand

Hey friends,

Let’s talk about something we all wrestle with: that pull between wanting to relax on vacation and also wanting to move our bodies and stick to the active routines that make us feel good.

The good news? You don’t have to choose one over the other.

This isn’t about forcing yourself to hit the hotel gym at 6 a.m. while everyone else sleeps in. This is about finding joyful, flexible, real-life ways to stay active that enhance your travel—not interrupt it.

Let’s dive into how to do just that.

---

☀️ First: Redefine What “Active” Looks Like on Vacation

Staying active doesn’t have to mean structured workouts. Movement is movement. On vacation, that might look like:

• Walking everywhere (hello, built-in sightseeing)

• Swimming in the ocean or pool

• Playing paddleball, volleyball, or hiking a local trail

• Dancing at night (yes, that counts!)

• Carrying your own suitcase up four flights of stairs (also counts)

Give yourself permission to move differently. Your usual routine can take a little vacation too.

(And if you love stories about movement as adventure, check out July’s Runderlust Magazine—including a full how to run in the heat guide.)

---

🧳 Pack for Movement

One of the biggest barriers to staying active? Not packing for it.

Here’s a quick vacation movement packing list:

• Comfortable walking or running shoes

• Moisture-wicking clothes

• Swimsuit

• Resistance bands (they take up no space!)

• Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses

• Water bottle or hydration pack

• Headphones for a podcast walk

Throw in a small dry bag if you’re headed anywhere wet or adventurous, and you’re golden.

💡 Need a printable version of this list? I Run Things+ subscribers will get a travel checklist in this week’s bonus post!

---

🌍 Make Movement Part of the Adventure

Instead of squeezing a workout around your vacation plans, make movement part of the plan.

Try:

• Booking a bike tour

• Joining a sunrise yoga class on the beach

• Hiking to a scenic overlook

• Renting a kayak or paddleboard

• Finding a local parkrun or community run event

These create memories and keep you moving—without you ever thinking “ugh, I have to work out.”

🌎 I will be covering some of these ideas (like running in Spain vs. the U.S.!) in next installments of my Runderlust magazine, if you’re curious what movement abroad can really look like.

---

🏃‍♀️ Don’t Aim for Perfection—Aim for Consistency

The goal isn’t to hit new PRs or get your longest run of the year in.

It’s to stay connected to movement so your return home isn’t such a jolt. Think of it like brushing your teeth—just a little something every day to feel like yourself.

Even 15 minutes matters.

---

😴 Rest Is Part of the Plan

Here’s your friendly reminder that rest is productive, especially if you’ve been training hard or working nonstop. Let your body soak up the recovery. Take naps. Skip the step count if you need to.

You’re not losing progress. You’re honoring your season.

💬 I will be writing about this a lot over at Runderlust magazine, especially in essays about midlife running and redefining recovery. You are allowed to exhale.

---

🛫 Bonus Tips for Active Travel Days

Travel days are tough, but here are a few ways to sneak in movement:

• Walk laps in the airport

• Stretch during layovers

• Take the stairs instead of escalators

• Do ankle pumps and shoulder rolls in your seat

• Once you land, go for a walk to get sunlight and shake off stiffness

---

🧭 Real Talk: Why This Matters

Movement on vacation isn’t about guilt. It’s not about “earning” your meals or “offsetting” your margaritas.

It’s about feeling good, sleeping well, keeping your joints happy, and honoring the relationship you’ve built with your body.

You worked hard to build your fitness—it’s okay to protect it gently while still fully embracing rest and fun.

---

🌺 My Go-To Vacation Workout (10 minutes!)

If I’m short on time or energy, I default to this quick circuit:

• 10 air squats

• 10 push-ups (wall, knees, or full)

• 10 reverse lunges

• 10 tricep dips (on a chair or bench)

• 30-second plank

Repeat 2–3x. That’s it. Done.

---

💬 What About You?

Do you try to stay active on vacation? What’s your favorite way to move when you're away from home?

Hit reply or leave a comment—I'd love to hear your tips, travel routines, and even your funniest vacation workout fail. We’ve all had one.

Until next time,
Stay bold, stay curious, and keep moving,
Suzie

✈️ Explore Runderlust Magazine — for travel stories, active life inspiration, and runner-friendly guides to the world.

---

P.S. Want a printable checklist of my favorite active travel essentials? Paid I Run Things+ subscribers get it this week, along with an early release of my latest vlog and my travel training plan.