Expert Advice

3 Tips To Help You Stay Active While On Vacation

Get your fitness fix no matter your location

Kassi P.
Exercise bikes on the patio of the fitness center of La Pacifica Los Cabos, a Hilton Club in Mexico

We’ve all been there — you finally get into the groove with your health and wellness plan, and then vacation approaches.

If you’re like me, I sometimes struggle with continuing that groove while traveling — thinking more about how I’ll relax and not my workout plan. However, I’ve found that on most vacations, I’m staying active without even realizing it.

A couple crossing a street in New York City 

Below are my top three ways to keep the fitness groove going while on vacation.

1. Walking

While this seems like an obvious suggestion, walking is one of the best ways to stay fit and enjoy your vacation.

Every vacation, we make it a point to walk a lot. One of my favorite things about walking in a new (or even familiar) place is the exploration — immersing myself in a location without a set plan and seeing what we discover. That’s how we’ve found so many hidden gems. It’s truly one of the best ways to embrace the culture of your vacation spot.

This means we walk over 10 miles on most days, sometimes even walking over a half marathon by just exploring around town.

So whether you’re planning to visit the sites or looking for a local restaurant, take a leisurely stroll. You never know what fun places you may find.

A photo taken by a Hilton Grand Vacations Member of her running shoes before a run 

2. Running

I love to run. I’ve been training for my first marathon, so finding great running trails is a requirement.

There are so many beautiful running trails in every location I’ve visited. Whether on a beach path, in a city park or even along a canal, I can always find beautiful locations to run.

There’s something nice about running in the fresh air in a new city. Here are some of my favorite running paths.

Central Park, New York City

New York City is basically my home away from home, so Central Park is on my list. I absolutely love how the beauty of nature is right in the middle of the city. You couldn’t ask for a better escape.

As a bonus, there are different mileage loops around the park, making it a great spot for any runner.

West Orange Trail, Orlando

I frequent this trail quite a bit, since I live in Central Florida. The West Orange Trail, located in Winter Garden, spans 20.8 miles. Yep, you read that right. Double that if you decide to go out and back.

A forested running path 

It’s a perfect location, especially if you have longer mileage training planned. There are also great shops and markets in downtown Winter Garden to cool down at (especially at the Winter Garden Farmers Market on Saturdays).

River Lagan, Belfast, Northern Ireland

I love traveling internationally. What better way to explore a new place than on foot?

I was fortunate enough to visit Belfast, Northern Ireland, recently. If you’re ever in Belfast, I highly recommend running along the river.

Wow.

The running views in the City Center were spectacular, especially along the River Lagan. Between the beautiful breeze from the water and running past Titanic Belfast, there’s so much to see in this beautiful city.

3. In-Suite Exercise

Finally, try in-Suite exercise. I love the convenience of exercising in my own Suite. Some of my favorite fitness tools are the Stack 52 exercise card deck and a set of durable resistance bands. What I love about these products is that they’re light, fit in a carry-on bag and provide a great workout — whether for a quick 15-minute sweat session or an hour-long workout.

Hikers sit on a rock overlook of South Lake Tahoe on a sunny day 

There are tons of ways to stay fit while traveling and a plenty of fitness apps to help adapt your training plan to the change in scenery.

Get Moving With Hilton Grand Vacations

Many Hilton Grand Vacations properties have on-site fitness centers, making it easy to add a gym workout to your day. But don’t feel tied down to a treadmill.

The best way to stay fit while on vacation is to find fun ways to move your body. Make the most of resort-style amenities like pools and pickleball courts if you want to stay close to your Suite. Or get adventurous and add skiing or surfing to your itinerary. For a relaxing vacation, exercise at your own pace with a round of golf, a peaceful bike ride or a scenic hike.

Read “Can A Vacation Save Your Life? Here Are 6 Ways To Enjoy A Truly Rejuvenating Getaway” for more easy ways to boost the health benefits of vacations.

 

Hilton Grand Vacations Owner, Kassi P.

Kassi P.

Kassi is a three-time Explorer and Owner since 2018, when she and her husband, then in their late 20's, decided vacation ownership was the next step in building a life filled with travel. As Orlando locals, they enjoy staycations and exploring The City Beautiful, but have never actually stayed at their home resort, Hilton Grand Vacations at Tuscany Village.  

When she's not using her ClubPoints in Florida, this urban traveler has a love of international travel and a sweet spot for her second home — New York City, which is where she got engaged while staying at West 57th Street by Hilton Club. When asked about her long run in the Explorer program, Kassi says, "It's my goal to inspire someone to create new memories, get out and travel and make the most out of vacation ownership."


Popular Articles