If you’re following an exercise regimen, it can be hard to stay on track when you’re traveling. When in Paris who wants to sacrifice butter coated escargot for a plate of kale and other green vegetables, or skip the cocktails in favor of water? Simply put, vacation is full of temptations, but by planning exercise directly into your trip, you can continue losing weight while enjoying your vacation to the fullest.
San Francisco On Foot
San Francisco is a big city with a lot of hills, so you’re guaranteed to get a workout just going from your hotel to a restaurant, but if you’re looking for something more exciting, Golden Gate park is for you.
Golden Gate Park isn’t just a neighborhood hub – it’s actually a huge space covering 20% more area than Central Park in New York City. Give yourself an afternoon to jog or rollerblade through the park and enjoy the well-maintained paths and wildlife. If you’re lucky, you may even see bison on your way through, as they’re a common appearance in the park.
Cape Town By Bike
Want to enjoy the beauty of the African continent? Skip the traditional safari and take a bike excursion. One of the most highly traveled bike routes is the Garden Route that leads to Cape Town. The Garden Route is particularly interesting because it offers a detailed look at contemporary South African life. Along the route you’ll find everything from golf courses and malls as well as areas where you can buy local crafts, see the beaches, and explore historic coastal forests. It’s a beautiful and long ride, but you’ll forget you’re even exercising in the process.
New York City On Ice
If you’re visiting New York City during the winter months, spend an afternoon at Rockefeller Center. Near Christmas you can see the iconic Christmas tree lit up, but as a fitness buff your real destination will be the ice skating rink. Rent some skates or bring your own and enjoy an one of the most famous rinks in the country decked out in holiday splendor. It’s a chilly but jovial way to enjoy New York City.
Climb Your Way Through Paris
Paris is a highly walkable city, but if you want a real workout then hit the stairs. Climbing the open portion of the Eiffel Tower is about 700 steps, and then you’ll still need to come back down. Be aware, however, you won’t be able to go hard on this narrow staircase – the tower is busy and crowded so this will be a lengthy but slow workout.
Another climbing option where you’ll have a little more space are the steps of Sacre Coeur. The main spiral staircase of this Montmartre landmark is 90 steps, but there are another 300 coming if you want to reach the dome of the church. Montmartre also offers beautiful views and is usually populated with artists, offering a real sense of Parisian culture.
Ultimately the best way to exercise when on vacation is to hit the streets. Skip public transit or cabs and instead opt to walk from your hotel to different sights, go for a jog through the neighborhood, or rent a bike. Wherever you go, fitness is within your reach.