How to Stay Fit and Explore on Vacation 

Embarking on a vacation brings visions of relaxation, adventure, and, for those of us passionate about fitness, the challenge of maintaining our routines while away from familiar jogging paths. But running on vacation shouldn’t be seen merely as a way to offset those extra vacation indulgences. Instead, it’s a gateway to immersive travel experiences, offering a unique blend of exploration, cultural engagement, and the creation of deeply personal memories. This guide aims to inspire and equip you with strategies and insights to turn your travel runs into the highlights of your trip. 

Embracing Spontaneity 

Why run on vacation? The answer goes beyond health benefits and dives into the profound connection between running and exploring. Running in a new city or along a foreign coastline allows you to engage with the world in a way few other activities do. Be an explorer, both of the self and the surroundings. Plus, the point of vacation is self care.

Unplanned Runs: The Heart of Adventure

The most memorable runs are often those without a predetermined route. These are about setting out from your hotel at dawn, feeling the pulse of a city waking up, or finding yourself on a secluded beach path with only the sound of your breath and the waves for company. Such experiences, born from the simple act of running without direction, capture the essence of travel—discovery. 

How to Enjoy Unplanned Runs Safely

Start with a Plan to Go Planless: Paradoxical as it might seem, a safe unplanned run begins with a bit of planning. Ensure you know the general layout of the area, identifying safe neighborhoods and potential no-go zones. Technology is your ally; modern GPS watches and smartphones allow you to wander freely without the fear of getting truly lost. Make sure your equipment is charged and your shoes are tied!

Embrace the Slow Run: Vacation runs aren’t about speed or distance; they’re about experience. Allow yourself to stop for photos, read historical plaques, and take in breathtaking views. These moments of pause are as much a part of the adventure as the run itself. It might feel hard to stop, but you are likely moving distances and seeing things you won’t on foot later with the family or friend group.

Packing for the Road Less Traveled

The art of packing for vacation runs lies in preparedness and adaptability. Weather can be, well, annoying, and what’s comfortable at home might not suit your destination. 

Tailoring Your Gear to Your Destination 

Weather-Proofing Your Run: Research the typical weather conditions for your destination and pack accordingly. However, be prepared for surprises. A lightweight, waterproof running jacket can be a lifesaver in unexpected rain, while a breathable running cap can shield you from the midday sun. In worst case scenarios, you’ll find yourself on the hotel treadmill.

Hydration and Nutrition on the Go: The importance of hydration cannot be overstated, especially in warmer climates or more remote locations. A collapsible water bottle or a lightweight hydration pack can ensure you stay hydrated without weighing you down. Similarly, packing a few energy gels or bars can help maintain your energy levels on longer runs. If you don’t have the room or need to bring it, make sure you bring cash or your phones payment system is setup so you can stop into a convenience store if necessary.

Multi-Use Gear: To save space, select gear that can serve multiple purposes. Running shoes comfortable enough for day excursions, quick-dry shirts that double as casual wear, and compression socks that aid in recovery after a long day of exploring are all smart choices to keep your bags small and light. 

Safety 

The freedom to explore through running comes with the responsibility of ensuring your safety and the safety of those with you. 

Stay Visible and Vigilant: Whether you’re navigating the neon (now LED) signs of Las Vegas or the trails of a Californian national park, or a Miami beach, staying visible is key. Reflective gear and a headlamp make early morning or evening runs safer. 

Knowledge is Power: Familiarize yourself with local customs and traffic regulations. In places like New Jersey, the peculiar no-left-turn rule at intersections could catch you off guard. Las Vegas doesn’t allow road crossings on the strip, so you have to navigate up and over streets. Being from NY, we cross if there are no cars, but other local customs demand you wait for the green light as a pedestrian. Awareness and respect for local norms can prevent accidents and ensure a harmonious experience. 

Communication Is Your Lifeline: Always let someone know your planned route and expected return time. Apps that allow for live tracking, such as Garmin Connect or Strava Beacon, offer peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Even a casual mention of your running intentions at the hotel’s front desk adds a layer of security that shouldn’t be overlooked. I opt for Strava Connect and my wife gets an email with my run so she can track me.

Memorable Running Vacations: A Personal Journey 

Through years of combining my love for running with my passion for travel, I’ve collected a trove of unforgettable experiences that underscore the transformative power of running on vacation. 

Lessons from the Las Vegas Strip to the Trails of California 

Las Vegas Strip: My early experiences running the Strip taught me about adaptability and the unexpected joy of turning challenges, like navigating stairs and footbridges, into opportunities for a unique hill workout. It also taught me about early morning heat in the desert. I went for a run at 8am and it was already 97 degrees outside. The vibrant energy of Las Vegas, combined with the physical demands of the route made the run interesting.

California’s Trail Systems: In contrast, California’s expansive trails offered a serene moment with nature. The diversity of the landscape, from coastal paths to forest and mountain trails, provided a running experience that was as rejuvenating as it was exploratory. Running and walking on Mt. Diablo just outside San Francisco meant seeing (at least when we went) green pastures, hills, and mud puddles. Yea, we were lucky to come a week after some strong rain which made for beautiful views.

Running Companionship: From sprinting with my brother’s friends in Maine, mostly running behind them, to leisurely jogs with my wife in Charleston finding dolphins swimming off the coast, each shared run has been a journey in itself. These moments, whether filled with conversation or silence, highlight the communal spirit of running.

Concluding Thoughts 

Running on vacation opens up a world of discovery, offering a unique lens through which to experience new places. It’s about more than staying fit; it’s about connecting—with the environment, with culture, and with the people we meet along the way. As you pack your running shoes alongside your travel essentials, remember that each run is an opportunity to explore, learn, and grow. 

Now, I’d love to hear from you. What are your most memorable experiences running on vacation? How has running changed the way you travel? Share your stories in the comments below, and let’s continue to inspire each other to lace up and explore, one step at a time. 

Finally, I love a good laugh and since vacationing is about self-care and relaxation, read about all the silly things runners say, maybe even on vacation.