Exercise often falls to the bottom of our to-do lists when we travel. But this can leave us feeling sluggish and unmotivated – not helpful when you’re got sightseeing to do! Luckily, there are lots of different ways to stay active throughout your travel experience. Here are just six of them.

1. Walk everywhere

Well, maybe not everywhere, but one of the best ways of getting to know a new place is simply to explore it on foot. You’ll be able to take in all the sights, sounds, and smells, as well as get your bearings quickly. And who knows what hidden gems you might stumble upon? Be sure to research any no-go areas first, but otherwise just enjoy having the freedom to wander. You’ll get lots of exercises done without even noticing.

2. Sign up for a guided tour

If you love the idea of walking but also want to get the opinions of a local, then why not sign up for a guided tour? It’ll give you extra insights into the culture and history of your destination. You might even decide a walking holiday is for you – click the link to weigh up the pros and cons.

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3. Find time for a quick workout

If staying active is important to you, then find gaps in your plans where you can schedule in exercise. If you like to set off early in the morning, then you could work out in the afternoon, before you go out for the night, whereas if you keep your mornings free you can exercise before you head off to explore.

Whatever you decide to do, write it down and you’ll be more likely to commit to it.

4. Use any facilities available to you…

If you’re staying in any kind of resort or hotel, chances are there’ll be a pool or gym for guests to use, so make the most of them!

There are still options if you’re staying in an AirBnb or hostel. Swimming in the sea, running in the local park, or even having some intense games of table tennis with your travel companions are all fun, easy ways of staying active.

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5. … or create a workout you can do anywhere

You don’t need equipment to stay fit – you just need to find exercises that use your own bodyweight, such as push-ups, squats, lunges, and crunches. These can all be completed in small spaces (or outside, if you’ve traveled to sunny climes) and are enough to keep your body awake and energized throughout your trip.

6. Book an adventure holiday

The easiest way to exercise while you’re away? Make it part of the experience! There are so many options for adventurous holidays these days, whether you fancy hiking through the forests of New Zealand or see yourself whizzing down the slopes on a ski break.

Just be sure to take out the right insurance if you do choose the adventure route. According to the infographic ‘The True Cost of Getting Injured on the Slopes’, an intensive care stay can cost anything from £100 per night in Europe to £10,000 per night in the United States. The average cost of repatriation by land is £7000, while repatriation by air is an eye-watering £12,000.

Getting insurance may make your list of things to do longer, but it could save you thousands in the long run.

How do you stay active when you travel?