Tips to Stay Trim, Taut and Terrific When Travelling

3 November 2011, 2:27PM
Femme

For many Kiwis, holidays are an opportunity to relax and recharge the batteries. And, more often than not, our health and fitness regimes are put firmly on hold, despite the best intentions.

However, from the moment you begin packing your suitcase to the time you touch back down on home soil, there are a number of ways you can ensure you return from holidays without excess baggage around the waistline. With the Christmas holiday season just around the corner, Hotels.com has put together a list of tips for travellers who want to beat the holiday bulge.

Hotels.com’s tips for healthy holidaying:
1.    Pack for peak performance

Packing can be a time-consuming process so add in a few squats or lunges here and there to get the heart rate up. And, it may be stating the obvious, but don’t forget to find room in your suitcase for your shorts and joggers - you are unlikely to exercise without them!

2.    Lug your own luggage

Don’t be afraid to carry or push your own luggage when in transit, if you are able to. This is a good way to get your blood flowing and muscles working before boarding a flight or checking in at a hotel.

3.    Walk rather than wait at the airport

Waiting around at airports can be the low-point of a holiday, so make the most of those dreaded queues, transfers and delays by keeping active. Give yourself enough time to walk to the different checkpoints without taking short-cuts such as lifts, escalators and travelators or spend time checking out the duty-free stores. It may be tiring, but you can sit back and relax on the plane!

4.    Location, Location, Location!

While it is important be close to the main tourist attractions, as long as they are in walking distance it isn’t an issue. Hitting the local pavement is not only a great way to experience the destination but provides you with a good cardiovascular workout as well. Good walking shoes are a necessity for a big day of sight-seeing.

5.    Hit the hotel gym

If you choose a hotel with gym facilities, the convenience will mean you are more likely to throw on the runners and pay a quick visit. It generally doesn’t cost any extra so make the most of the equipment right on your doorstep!

6.    Beware of the breakfast buffet!

It may be one of the best and most tempting perks when staying at a hotel, but if you are planning on fitting into your jeans when you return, don’t gorge on the buffet breakfast. Feel free to indulge on occasion, but try and avoid regular cooked breakfasts and opt for the healthy options.

7.    Sample the local produce

With a jam-packed holiday schedule, it’s easy to resort to eating out for every meal and grabbing pre-made snacks on-the-run. While this is convenient, it can also be expensive and is hard to control your portions. Try and find the time to buy and eat fresh local fruit and vegetables.

8.    Hire a bike

You don’t have to be Lance Armstrong to explore a destination on a bike! Bikes are not only a great way to increase your heart-rate, but also a great way to fully experience your surroundings. It’s relatively cheap and allows you to avoid the tourist crowds using other more conventional transport options such as trains and buses.

9.    Lap it up in the hotel pool or beach

Kiwis love frequently relaxing by the beach or pool on holiday so, when cooling off, why not add a few laps while you’re at it? 

10.  Drink and be merry...in moderation!

Holidays don’t come around very often, so feel free to have the odd beer or glass of wine. Try not to go overboard, though, and steer clear of those creamy cocktails as they definitely won’t help the waistline!

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