When it comes to staying healthy while you’re on vacation, eating right, keeping to a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep are all super important. But, if you’re looking to keep up that amazing workout routine, you’ll want to make sure you keep up the pace and don’t slack off just because you’re far away from home.

It may sound counterintuitive, especially if you’re not going to have access to a gym while you’re away, but traveling can actually be quite conducive to your workout routine. After all, you’ll likely want to explore your destination, whether you plan on hiking, sightseeing, or shopping. (And these all require lots of movement!) But in addition to this, there’s no reason why you have to let your normal routine fall by the wayside. So whether you’re a budding gym rat, an experienced exercise fiend, or you fall somewhere in between, here are some easy tips to work out when traveling!

Make a Plan Before You Go

One of the most important travel workout tips to keep in mind is to plan out your routine and make a schedule in advance. Before you even book your cheap flights to the Bahamas or Mexico, you’ll want to research the hotels/resorts in the area and check out their facilities. If you’re not staying at a hotel, or if your hotel lacks exercise facilities, check to see if there’s a YMCA nearby. You’ll also want to check to see if you’ll be able to get a healthy breakfast, either at the hotel or someplace near. Also, what time will work best for your workout? Are you going to be hiking or walking all day, or will you be more sedentary? These are some questions to think about before you embark on your journey.

Walk When You Can

Think walking is too low intensity for your workout? Think again. Walking — especially at a fast pace — can enhance your metabolism, mood, and cardiovascular health, and can help you to burn more calories. Just finished a major feasting fest? Walk it off while you explore the streets of your destination. While you may have heard that 10,000 steps a day is ideal, that’s a bit of a wives’ tale. research suggests that you can get just as much benefit from 7,000 to 8,000 steps and greatly improve your overall health. Besides, why not save money on public transportation? Not only will walking save you cash, but it’s also better for the planet. If you need to cover a long distance in a short time, you can always rent a bike!

Design Your Own Routine

Don’t have access to a gym? No sweat. The world is your gym, after all! Not having fancy equipment or personal trainers nearby shouldn’t stop you from getting an excellent workout in. You can still stay in shape by doing your own strength training exercises like squats, push-ups, lunges, and planks — all the fun stuff! All of these exercises can be found on YouTube or apps like Future or FitOn so you can pick the right routine for you. Want to cool down or just need to stretch? Try some yoga instead.

Pack the Right Tools

Before you fly, make a packing list and think strategically. Obviously, you’re not going to be able to lug around heavy gym equipment or large weights, but bringing smaller items like resistance bands or lighter, travel weights will help you feel right at home. Bring a water bottle that’s large enough to hydrate you but not too heavy to carry around. Bring lots of high-protein snacks in case you get hungry. You might also want to bring a yoga mat, even if you don’t plan on doing yoga; after all, who wants to work out on the hard hotel room floor?

Invest in Some Fitness Tech

What’s better than a tiny digital personal trainer who will track all your progress and assist you with your workout routines on the go? Most fitness tech, be it a smartwatch or other wearable device, will track your heart rate, calories burned, miles walked, and much more. Many of them will connect with an app on your phone so you can log even more detailed info. If you don’t want to shell out for an Apple Watch or a FitBit, there are some more affordable options on Amazon and other sites.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

It’s no secret that staying hydrated on your trip is key to your overall health while abroad. And that’s even before you start planning any intense workouts. When traveling abroad, especially in a warmer climate, make sure you’re drinking at least 3 to 4 liters of water per day (or more depending on your level of physical activity). You don’t need to chug all that H2O down in one sitting. Rather, take frequent sips throughout the day, especially if you’re going to be outdoors. Invest in a durable water thermos as they’re conveniently sized and will remind you to stay hydrated.

Do you have any more tips to work out when traveling? Let us know in the comments section below!