Ah, vacation! A time to kick back, indulge, pamper, splurge…and lose weight? Yep, you read that right. It is possible to go on vacation–even a cruise–enjoy yourself, and still keep your fat shedding goals in check.
It’s not some miracle idea we’re trying to sell you, but really the basics of fat and weight loss: calories in versus calories out. If looking to slim down, you need to create a safe and healthy calorie deficit. Basically that just means, you need to burn more calories than you take in each day.
That’s not to say that the other factors aren’t at play when burning fat. Hormones, sleep, water intake, metabolism, and macro-nutrients all play their roles. But when you really break it down, this is really the simple science behind it all.
If your typical vacation revolved around a beach chair and sugary adult beverage, this kind of travel will be a true departure from your norm. However, we promise that following five ways to turn your getaway into a workout will still feel like a retreat from your daily life.
- Location. Location. Location.
Choose a destination that entices–or heck, just plain forces–you to be active. Pick a city where public transportation and your own two feet are the best options for getting around. San Francisco is a perfect example. The city is about seven square miles, making everything easily within walking, bus, or cable car distance. Just be sure to pack comfy shoes. The same can be said for bigger cities such as New York City and Chicago. It will take a little willpower to avoid hailing a cab, but the payoff means ordering dessert sans the guilt.
Ditch the rental car and cabs, and tour the town on your own two feet. - Shake It Off
Bars and clubs can still be your nightly hot spot when painting your vacation town red. Instead of bellying up to your favorite bartender all night, grab your cocktail to go…to the dance floor. Dancing equals exercise, you’re just more done up while doing it. - Deluxe Apartment in the Sky
When selecting your lodging, seek out something sky-high. Not only will you have a room with an amazing view, but it means you can plan on taking the stairs instead of the elevator at least once a day. Save the lift for when you have your luggage, but seek out the stairs when your hands are free. If climbing isn’t on your vacation fun list, at least use them to go down. Go at a quick pace, and you’ll get in a bit more work than an awkward muzak-filled ride with strangers. - Enjoy Excursions
Vacations are often a time when you try something that you wouldn’t normally do, or just can’t do, in your own hometown. Snorkeling, kayaking in the ocean, traversing a famous bridge, or taking a walking tour of vineyards are all super fun day trips that also double as exercise. Bonus: Think of the Facebook pictures you can take to make your stuck-at-home friends jealous! - Relax!
Nope, not a joke. If you want to ditch the fat, sometimes you need to give your body a break. A vacation is about reducing stress–and not just the thinking kind. Working, running errands, chores, raising families, and even fun stuff with friends can take it’s toll on your health. Enjoy a bit of downtime each day so that you don’t end up needing a vacation from your vacation.
Where is your favorite place to travel? Share with us in the comments.
Carrie Anton is a freelance writer focusing on health, fitness, and sports. She's been published in Self, Women's Health, Oxygen, and Maximum Fitness.
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