This post was originally published on Travel Freak and has been republished here with permission.
So you’ve made your New Year’s resolution to get in shape and stay in shape, and you’re really going to stick to it this year, right? Well I believe in you, so here are some awesome trips that won’t ruin all the hard work you’ve done so far, and will encourage you to stay on track even after you get back. Vacations are supposed to make you feel great, what feels better than good health and good travel?!
1. Bike in Arizona
The Camelback Inn has plenty of health and sporting amenities and options, but renting a bike could be the best decision you ever make. Scottsdale, Arizona has some beautiful southwestern landscapes, and you’d feel a lot better about treating yourself to those sites if you were getting an epic workout out of it. Plus, they have a beautiful spa to relax at when you get back!
(Photo via She Knows)
2. Trek in Puerto Rico
Nothing says fitness like hiking through 18 trails of a tropical rainforest! Carole’s Rainforest Villas in El Yunque National Forest, the only rainforest in the US national parks system, is a great base point for hikers as it is close to almost every trailhead and only 10 minutes from a majestic waterfall.
3. Surf in Hawaii
Nothing can encourage you to get out there and move like paradise, and the Four Seasons Resort in Maui offers board rentals and surf lessons. Don’t worry if it’s your first time, Wailea Beach is pretty tame and a great starting place for beginners.
4. Om in Chile
February 28th – March 2nd are 2014’s dates for the Wanderlust Chile Wellness Festival in Los Andes. The main festival is held at the San Francisco Lodge & Spa but there are various other locations, including some in the US, that might be more accessible depending on your travel budget and where you’re coming from. All festival locations include yoga and meditation classes as well as live music. Be well, wanderers, be well!
5. Climb in Las Vegas
Not an outdoors person? Don’t worry, there are fitness vacations for all types of travelers. The Venetian in Vegas has a 40ft rock climbing wall inside its Canyon Ranch Spa Club. Though in Vegas you might also be able to burn some calories by the nervous sweats that will come when you gamble away the money you set aside for the trip back home. Oops
(Photo via Forbes)
6. Yoga Around the World
One of the best ways to stay in shape while traveling is to make your travel plans revolve around yoga! Using YogaTrade.com, I’ve traveled all over the world to teach and practice yoga. I’ve been able to travel and live in places like Sri Lanka, Costa Rica, and Bali, all for the purpose of teaching and practicing yoga. If you’re a yoga instructor or wellness professional and looking for work and exchange opportunities around the world to have an awesome excuse to travel, then check out YogaTrade.
I always make it a point to stay active on all my vacations! Whether it be walking EVERYWHERE or booking hotels that have gyms. I will get up very early in the morning to get a work out in, because I know the benefits of exercise on my mood and energy! I need all the energy I can get in order to explore some amazing places! 🙂 I would love to go on a Trek in Puerto Rico!