Walking and Running When Traveling
Continuing an Exercise Program on Business or Vacation Trips
How to continue your walking or running exercise program while traveling on a business or vacation trip.
Convenience of Walking and Running
Running and walking are convenient exercise programs for people who travel frequently. They can be done anywhere at any time and need no special bulky equipment. The only gear needed, shoes and appropriate attire, are easy to pack for either a vacation trip or a business trip.
Where to Walk or Run
When traveling you of course won't be able to use your usual familiar walking or running routes. Adventurous travelers can step out of their hotels and use their walk or run to explore their destination city. Pay attention to landmarks, so you can find your way back, but know the hotel address in case you forget the landmarks. If you become hopelessly lost, catch a taxi. The driver should know the way to the hotel. Just be sure to carry enough money for the cab fare.
Travelers with a knack for getting lost in new cities should be less adventurous. Before the trip get some maps of your destination. Use them to find parks and other likely running or walking paths near your hotel. The front desk or concierge can also provide information about good places to walk or run near your hotel.
If the neighborhood near your hotel seems unsafe, either because of traffic, crime rates, or a late hour, many hotels have fitness centers. You can walk or run on one of the treadmills. As a last resort take laps around your room or up and down the hall.
If you are flying and have a long layover or delay, don't forget that you can sneak in a workout by walking around the terminal.
Packing Tips
Part of the convenience of walking and running is that they require no special equipment, so packing is not particularly difficult. All you need to pack is a pair of running shoes or walking shoes and exercise attire suitable for the climate at your destination.
On a vacation trip, you can pack a separate pair of exercise shoes or use the same shoes for your workouts and casual wear. On a business trips, you will most likely need both dress and separate exercise shoes.
Pack exercise attire made of fabrics that dry easily. That way you can wash them out in your hotel sink after your workout and prevent your hotel room from developing unpleasant odors.
To keep your good clothes from smelling like a locker room, it is also a good idea to pack your exercise gear separately. If possible, use separate luggage or a separate compartment . If that is not possible, place your exercise gear in plastic bags. Let the sweat dry first.
Enjoy your vacation. If it is a business trip rather than a vacation trip, get your work accomplished. Either way, don't let the trip interrupt your exercise program.
