Tuesday’s Travel Essentials: Keeping Healthy on the Road – 3 Activities to do

As we travel, keeping healthy is the most important thing. It can be gruelling on long bus journeys and hikes to get your energy back but here are three activities you can do while you travel to keep you in good shape. Cycling, hiking and ski-ing. I’m a big fan of the first two at present and recently been researching ski-ing as a new thing my girlfriend and I hope to do at some point!

1. Cycling

I love cycling and recently my girlfriend and I have got into tandem cycling. Hiring a bike between two means saving money and a more enjoyable experience. We have done this in China recently at Yangshuo and Zhuhai and always feel great after it. Cycling is one of the best ways to see a city, I have cycled so many times on my travels and you can get to places that walking won’t reach and even bus routes don’t go on.

Hiring bikes can be cheap enough too. Plus it’s very good for your body, especially your leg muscles. I’d totally recommend it. I’ve a few other posts on cycling on here, here’s my Montevideo one and one from Soweto in South Africa.

 

2. Hiking

No backpacker can go without hiking. In order to see some epic sights you need to go hiking. Get your backpack on, forget about the internet and head off into the mountains. You can check out my recent stuff on the Inca Trail, Upper Trail Hike and Mount Kinabalu to get you in the mood for hiking on the move.

I love getting out there and hiking on my travels. It’s the whole experience – the keeping fit element, the views on the way, the stop offs to rest, the random accommodation and the things you get to see…

For those of us who would like to do something that gets the adrenaline pumping, going skiing is one of the best possible sports to take up. Given its nature, it’s also one of the best for those of you who want to combine relaxation with a bit of exercise, especially if you find doing a cross-country run impossible because of the weather at home.

3. Ski-ing

Right this might comes as a surprise to you all, as although I love the snow I have not yet indulged in ski-ing, however recently it’s crept onto my list of things I want to do!! And I’m including it.

OK so while I backpacked in Antarctica we were too busy to get our skis out, but you know how it is when you travel…Don’t overlook ski-ing (or snowboarding as you venture around the globe and I’ve done some research into it recently, ski-ing is a good way to keep fit. I’ve been to Switzerland, Italy and San Marino all during ski-season when I was a really cheap backpacker and I was basically there admiring the views, as you can see from the photos on these posts.

There are a few types of ski-ing you can do. Cross country ski-ing is one for those who really want to be tested. It can be risky, but it’s also a lot of fun to do, and is apparently better for you than snowboarding. The terrain for this particular form of skiing is supposed to be rougher, making your body work harder to get it right, while there are also more obstacles to overcome.

But don’t fret, it’s not all hard work. I feel I’ve done enough healthy hiking and biking to have deserved a cold beer! The girlfriend and I are keen to ski at some point in the next year or so!!

Safe travels and stay healthy folks!!

With my endless travel tips and stories, I want to inspire you all to head out there and see the world! Check my advertising page if you have an idea for a product for my Tuesday’s Travel Essentials, and don’t forget I welcome free hiking boots, free ski-ing holidays and anything you travel companies want to throw my way!!