Healthy Travel Tips
Getting Ready
for Your Vacation

A vacation is a perfect excuse to get in better shape. Our guided vacations and river cruises usually entail between one and three miles of walking per day. Below are some health tips to help you make the most of your time abroad.

Consult Your Doctor

Schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss a personalized fitness program with realistic goals. It is also a good idea to check on the vaccinations you may need for any of the countries you will be visiting.

Exercise With a Friend

Having someone to exercise with will help you stick to your program. Besides providing much needed accountability, exercising with a friend can be an enjoyable social activity and improve motivation.  Together you can set goals, track each others' progress, and share your fitness accomplishments. 

Go for a Walk

Walking and hiking is a great way to prepare for all of the sightseeing you will be doing on your trip. Start with distances you are comfortable with, and slowly increase your walks to build stamina.
It is also a good idea to get used to walking on different kinds of terrain.  Many of the cities that you will explore in Europe have cobblestones or other uneven surfaces, so improving your balance will help you stay comfortable on your trip. 
Similarly, a lot of historic sites around the world involve stairs. Where possible, choose to take the stairs at home leading up to your trip.  You will build strength and be sure to see all of the wonderful views on offer on tour!

Support Starts in Your Soles

Comfortable shoes and good socks might be the most essential travel items. Supportive walking shoes will make a huge difference to your daily sight-seeing endurance and general health while traveling.  Make sure your shoes are stable and broken in before your trip. Practice walking in them to ensure they are the right size and won't give you blisters. Depending on the length of your trip, you may want to bring two reliable pairs of walking shoes to alternate. 
You will bring dressier shoes to wear in the evenings, however, bear in mind that you may want to walk around the city after dinner as well.   

Weigh Your Suitcase

While you are on a guided vacation or cruise, you will likely not have to handle your own luggage. You will, however, need to lift it when checking and collecting it at the airport, and perhaps when clearing customs. Before you leave home, ensure you can easily carry and maneuver your suitcase. The last thing you want to do is injure your back struggling with heavy luggage.