Travel is an important part of my life, both for my job and my mental health. Even before new airline rules about checked baggage, I had learned the skill of packing light.
Even when I bring work, I can pack for more than a week without checking anything. However, exercise is an important part of my life, and can require packing additional items. How do you travel, pack light, and keep up with an exercise routine? Here are four tips:
1. Call ahead – If you are going to a resort or vacation home, make sure you know what is available for exercise equipment and what you don’t have to pack. Is there a gym in your hotel or resort? Is there somewhere near by to rent bikes or roller blades? Is laundry service available so you can pack only one set of workout clothes? Some gyms will have a free or cheap one-week pass, even if your regular gym does not have a branch nearby.
2. Less is more – One pair of shorts (I prefer a running skirt), one pair of socks, running shoes, and one sports bra for the ladies is enough if you launder daily. Laundry soap can generally be purchased after you land (even when I travel to third world countries), or powdered or flake versions will not count towards your liquid carry-on limits.
3. Pack sensible shoes – If you’re not a runner, you may not want to sacrifice the room that running shoes may take in your bag. Flip flops may pack easily, but they aren’t good for walking any distance, unless you want to ice your shins later. For my last major trip, I didn’t have to pack shoes because I wore my TOMS shoes. Not only are they safe (closed-toes prevent certain illnesses), but they are fabulous for walking distances and over rough terrain. It may not be super fashionable, but I will even wear them with a skirt.
4. Don’t forget your apps – If you are already bringing your iPhone (leave it in airport mode internationally to avoid high fees), iPod, or iPad, apps require virtually no extra packing space. Authentic Yoga doesn’t require special attire or space and is my go-to app for travel exercise. I recently downloaded Jillian Michaels’ Fitness Motivation app and look forward to giving it a try.
(Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net)