We’ve all been there — taking a much needed vacation from work, stress, emails and more than likely, your fitness regimen. We get it. Not a lot of people wants to spend time in a gross, dark, and smelly gym when they can instead be out sunbathing on a beach. But what if you could mix fun and exercise?

There are lots of ways to have a good time and get a work out in. Not to mention, it can give you a different perspective on the place you are visiting. If you are still not convinced keep reading, and hopefully we can change your mind.

Walk Around the City

This one is almost too easy, plus it will save you money. So instead of taking transportation, put on your walking shoes and explore the city on your own two feet. Doing so will allow you to see the place at your own pace as well as allow you to decide what areas you want to spend more time in and truly get to know.

As long as the surrounding area is safe, why not combine exploration with exercise? Many cities are pretty walking friendly and have nice sidewalks. Plus, this will give you the opportunity to stop at cute coffee shops or boutiques — places, if you weren’t on your own feet, you would probably just cruise on by.

While almost every city is walking-friendly, some are better than others. Here is a list of the most walkable cities in the world.

Go for a Hike

Similar to the idea above, but this time it is more about exploring the natural areas rather than cities. But the idea stays the same: put on your most comfortable shoes, grab a water bottle and some sunscreen, and head out to the trails. This is probably one of the best ways to get away from the tourists and crowds as well. Many times you will feel like you have the beautiful landscape all to yourself (great for when you want that perfect Insta).

When looking for a good hike, ask the locals. Many of them will probably have recommendations for trails and sites that tourists might not know about because they aren’t in the guidebooks. Just ask around at the hostel or restaurants you frequent. Local knowledge is often the best kind of knowledge.

Furthermore, here is a list of some of the best hikes around the world — a perfect place to start for some serious motivation to hit the trails.

Be a Kid Again at the Playground

While traveling you will likely come across more than a couple of parks — many of which will probably have some sort of playground or jungle gym. Take advantage of this and go back to your recess days where you spent hours swinging on the monkey bars, going up and down on the swings and just goofing around on the slide. There is no reason a workout has to be serious, so just let loose!

Playgrounds are a great place to get in a strength workout. For example, do pull-ups on the monkey bars, push ups on the benches, and lunges in the grass nearby. And if you are feeling like you need to get your inner 10 year old out, then take a turn on the swings (psst, it’s also a great cardio workout).

If you don’t know where to start with this, don’t worry. Here is an easy to follow, beginner friendly workout that requires a bench and swing. Easy right?

Join a Race

Many cities hold running races, so definitely look into joining one. This will not only allow you to see the city, but will also often come with some sweet swag. Many races allow you to sign up the morning of, so don’t be afraid to check it out even if you just got into town.

(If you are wondering where to look for local races check out this site, or just google your specific city, or go ask a local. I am sure someone would know.)

And if there isn’t a race (sad day) then maybe see if there are any running groups or fitness classes going on while you are stopping through. Both will allow you to break a sweat and meet new people (who might just want to tell you about a sweet hidden gem).

Go on an Adventure

This is kind of all-encompassing, but honestly, lots of places will often have some option for an outdoor adventure. From scuba diving in Australia, to paragliding in Brazil, to hiking up a volcano in Ecuador. There are so many options out there- you just have to look for them. If you don’t know where to start, definitely check out the article below — but also just do a bit of research on the place you are vacationing at. Often times, you can find information on an adventure that you might not have originally thought about.

Here is a list of some of the most adventurous countries in the world (and maybe a good place to start if your looking for an adrenaline rush).

Mixing fun and fitness is not impossible — many times, they can go hand in hand. Getting in exercise while on vacation does not have to mean spending time in a sad hotel gym. It can lead you to find new things in the city you’re staying in, to explore the mountains or jungle next to your hotel, and to create memories that will last a lifetimeAdventure