How to stay healthy on vacation is something I’ve worried about more than once. When I’ve been eating clean, working out, and feeling good in my routine, the idea of taking a trip—especially one filled with restaurant meals, long travel days, and zero structure—can make me feel like I’m setting myself up to backslide.
But over time, I’ve learned that staying healthy while traveling doesn’t mean you have to give up all the fun or stick to a rigid plan. Whether I’m exploring a new city, relaxing at the beach, or heading into the mountains, I’ve found that a few small choices can help me feel energized, grounded, and still fully enjoy the experience.
For me, one of the biggest game-changers has been choosing destinations that naturally encourage movement and healthy habits—like places with beautiful hikes, fresh local food, or walkable neighborhoods. But even if I’m not planning a wellness retreat, these healthy vacation tips have helped me stay on track in a way that feels easy and enjoyable.
Pick an Active Destination from the Start
One of the things that’s made the biggest difference for me in how to stay healthy on vacation is choosing the right kind of destination. It might sound obvious, but it took me a while to realize how much easier it is to stay active when the place I’m visiting naturally encourages it.
If I’m somewhere with great hiking trails like lake Atitlan in Guatemala, a walkable downtown like Bentonville, or beautiful beaches like Sanibel, I’m way more likely to get my steps in without thinking twice. It’s not about forcing myself to work out—it’s about weaving movement into the experience in a way that feels fun and natural.
That doesn’t mean you have to plan a fitness-focused getaway (unless you want to!). Whether you’re headed to a beach town, a city, or even a cruise, just being intentional about where you go—and what kinds of activities are available—can really set you up for success. And if your trip is already booked? No worries—these healthy vacation tips will still work wherever you’re headed.
Active Travel Experiences That Support Your Wellness Goals
Once I started choosing destinations that make it easier to stay active, travel felt less like a disruption—and more like a way to recharge both my body and my mind. That’s why I love building trips around experiences that naturally support wellness, whether it’s hiking, paddling, walking, or simply spending more time outside.
If you’re looking for a way to combine luxury and wellness on your next trip, consider an Amazon River luxury cruise. These cruises offer enriching excursions into the rainforest alongside healthy gourmet dining and even onboard fitness or yoga. Immersive travel experiences like this can help you feel more connected—not only to nature, but to your own well-being.
For something closer to home, Sedona is one of the best places I’ve visited for a reset. Between the incredible red-rock trails and peaceful energy vortexes, it’s the perfect spot to ground yourself in nature. You can read more about my favorite family-friendly hiking trails in Sedona, which includes easy hikes and kid-friendly wellness experiences.
If you’re craving a more off-the-beaten-path adventure, Semuc Champey in Guatemala is a hidden gem. It’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been, and a perfect destination for combining movement and mindfulness. For even more inspiration, I also shared some of the best things to do in Guatemala, one of my favorite places to visit.
The best part about these kinds of trips is that staying healthy doesn’t feel like work. It’s built into the adventure.
Buy Healthy Snacks
Instead of sitting by the pool and munching on fries, you should stock up on healthy snacks for afternoon cravings. You can get roasted nuts, hummus, peanut butter, fruits, kale chips, dark chocolate, greek yogurt, and so on. It’s also a great idea to use meals and snack time to try local fruits and vegetables.
Prepare Your Meals
Even if you want to eat healthily, you can’t control the ingredients used in a restaurant. Fortunately, there is an easy solution. You should prepare your own meals! Instead of a conventional hotel room, explore vacation rentals that are equipped with a functional kitchen. With a kitchen at your disposal, you can easily make healthy meals and also save a lot of money.
Shop Locally
You may be tempted to buy instant noodles or microwaveable meals, but these options will be counterproductive. We urge you to head over to the local farmer’s markets and buy fresh and seasonal produce. Besides eating healthy, this is also a great way to support the local community.
Do Physical Activities
You may not have access to a gym, but don’t let that stop you from exercising. One of the best things about a vacation is the opportunity to try a wide variety of fun activities. You can go surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, swimming, biking, waterskiing, among other things if you are headed to a coastal town. Hiking is another excellent activity to get some fresh air.
Choose the Right Place to Stay
Choosing the right place to stay can make it easier to stick to healthy habits while traveling. Look for accommodations that offer access to a kitchen, fitness facilities, or are located near parks and walking trails with small details that can help you stay active and eat well during your trip. Whether you’re planning a relaxing getaway or a more adventurous escape, Hotala makes it easier to find hotel deals, resorts, and vacation rentals worldwide that support your wellness goals and keep you comfortable throughout your stay.
Find Healthy Restaurants
Before you leave for the trip, it would be helpful to research restaurants serving healthy options in the area. This is particularly important if you are vegan, gluten-free or have any other dietary restrictions. A little bit of planning goes a long way.
Indulge Occasionally
Just because you want to be healthy on vacation doesn’t mean you shouldn’t occasionally indulge. You’re on vacation after all! So treat yourself to local delicacies. It’s all about balance. And if you’re in a rush and end up in fast food restaurant don’t despair and check out these healthy fast food options so you can make the best choices!
Limit Alcohol Consumption
Apart from food, people also tend to over consume alcohol on vacation. We encourage you to be mindful of your alcohol consumption. Try to limit yourself to one or two drinks every day.
Consider purchasing liquor and mixers to prepare drinks at your vacation rental. Apart from saving money, doing this will also help curb your drinking. After all, making a drink takes a lot more effort than ordering one.
Explore On Foot
Instead of taking a cab or public transportation, explore the city on foot. In addition to getting your steps in, walking around allows you to take a closer look at a destination’s culture and history.
Try Digital Detox
A healthy lifestyle doesn’t just concern your physical health, you should also think about your mental well-being. Is your body on vacation, but your mind is stuck on work? It would be best to step away from technology. A digital detox can do wonders for your mind and alleviate stress. Leave your smart devices behind and spend time in nature.
Take this time to unwind and relax! And don’t be too hard on yourself if you end up gaining a few pounds. Once you return, you can resume your usual fitness routine and get back in shape in no time.
Paula studied architecture and now makes a living as a freelance writer,traveler and amateur photographer.She started her writing & publishing career as the editor of Bebé y Mamá, the first parenting magazine in Guatemala.She is the founder of www.GrowingUpBilingual.com and www.365thingsswfl.com and writes articles in Spanish and English for both magazines and the web on travel,food and bicultural and bilingual parenting .
When she is not on a plane or road trip she likes to create recipes inspired in the flavors of her native Guatemala.
Meal preparation goes a long way in staying healthy while on vacation, especially since it reduces the likelihood of eating out more often than one should. Great insight shared here!
Really helpful tips and ideas that everyone can follow through to stay healthy. Thanks for it.