5 Exciting Ways to Stay Active and Energized

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Who says travel can’t be both thrilling and rejuvenating? Healthy travel is growing in popularity, and for good reason.

Not every holiday has to be about sleeping in or lounging around. If you’re craving an active lifestyle, healthy travel can offer exhilarating experiences combining exploration with wellness. So, instead of simply admiring the scenery, immerse yourself in adventures that invigorate your body and mind.

Read on to discover how you can make your next trip energizing!

CONTENTS—In this article, you will learn healthy travel tips for a more exciting trip, including:

Adventure Awaits: Infuse Your Trip with Healthy Travel Activities

Discover countless ways to combine fitness with exploration, from scaling cliffs to unwinding in yoga retreats. These five activities will leave you feeling refreshed and invigorated.

1. Discover the Thrill of Rock Climbing

Rock climbing is the ultimate mix of adrenaline and muscle work.

Imagine gripping onto natural rocky surfaces, pulling yourself up, and reaching heights with expansive views that most only see in photos.

It’s about you, the wall, and finding that next hold. You’re building killer muscle tone and mental toughness, all while immersed in nature’s beauty.

Practical Tips for Rock Climbing:

Start with Indoor Climbing: If you’re new to rock climbing, start with indoor climbing gyms to learn techniques in a controlled environment.
Gear Up: Always wear a helmet and proper climbing shoes for safety. If you’re climbing outdoors, bring a harness, chalk, and quickdraws (if sport climbing).
Climbing Classes: Enroll in a beginner course to learn belaying and safety practices. Many climbing destinations offer guided climbs for various skill levels.
Stay Hydrated: Climbing can be physically demanding, so be sure to stay hydrated, especially if you’re outdoors in sunny conditions.
Stretch Before & After: Climbing requires flexibility and strength, so stretching your arms, shoulders, and legs before and after your climb can help prevent injuries.

Popular Rock Climbing Destinations:

Yosemite National Park, USA: Famous for El Capitan and Half Dome, Yosemite is a mecca for climbers, offering challenges for both beginners and experts.
Railay Beach, Thailand: Known for its stunning limestone cliffs and breathtaking views of the Andaman Sea, this destination is perfect for adventurous rock climbers.
Kalymnos, Greece: A hidden gem in the climbing world, Kalymnos offers picturesque views of the Aegean Sea and numerous climbing routes of varying difficulties.
Red River Gorge, Kentucky: Known for its sandstone cliffs and extensive climbing routes, this is a great spot for sport climbers.
Patagonia, Argentina: For advanced climbers, Patagonia offers some of the most stunning and challenging routes in the world, with peaks like Fitz Roy.

Each climbing spot offers its unique allure, making every ascent a fresh and exhilarating experience.

Plus, there’s nothing quite like the rush you get at the peak!

2. Explore Trails and Coastlines on Horseback

horseback riding | Enjoy Travel Life — Horseback riding is rewarding and enjoyable on any active itinerary.

Ever thought about swapping your hiking boots for riding boots?

Horseback riding lets you cover more ground without sore feet. It’s about the wind in your hair, the rhythmic stride of your horse, and scenes right out of a storybook unfolding all around you.

It’s a great way to strengthen your core and improve your posture. Better yet, you may even make a four-legged friend along the way.

Practical Tips for Horseback Riding:

Choose the Right Ride: Be sure to match your experience level with the horse and trail difficulty. Many stables offer beginner-friendly rides with well-trained horses.
Dress Comfortably: Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes with a small heel to stay comfortable and secure in the saddle. Don’t forget a hat or helmet for safety.
Stay Relaxed: Horses are sensitive to your mood. Keep your body relaxed and trust the horse’s instincts.
Hydrate & Protect Yourself: Bring water and sunscreen, especially if you’re riding in sunny or desert areas.
Respect the Horse: Always approach your horse calmly, and follow the guide’s instructions to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride.

Popular Horseback Riding Destinations:

Maui, Hawaii, USA: Ride along breathtaking coastal trails, through lush forests, and near volcanic landscapes with panoramic ocean views.
Banff National Park, Canada: Traverse the scenic Rocky Mountains, passing through alpine meadows and towering forests on horseback.
Andalusian Countryside, Spain: Experience the rich culture and natural beauty of southern Spain while riding an Andalusian horse through olive groves and mountains.
Wyoming: Visit one of the many ranches near Yellowstone or Grand Teton National Park for an authentic cowboy experience, with trails that lead through stunning national park landscapes.
Chincoteague Island, Virginia: Famous for its wild ponies, Chincoteague Island offers unique beach riding experiences. Ride along the shoreline and take in the coastal beauty while enjoying the thrill of a beachside ride.

Whether you’re on a sandy beach or a shady forest trail, each ride offers you a new adventure and a peaceful escape into the wild.

3. Engage in Voluntourism

Think of it this way: you’re traveling and seeing the world. Why not lend a hand while you’re exploring the world? That’s where voluntourism fits in.

You could be rebuilding coral reefs, teaching kids, or working on wildlife conservation. You’ll get to meet people from all walks of life, learn something new, and make a real difference.

It’s active to be considered healthy travel, it’s engaging, and it’s meaningful.

Plus, the feeling of giving back? Unbeatable.

Practical Tips on Voluntourism:

Choose a Cause That Resonates With You: Whether it’s wildlife conservation, community development, or education, select a program that aligns with your interests.
Research Reputable Organizations: Look for established nonprofits or companies with strong community ties and ethical practices. Make sure the program truly benefits the locals.
Pack Smart: Bring essentials that might be harder to find in remote areas, such as sunscreen, insect repellent, and sturdy shoes.
Prepare for Cultural Immersion: Be open to learning from the local community, and respect their customs and traditions. It can greatly enhance your experience.
Budget Wisely: Some voluntourism programs require a fee for accommodations, food, and project costs. Plan your trip accordingly.

Popular Voluntourism Destinations:

Costa Rica: Known for its incredible biodiversity, Costa Rica offers opportunities to work on reforestation projects, wildlife protection (especially sea turtles), and community development.
Nepal: Join rebuilding efforts in the Himalayan region or volunteer in schools to support education in rural communities.
South Africa: Participate in wildlife conservation programs, particularly focused on big game and endangered species in national parks and reserves.
Thailand: Engage in projects ranging from teaching English to working with elephants in ethical wildlife sanctuaries.
Peru: Help with sustainable farming projects in the Andes or assist local communities with infrastructure development near Machu Picchu.
Cambodia: Work on initiatives that provide education to underserved children or assist with conservation efforts in Tonle Sap Lake, one of the world’s most biodiverse regions.

4. Take a Yoga Retreat

yoga retreat group | Enjoy Travel Life — Yoga retreats are a fun and social way to stay active.

Yoga retreats are ideal when you’re looking to chill but still keep moving. You’ll be doing your sun salutations in some jaw-droppingly beautiful place, thinking, “Is this even real?”.

These retreats are all about embracing peace, enhancing your flexibility, and nourishing your body with clean, wholesome foods. They’re an excellent example of healthy travel experiences.

Practical Tips for Yoga Retreats:

Choose the Right Retreat: Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced yogi, select a retreat that aligns with your goals. Some retreats focus on mindfulness, while others emphasize physical practice.
Pack Smart: Bring lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for yoga. Don’t forget your mat (if not provided), sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle.
Stay Open-Minded: Many yoga retreats offer workshops on mindfulness, nutrition, and other wellness practices. Be open to trying new things and deepening your holistic experience.
Hydrate & Nourish Your Body: Most retreats provide plant-based, wholesome meals. Make sure to hydrate regularly, especially if you’re in a warm climate.
Set Intentions: Reflect on what you hope to gain from the retreat, whether it’s physical strength, mental clarity, or relaxation. This helps guide your practice.

Popular Yoga Retreat Destinations:

Sedona, Arizona, USA: With its red rock formations and vortex energy sites, Sedona is renowned for yoga and spiritual retreats emphasizing meditation and self-reflection.
Big Sur, California, USA: Set along the rugged Pacific coastline, Big Sur offers stunning views and tranquil environments, perfect for yoga retreats focused on nature, mindfulness, and relaxation.
The Berkshires, Massachusetts, USA: A serene New England destination, the Berkshires feature retreats focusing on deep relaxation, mindfulness, and connecting with nature through yoga and meditation.
Ubud, Bali: Known as a global hub for spirituality and wellness, Ubud offers yoga retreats nestled in lush jungles and rice terraces, offering a peaceful backdrop for inner growth.
Tulum, Mexico: This beachside paradise combines sun, sand, and serenity, making it a top choice for yoga retreats focused on relaxation and personal growth.

Yoga retreats are a perfect pause for your mind, body, and spirit. Then, you can return to your daily grind refreshed and realigned.

Seriously, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.

5. Set Off on A Geo-Caching Excursion

urban geocaching | Enjoy Travel Life — Discover hidden treasures through geo-caching.

Ready for a twist in your travel story? Try geocaching, a treasure-hunting game where you use GPS to find hidden caches in cities, mountains, and forests around the world.

It’s like a modern-day treasure hunt that takes you off the beaten path and right into the heart of adventure. You’ll be solving clues and navigating to coordinates where small treasures await.

It’s thrilling, clever, and a fun way to explore places you might not otherwise discover.

You could consider touring Tuscany by e-bike as a healthy travel option, or walking around looking for these hidden treasures on foot.

Practical Tips for Geocaching:

Download the Geocaching App: Before you head out, download a geocaching app that provides access to coordinates, hints, and logs. Many apps are free, but premium options offer more cache opportunities.
Pack the Essentials: Bring a fully charged phone or GPS device, a small notebook or pen for signing logs, and small trinkets to swap with treasures in the caches.
Choose Beginner-Friendly Locations: Start with easier geocaches that are well-rated by other users to get familiar with how the game works.
Leave No Trace: Respect nature and the environment by not disturbing natural surroundings and by leaving caches exactly as you found them.
Bring a Friend: Geocaching is a great solo or group activity, but bringing a friend adds a layer of fun and safety when exploring remote locations.

Popular Geocaching Destinations:

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming: Explore the scenic beauty of Yellowstone while hunting for geocaches near geysers, waterfalls, and vast wilderness areas.
Appalachian Trail, USA: Stretching across 14 states, the Appalachian Trail offers plenty of hidden caches, perfect for those who enjoy a mix of hiking and treasure hunting.
Central Park, New York City, USA: Geocaching in the heart of New York provides a unique urban twist, taking you through the hidden nooks and crannies of this iconic park.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona: The Grand Canyon offers caches with breathtaking views, allowing you to combine hiking with the thrill of discovery.
Edinburgh, Scotland: Explore the historic streets of Edinburgh, where urban caches can be found near landmarks, hidden courtyards, and even ancient ruins.

Geocaching will add a perfect sprinkle of excitement to your adventures.

Final Thoughts on Healthy Travel

Remember, travel can be so much more than just lounging by a pool.

It’s about adventures that push your limits, activities that stretch your body, and experiences that enrich your soul. Healthy travel allows you to experience the best of both worlds—adventure and wellness.

Pack your bags, set your out-of-office reply, and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime—you don’t want to miss it!

About Jackie Gately, editor-IN-CHIEF

I'm Jackie Gately, your travel confidante and the creative force behind Enjoy Travel Life, awarded the "Best Casual-Luxury Lifestyle Blog (USA)" in Travel and Tourism by LUXlife Magazine for four consecutive years.

With 25 years of published expertise, I'm a seasoned writer, editor, and photographer curating inspiring travel guides and lifestyle tips for empty nesters. I hope to kindle your spirit of exploration, encouraging you to overcome obstacles and turn your dreams into reality.

Learn to minimize your pre-travel angst and maximize the joy of exploration with insights from my experiences. Let's make every adventure a celebration of this exciting phase of life! 

Follow my social channels for more inspiration.

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