Eat, Play, Stay Fit: A Guide to Staying Active and Healthy While Traveling
In this blog post, I discuss how I've learned to balance my love for food and culture with staying fit while traveling. I share my tips on how to stay active without overexerting yourself and the importance of having a healthy relationship with food. Through my experiences as a dance instructor and frequent traveler, I've come to find a deeper respect for travel, food, and my own body.
As a dance instructor, fitness is essential for me to maintain peak performance. But as a traveler, I don't want to sacrifice indulging in the local cuisine and culture. It can be challenging to balance both, especially when traveling involves hours of sitting and being sedentary.
One of my go-to strategies for staying fit while traveling is to resist the convenience and using Uber or Lyft everywhere and instead walk or even bike. Renting a bicycle has been my favorite way to get around lately, and it's a great way to explore a new place while getting some exercise.
When traveling, time management can be a challenge, especially when trying to fit in a workout. However, I have found that even short bursts of exercise throughout the week can make a big difference. Just like practicing dance choreography, you don't need to have lengthy workout sessions to stay in shape. Multiple short bursts of 5-10 minutes can be just as effective, and can easily fit into a busy travel schedule. So, whether it's a quick morning yoga flow or a 10-minute bodyweight circuit before bed, finding small pockets of time for exercise can help maintain fitness while on the go.
HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) workouts are perfect for travelers because they're quick and effective. Even if you don't have access to a gym, you can do bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, and burpees in your hotel room or a nearby park. HIIT workouts favor short bursts of exercise, so you don't have to spend a lot of time working out, but you can still get great results. As a dance instructor, I love incorporating HIIT workouts into my own fitness routine and I even run weekly HIIT classes at the dance studio. They're a great way to get in shape and have fun with a group of like-minded people. If you're interested in joining, be sure to check out our class schedule!
Aside from staying active, it's equally important to watch what you eat while traveling to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Rather than indulging in large meals, I recommend trying smaller plates to taste different types of food. During my visit to Madrid, I couldn't resist trying tapas - small, delicious plates perfect for sampling a variety of dishes without overeating. Another trick is to do some research and plan your meals ahead of time. This way, you can make sure you're getting a balanced diet, and it can also help you avoid the temptation of unhealthy snacks. Additionally, staying hydrated is essential while traveling, as it helps regulate your metabolism and curb cravings. Drinking plenty of water will also help you avoid overeating.
In addition, if you find it difficult to incorporate exercise into your travel schedule, try to incorporate it into your daily activities. Walk or bike instead of taking a cab or public transportation, take the stairs instead of the elevator, and try to explore the city by foot. And remember, staying active and eating healthily doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing approach. It's okay to indulge in some of the local cuisine and enjoy yourself. Just make sure to stay mindful of portion sizes and balance it out with some physical activity.
If you have any questions about staying fit while traveling, or if you have any requests for future tips, feel free to leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you and help you stay on track with your fitness goals while still having an amazing travel experience.
Smooth Sailing: Why I Love Cruising
In this blog post, I share my love for cruising and how it has become one of my favorite ways to travel. I discuss the unique distance from the real world that cruising provides, which allows me to truly relax and recharge. I also highlight the benefits of cruising as a solo traveler, as it presents an opportunity to meet new people, particularly through dance. I think the live music on Princess cruises is perfect for someone who loves to dance. Overall, I encourage readers who are looking for a unique way to travel and possibly even practice their dance moves to consider taking a cruise.
Cruising is one of my absolute favorite ways to travel. There's just something about being on a ship, away from the real world, that is so unique and magical. From the stunning ocean views to the incredible onboard amenities, there's just so much to love about cruising.
One of my favorite things about cruising is the opportunity to disconnect and unwind. When you're on a ship, you're truly in your own little world. There are no emails to check, no phone calls to answer, and no deadlines to meet. It's just you, the ocean, and a whole lot of relaxation.
But that's not all - cruising is also a fantastic way to meet new people and make lasting connections. As a solo traveler, going on a cruise by myself can be a little daunting, but it's also an incredible opportunity to meet new people from all over the world.
And as a dancer, I absolutely love the live bands they have on board. It's the perfect opportunity to strut my stuff on the dance floor and maybe even learn some new moves from fellow passengers. It's amazing how dance can be such a universal language - even if you don't speak the same language as someone else, you can still communicate through movement and music.
Of all the cruise lines I've been on, Princess is definitely my favorite. From the fantastic onboard entertainment to the incredible dining options, there's just something special about a Princess cruise. And of course, the fact that they often cater to an older crowd means that there are usually fewer kids on board, which is a big plus for me.
If you haven't tried cruising yet, I highly recommend it as a unique way to travel and experience the world. And if you're looking for a cruise line that offers amazing amenities and caters to an older crowd, you can't go wrong with Princess. Bon voyage!