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Most of us are guilty of focusing on the wrong things when we’re getting ready for a big trip. Fair enough, going to the gym and doing bicep curls to look decent in a tank top is never going to be a bad thing (not to mention it’s great for your mental health too), but don’t forget that travel is often all about endurance. If you cant walk for miles in the heat while carrying your heavy bag, or stand around without feeling like your back is breaking then your vacation is going to be a struggle. Here are some things to focus on.
Feet
Many people ignore their feet until they’re covered in blisters. Wear your travel shoes every single day for a month before you fly out even if you’re just walking to the mailbox. New shoes that aren’t broken in are a risky game when you know you’re going to be doing a lot of walking, so this is so useful to do. You could also start doing barefoot balance exercises or some toe stretches too, because building that arch strength is what keeps you from having aching legs after a day of exploring cobblestone streets. If you work on getting more steps in generally before you jet off your feet will be more accustomed to longer walks and you’ll stay comfortable for longer.
Strength
If you’re travelling a lot then carrying a suitcase or heavy backpack is going to be a big part of your life. Stop doing standard movements at the gym and doing things like offset carries with a heavy kettlebell to work the kinds of muscles you actually use rather than just getting bulky to look good. You need to get your core used to lopsided weight so you dont pull a muscle when you’re tossing your bag into a bus storage hold (or dragging it up three flights of stairs in a boutique hotel that doesnt have an elevator!) Practice some high step ups too because you’ll encounter plenty of steep hills and stairs in places like Lisbon or Amalfi. Find a well priced gym like Fitness 19 as you can find everything you need to get travel ready without breaking the bank.
Confidence
One thing you might not have considered is the confidence you need wearing a different wardrobe of clothes. They’re probably a bit different to what you wear in everyday life, the last thing you want is to be tugging at your trunks or feeling self conscious about your shoulders in a slightly different fit of tshirt. Wearing the clothes you plan on packing means you can figure out if anything is uncomfortable throughout the day and gets you used to a new lot of clothes.
Food/ diet
Dont go on a crazy restrictive diet right before you leave because your body will go into shock when you hit the local bakeries or the pasta joints. Focus on building metabolic flexibility by eating high protein and staying away from processed snacks for a few weeks so your energy stays stable while you are on the move. It means you can handle a big meal of local street food without crashing out for the rest of the afternoon. This is how you actually enjoy a trip without feeling like a bloated mess the entire time! If you know you struggle with certain foods it can be worth speaking to the doctors before you go to have some medication prescribed to keep you comfortable.