Whether you are sporty or not, practising a sporting activity on holiday is a good way to stay in shape and therefore enjoy your holiday to the fullest by better resisting fatigue caused by jet lag or changes in the environment. However, it is not always easy to play sports in a country you do not know. Here are some tips that should help you
Luggage: make yourself a special sports reminder
To avoid being caught off guard at your holiday destination, make sure you bring everything you need for sports on site: tennis, trainers, fitness gear, swimsuit, tracksuit, cereal bars... Make sure you know the weather conditions for outdoor sports and remember to bring a raincoat or fleece if necessary.
Perfectly equipped, nothing will stop you in your motivation to stay active on holiday wherever you are.
Think about the activities included in your stay
Playing sports doesn't have to mean spending money. When booking your hotel, check whether the hotel has a fitness room, tennis court or swimming pool. Most hotels include access to these facilities in the room rate and there is no extra charge. It is therefore the ideal solution for your budget and, close to your room, so you will easily find the motivation to go for a few push-ups or laps in the pool.
Find out about free activities
In many cities around the world, it is possible to practice a number of sports for free or almost free. As in Paris or Lyon, many cities have "velib" type bikes that allow you to discover a city while letting off steam. This is the case in Miami thanks to the system of city bikes which, for a few dollars, allow you to visit South Beach with your hair in the wind.
Other cities organize yoga or gym classes through sports associations in parks and they are completely free.
To find out about all these great deals, go to the town's tourist office or your hotel reception desk.
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Many sports clubs offer daily or weekly access to visitors for a small fee.
Some of the larger hotels also offer sports facilities to outside guests for a small fee. In Cuba, in Havana, it is thus possible to go swimming in several luxury hotels for an average of 10 euros per day with drinks and food included.
How to combine business with pleasure
Playing sports can also be a great way to discover the country you are in. Put on your sneakers, go for a run in the morning and explore the surroundings. If you don't feel too comfortable about going for a run alone in a place you don't know, ask the locals or the hotel receptionist for directions to safe areas of the city. To avoid being robbed by a possible pickpocket, leave your money at the hotel.
You also don't need to take your passport with you (so you don't lose it between strides). However, keep a copy with you so that you can prove your identity in case of discomfort or sprain at the local clinic (it would be really bad luck).
Also think about using the free local wifi to use google maps on your smartphone. It's a very practical application for finding your way anywhere in the world.
Finally, if you don't like running, hiking is also an excellent option for visiting the country and is a sport that suits everyone. For a more sporty discovery, brisk walking is recommended. For the friendly side, join a group of tourists for a hiking excursion, and if there is a guide, it's even better because you will become an expert on the destination.
