These Active Fitness Travel Vacations Will Help You Get Fit in 2024

How can you get active and have fun on the same day? You need a trip that gets you off the couch and moving in a new place. The planet has incredible biodiversity and cultures on each continent, letting you enjoy the outdoors and improve your fitness. Where are the best spots for fitness travel vacations? Here are the nine destinations you need on your bucket list.

1. Mount Fuji Hiking

While hiking a mountain can be a thrilling experience, the height and elevation may be intimidating. If you have yet to climb one, Mount Fuji is an excellent choice for beginners. This peak in Japan is manageable for hikers because the trails are relatively easy and only have a few sections with steep inclines. Ultimately, Mount Fuji takes you 12,388 feet above sea level to an active volcano.

Mount Fuji is one of the best fitness travel vacations because it combines natural beauty and hard work. Trekking the peak depends on the trail you pick. Longer paths — such as the Gotemba Trail — are challenging and take most of your day. The Fujinomiya Trail is shorter and a good choice for beginners.

2. Vermont Skiing

While going up a mountain is fun, the trip down can be even more exhilarating. If you like skiing, Vermont should be a priority for this fun activity. The Green Mountain State boasts numerous peaks and ski resorts to put your skills to the test. Popular Vermont ski spots include Stratton, Killington, and Stowe, so find a mountain this winter that appeals to you.

Physical activity can be challenging in the winter due to the frigid temperatures. However, finding safe exercise to get fit is worth your time. Skiing is among the best winter workouts because it has physical and mental benefits, especially for older adults. A 2022 University of Granada study found alpine skiing positively affected aging and quality of life.

3. Nicaragua Surfing

If you like the water, there are a few ways to get your feet wet. Surfing is one of the most invigorating watersports because of its difficulty and connection to nature. Riding the waves is a unique experience, especially when visiting Popoyo Beach in Nicaragua. This small town borders the Pacific Ocean and offers surfing opportunities for beginners and experts.

While surfing seems like a summer sport, Popoyo is conducive to the sport all year. Your trip should find warm weather and consistent tides because of its unique geographical features. The Papagayo jet provides strong winds in Central America, specifically around Lake Nicaragua. Thus, you get excellent waves all day and plenty of opportunities to get fit.

4. Great Barrier Reef Scuba Diving

Appreciating wildlife and physical activity go hand in hand in the Great Barrier Reef. This World Heritage Site is one of the planet’s most beautiful places and could provide exercise for your trip. The Great Barrier Reef stretches 133,000 square miles and is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Take the whole family for a scuba diving adventure and fun fitness.

Scuba diving is terrific exercise — it’s so fun you may forget you’re getting a workout. The incredible reefs with sea turtles, stingrays, and other animals mesmerize you while you swim. The Great Barrier Reef’s clear waters make this low-impact cardio easier than ever. While getting lost in the beauty is easy, don’t forget your sunscreen. Experts say you can get sunburned in 15 minutes, so follow the product’s directions.

5. Alaska Kayaking

Watersports make you think of tropical islands and hot weather. However, you can take advantage of water bodies nearly anywhere. Misty Fjords National Monument is one of the best examples of fitness vacations in cooler climates, as it’s a famous spot for kayaking. Head to this Arctic state in the summer for terrific workouts and Alaskan views.

Nestled in southeast Alaska, Misty Fjords is a must-see destination if you love the great outdoors. This wilderness area is most accessible if you leave from nearby Ketchikan. From there, you can paddle around the cool waters and embrace Alaska’s fjords. If you want an upper-body workout, kayaking in Misty Fjords is terrific for your arms, shoulders, and back.

6. Himalayas Yoga

Who says exercise has to include huffing and puffing? Some workouts can be more soothing and relaxing, thus providing an enjoyable experience. Yoga is a solid example, and what better place to do it than the Himalayas? Rishikesh, India, is the world’s yoga capital and boasts numerous studios for locals and tourists. Take a spiritual retreat and reset your body.

Yoga has existed in northern India for over 5,000 years, and Rishikesh is a hub for this spiritual exercise. Mental health is the primary focus of yoga routines, as it creates harmony between you and the universe. While the brain boost is excellent, you also get physical health benefits. For instance, this exercise aids flexibility and helps your breathing through mindfulness.

7. Utah Mountain Biking

Sometimes, the best fitness travel vacations take you on exciting adventures. If you want to go off the beaten path, try mountain biking in Arches National Park. This scenic area is excellent for mountain biking because it has varying terrain and numerous trails for any experience level. The National Park Service (NPS) recommends Salt Valley and Willow Springs because of their deep sands.

In addition to Arches National Park, the nearby city of Moab has numerous mountain biking opportunities. For instance, the Slickrock Bike Trail is one of the most challenging courses for adventure seekers and provides solid exercise. If you want an easier time, head to the Bar-M Loop Trail for a fun workout and breathtaking Utah views.

8. Amsterdam Cycling

If you want a more relaxing cycling experience, head to Amsterdam for world-famous urban bike rides. The city is the world’s cycling capital because of its superb bike infrastructure and flat terrain. Amsterdam makes cycling easier with its abundant signs and cycling paths that let you tour the city. While in the Netherlands, rent a bike to feel like one of the locals for a day.

How popular is cycling here? The government says the country has nearly 23 million bicycles despite its population of 17 million. This nation has 35,000 kilometers of tracks to ride, so take your pick for the most exciting courses. See Amsterdam’s finest sites while strengthening your leg muscles and getting a light cardio workout on the flat terrain.

9. Scotland Golfing

Another option for relaxing exercise is golfing. While it can be challenging initially, this sport is rewarding and one of the best fitness travel vacations. If you go on a golfing adventure, head to the country where it started. Scotland is the home of golf, featuring world-famous courses like St. Andrews Links, Royal Troon, and Dundonald Links.

While golf is relaxing for many, don’t underestimate the workout you get. Each course requires walking several miles if you don’t use the golf cart. Bring a step counter to see how much you walk across the 18 holes. You also build muscle by rotating your torso and extending your arms with each swing. Golf builds a strong core, so this sport could be your strategy to get fit.

Finding the Best Fitness Travel Vacations Worldwide

While some relax on vacations, others want to get fit. The world is your oyster, so find the places to get on your feet and have fun. Watersports, cycling, and hiking only scratch the surface of what you can see in the world’s most stunning sites. Use Earth’s natural beauty for your fitness routine by finding your favorite sports. If you like being in a group, take your friends and family on your next fitness vacation.