At Sea
Cruise ships have a well-deserved reputation as bastions of gluttony, with food, food and more food available literally 24 hours a day. Luckily, amid all the pizza, creamy pastas and self-serve ice cream, most cruise lines also offer lighter and healthier options with reduced fat, sodium and/or carbs. Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Holland America and many other lines have eliminated trans fats completely from their dining rooms, and on most ships you'll find vegetarian and other healthier options clearly marked on the menus.Along with overeating, cruisers have also traditionally faced the temptation to laze around by the pool instead of staying active -- but on today's ships, there's no reason not to exercise if you have the motivation. Nearly all modern vessels have a gym and jogging track at the bare minimum, and most also offer a number of fitness classes (yoga, aerobics, etc.) that passengers can take thoughout their cruise.
Newer ships, particularly those in the Royal Caribbean fleet, have everything from ice skating rinks and rock-climbing walls to bowling alleys and boxing rings. But here's perhaps the simplest way to get in a little extra exercise: don't take the elevator. Most modern-day mega-ships have so many decks that jogging up or down the stairs every time you need to get somewhere will easily help you burn a few extra calories.
For more information on healthy dining and active onboard options, see 17 Ways a Cruise Can Keep You Healthy.
Off the ship, choose active shore excursions -- like hiking or kayaking around a Caribbean island rather than touring it by motorcoach, or snorkeling instead of lying on the beach all day. Do enough physical activity during the day, and maybe you can even treat yourself to an order of late-night room service!
Nine Best Destinations to See from the WaterAt Your DestinationThe possibilities for active getaways around the world are almost limitless -- think skiing in the Alps, horseback riding in Montana or canoeing down the Amazon River. But even if you're not up for that much outdoor adventure, there's a lot more you can do than just sit on a bus and passively take in the scenery.
For example, you can see Europe by bicycle with Bike Tours Direct, a clearinghouse for guided and self-guided tours through dozens of countries, including Italy, France, Austria and Portugal. You'll cycle along scenic river banks, past vineyards and through medieval towns, combining all-day exercise with a more intimate look at the European countryside than you could ever get from the seat of a bus. For more ideas, see Bike Tours and Trips.
A similar opportunity is available for joggers in cities across the U.S. with City Running Tours. Personalized routes take runners through Greenwich Village, along the National Mall or up and down the hills of San Francisco, to name just a few.Jogging and biking aside, you can't go wrong with good old-fashioned walking. There's no better way to experience a city than on foot, so take time to walk between major attractions rather than jumping on a bus or a subway. You'll experience the flavor of different neighborhoods and be able to duck into any cafe or shop that strikes your fancy along the way.
For info on trips dedicated to walking or hiking, see Walking Tours and Trips.
A Note on Eating InternationallyWe've mentioned salads as a great healthy option when you're on the road, but if you're in a developing country where your risk of food- or water-borne illness is high, you'll want to pass on raw fruits and vegetables. Instead, try to find dishes that feature cooked vegetables, and make sure they're served piping hot. Similarly, while water remains your healthiest beverage option, you'll want to check that your drinking supply is safe, particularly if you're traveling in a developing country. For more information, see Food Safety and Drinking Water Safety.
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--written by Sarah Schlichter