Fitness, the summer travel trend of 2015

Summer and fitness have long gone hand-in-hand. It’s swimsuit season, time to shed that outer winter layer and enjoy some much needed fun in the sun.Until recently, however, travel and fitness haven’t always been so complimentary. Oftentimes, a summer vacation would derail a healthy fitness routine due to ill-equipped fitness facilities or limited access to safe jogging paths or running trails.

However, today’s traveler is demanding more. A growing population of travelers is making plans, weighing equally the destination and available health and fitness activities. The increasing interest is resulting in more fitness-focused travel options than ever.

Some of the top trends in fitness travel include running vacations, marathon tours and hiking trips. Additionally, hotel brands are partnering with big brand names in fitness, building studios on property and offering trendy workout classes to stay competitive.

Run-away into the sunset.

Running getaways have been around for a while, and are now one of the fastest growing trends among today’s travelers. There are several companies organizing long distance training trips to international locales like Spain and Italy, turning 13-mile runs into well-earned sightseeing excursions.

For those with a more competitive spirit, there are organized trips to cities where marathons and ultra-marathons are happening. Marathon Tours & Travel is one company arranging these types of race running trips attracting groups, singles and diehard runners worldwide.In the July/August issue of Health magazine, there’s a great article on running vacations and adventure travel. There are travel destinations inspired by obstacle course workouts and group hiking trips. Popular outdoor outfitter, REI, is even getting in on the action organizing its own backpacking adventures throughout California.

Luxury hotels commit to work on their fitness.

A new class of hotels is also popping up, joining the vacation fitness trend and investing in more robust fitness options for guests. A recent Wall Street Journal article titled, “Luxury Hotels’ Latest Amenities Are Brand-Name Fitness Classes,” explores a growing segment of luxury hotels and resorts building on-site fitness studios and partnering with trendy brands like SoulCycle and Equinox to offer elite training and classes.

Tips to stay on track while traveling this summer:

Call the hotel ahead of time to get a sense of the property’s fitness facilities and look at photos and reviews online to further understand what type of equipment is available.

If there’s no gym, don’t panic. Many hotels partner with local fitness facilities and offer discounts or free access for guests. Just ask.

Inquire about laundry service. If you’re traveling for several days, it might make more sense to bring a few less pairs of gym clothes and utilize the hotel’s laundry service. It might be more cost effective option overall, especially with baggage fees nowadays.

Pack an empty water bottle too so that you stay hydrated wherever you are in your travels.

Lastly, if there are no fitness options, purchase resistance bands and bring those along. There’s a ton of free exercise content online that you can access and do right in the comfort of your own room.

Hotel brands, including Marriott, Gansevoort and the Four Seasons  are getting smart to the fact that business and leisure travelers alike have endless options when it comes to selecting their hotel stay. With fitness on the mind of many, the choice can be dependent on which property offers the best yoga or Pilates or ranks highest for top-notch personal training professionals.

What it all comes down to is a more customized travel experience. With health and fitness a large part of daily conversation, the shift of the travel industry is a smart move.

Featured image: Creative Commons Fitalia Fitness by Kurt Rietzler.