The Workout: Let Your Exercise Routine Go With You On Vacation

School's out, so families all over the North Shore are packing up and heading to much-deserved vacations. Whether you're traveling near or far, take advantage of the change of scenery to have a fun workout. 

Running while traveling is one of my favorite things to do. In fact, some of my most vivid memories are of running in unfamiliar places: along sandy roads on Cape Cod, overlooking the Pacific in California, past cafes in France. It's a great sightseeing opportunity, one of the easiest ways you can integrate yourself into your host locale's day-to-day routine. Especially if you get up early, it's a rare chance to move beyond the tourist distractions and see your destination in a new light.

Running in strange locations requires some planning, however. Ideally, get some input from locals to give you ideas. Know if there are certain areas you should stay away from for safety's sake. Run with a partner if at all possible. At the very least, be sure to map out a route in advance and let someone – even just the staff at your hotel – know your plans. Of course, getting lost is half the fun, so bring a phone and some emergency cash in case you need to hop a cab back.

In addition to asking locals for recommendations, you should also check out Map My Run, which has a database of running routes. Simply search for runs near your location, and chances are you'll have several to choose from. 

If you want to step it up a notch, try signing up to run a local road race. The Race Finder feature on Runner's World is a great place to start. A local race will help you see parts of your destination you might otherwise miss. Keep in mind, however, that small, local events might not have a lot of support (water stations, etc) so plan to be more self-sufficient than usual. If you're traveling overseas, running a local race is bound to be an interesting experience. What's more, you'd be considered one of the “foreign runners,” right up there with the elites. Go represent your country with pride. America is counting on you 

Not a runner? Check with a local bike shop to see if you can rent a bike or get a loaner. Shop staff should be able to help you with routes. You may even be able to tag along on a group ride.

For some real local color, consider joining a group exercise class. Especially if you are in a foreign country, it's sure to be a memorable event. I once did an outside aerobics class in Hanoi. I had absolutely no idea what the instructor was saying. I just clumsily followed the woman in front of me. Did I feel like an idiot? Yes, completely. But it's a workout I'll remember for the rest of my life.

Domestically, a group exercise class might not be as exotic and entertaining as that, but it's certainly a great way to meet people. A few years ago, the regulars at the local spin class I'd been attending during my week-long vacation in Florida asked me if I wanted to sign a birthday card for Paul, the guy who sat in the back row. I happily signed, wishing him a great birthday. I'm sure to this day he's wondering “Who the heck is Sue?”

Since vacation is a time to get out of your usual routine, try something you might not do at home. Yoga, Pilates, boxing, Zumba: the options are endless. Consider making like a local: surfing in California, horseback riding in Colorado, kayaking in the Pacific Northwest. If you're in a city, find a walking tour, a great way to see some sights and get a little exercise. Or just spend time exploring your surroundings on your own. After all, you travel for a reason, so get out there and see what there is to see.