Traveling throws your fitness regime out the window.

As much as I love not knowing where I’ll go next, what experiences are coming my way, trying new foods and being totally open to, well, the open road, I always get frustrated by my lack of ability to maintain some sort of fitness regime. And that really hurts when you’re traveling in summer on the coast of great beaches such as those in Greece or Spain.

Suddenly there is no gym you can go to, no familiar running path to take, probably no awareness of what you’re eating and definitely a change in sleep patterns.

So, the question remains: how to maintain some sort of fitness routine while on the road?

Stay Active While Traveling Tip #1: Set A Goal

Personally, I think the most important factor in staying fit for your trip, whether it is just a week or months at a time is to set a reasonable goal for yourself. I try to workout at least 30 minutes per day, five days per week. That is probably not realistic while traveling.

So instead, set a goal for yourself that can be accomplished relatively quickly, without any gym equipment in a small space. Check out some of these 20 minute, equipment optional whole body workouts from Buzzfeed.

If these still seem too much for you, be realistic. Can you do 100 sit-ups and 30 push-ups per day? Probably. Find what works for you and stick to it. Also keep in mind that you can find many video workouts online.

Stay Active While Traveling Tip #2: Walk… A Lot

Generally, when I travel I spend a lot of time walking around the new city exploring compared to the typical amount of walking I do during a normal day not traveling. Also remember that biking through a city or other destination is a great and inexpensive way to see a lot in a short amount of time. This is a great thing if maintaining your fitness is important to you during your travels.

Also, don’t be afraid to try day trips to places outside of the city, especially if there will be a little hiking involved. One of my favorite trips was to the Calanques National Park in Southern France (outside of Marseille). We had to walk 3 km up and down a huge hill in 30-plus degree summer heat in order to get to the beach, but definitely worth it!

Stay Active While Traveling Tip #3: Be Aware Of What You’re Eating, But Don’t Forget To Enjoy

I’m the kind of traveler who gets most excited to eat new things. I plan a day around which places I want to try food at, rather than what sites I want to see (not great for a fitness regime).

On my next trip, I would like to be a little more aware of maintaining some sort of healthy diet while traveling. Instead of just eating whatever at every meal, maybe save it for once per day and the rest of the time choose something more typical to what you would eat normally at home. Plus, a lot of the best food to try is the fresh, seasonal fruits and veggies you can’t get in your home country!

Stay Active While Traveling Tip #4: Plan Active Trips

Some of the best sites that Europe has to offer are part of an active trip. Go skiing in the Alps, hike through the Sierra Nevada Mountains, go surfing in Greece. Take advantage of all the natural gifts!

What other tips do you have for the active traveler?

There’s a reason that this magical country hasn’t just captured my heart, but many others too. Most of my friends that have spent time living in Spain agree that there is something truly special about the land of world-class wines, endless pristine coastlines, all night fiestas and, naturally, some of the craziest fútbol fans in the world.

Here are my top five reasons to fall in love with Spain

1. The laid-back lifestyle

Spaniards just have an ease of life that is so different from where I grew up in the U.S. or where I currently live here in Germany. There is no rush to get everything done right that second, there is always time to sit and chat and though times may get tough, there will always be a way out as long as you have your family and friends.

The sense of time isn’t strict, which creates a more relaxed attitude in general. Of course, if you’re applying for your residence permit this can be a bit annoying, but overall I always feel so chilled out as soon as I land on Spanish soil.

2. Tapas, tapas, tapas!

Tapas are by far my favorite way to eat. The small portions ensure that you don’t eat too much to fast and because they are often shared among the rest of the group, it automatically creates a more social atmosphere. I especially love when the tapas come free with the drink because many cases they bring you what they have, which means that with each new drink comes a surprise-kind of like Christmas, right? Plus, in many Spanish cities you can find neighborhoods with rows and rows of tapas bars such as La Latina in Madrid. 

3. Too many beaches to count

Spain is a peninsula, which gives it a huge coastline- 4,964 km to be exact. In a country where it’s warm enough to at least sit on the beach for more than 6 months out of the year, you couldn’t ask for anything better.

I love the beaches along the southern coast of Spain, and of course on the Balearic Islands, but one of my favorite thus far has actually been in the coastal city of Alicante, just south of Valencia on the eastern Spanish coast. Though it was a city beach, the water was super clear, the perfect temperature and you had really great views of the cityscape from the water.

4. Spanish is so useful!

Learning Spanish while living in Spain was a huge benefit to me! English is becoming more widely spoken-but still the majority of people will just speak Spanish or another official language of the country such as Catalan.

This is so great because you are forced to learn the language to get around. I can’t tell you how much knowing Spanish has come in handy for me traveling other parts of the world and even visiting home in the U.S. The Spanish language actually has the second highest number of native speakers worldwide behind Mandarin with around 400 million people!

5. The eclectic mix of history and modernity

Like many other European countries, Spain’s roots are thousands of years deep. Throughout the cities and villages there is architecture dating back hundreds, if not thousands of years, mixed in with modern cafes full of young students and expats. 

As well, the Spanish still celebrate ancient festivals. Whether they are religious, local, or cultural, there is always something to celebrate in Spain!

What’s your favorite thing about Spain?

Totally Picturesque

The lake is surrounded on all sides by snow-capped mountains and forests, creating one of the most beautiful environments one could ever imagine. It is just adjacent to the town of Bled itself, which is quiet, humble and gives you the perfect spot to relax and unwind.

What’s really perfect about the location, however, is that it provides tons of opportunities for active travelers as well, from hiking to boating to swimming. No matter what you like to do on vacation, there is something for you. Especially useful is the website from the city itself, which provides helpful information for all things tourist related: what to see, what to do, accommodation, meetings and events.

About Bled

The town of Bled dates back to the year 600 during the Slavic settlement of the Eastern Alps. Today, the population is about 5,500 inhabitants, with space for 4,000 tourists during the summer season. We stayed there during the early part of July, at a local hostel, which had a beautiful view of the fields, reminiscent of the Tuscany for less than 10 euros per person per night. We even had use of the entire kitchen for ourselves! This doesn’t seem to be far from the norm either, after a quick search on Airbnb I found tons of similar places to stay for the same price. Plus, the locals were really friendly, as it is a place that doesn’t receive massive tourism.

What To Do Near Lake Bled

Lake Bled, besides being a swimmable body of water in between snowcapped mountains, also has two distinct landmarks that make it unique. First, there is the Bled Castle, which was built in 1004. It is situated 611 meters above the lake and gives a stunning panoramic view of the landscape and lake below. Due to the moderate conditions (18° C average in July), we were able to comfortably hike up to the top of the castle.

The second distinctive landmark in Bled is the Church on the Island. It’s hard to believe that there would be a church on and island until you see it, really. Archeologists have discovered traces of prehistoric (11th to 8th centuries B.C.) settlements. We didn’t have a chance to go onto the island itself, but there were boats leaving regularly.

My favorite part about visiting Lake Bled, however, was finding the local beach spot where people soak up the sun, picnic, swim and even row. Did you know that the World Rowing Championships were held in Lake Bled in 1966, 1979, 1989 and 2011? The beach area is located near the rowing school, and there were many people just sitting out and enjoying the sun. The water itself was a bit cold, but with scenery like that how could you not want to just enjoy every moment?

[Wikipedia], [Bled Website]

Located Roughly 150 km from Valencia, Ibiza is famous for its insane party scene, electronic music and home of super night clubs like Space or Pacha, where famous DJs like David Guetta set up season long residencies.

If mega-clubs and all night parties are not your idea of a good time, do not rule out Ibiza quite yet. While its reputation for Fiesta may have put Ibiza on the map, there are so many other amazing experiences that Ibiza has to offer. I spent a weekend there in May 2013 and then again recently; here were my favorite things about the island:

Stunning Landscape

Ibiza is one of the most picturesque places I’ve ever been. Probably the most famous beach, Playa d’en Bossa, is located in the heart of the tourist venues, just a short walk from popular hotels and so reasonably close to the city center.

The real treasure, however, lies in the little Calas (small beaches) that are scattered along the southwest coast. The cliffs jut out to separate the beaches from each other, creating not only a beautiful landscape, but also a private and relaxing experience.

To get there, you can easily rent a motor scooter for a reasonable price (we paid 12 euros per day in early May). It took about 30-45 minutes to drive from Playa d’en Bossa to the first location. There are also lots of maps available to find a particular beach you may be looking for. As there are not many roads that cross the island, you can pretty easily find where you are looking for by following the signs.

Local Villages

I can only imagine being a local on the island of Ibiza, with thousands of tourists visiting each year. While this may be good in terms of tourist revenue, I can not help wonder what the island would be like without these developments. We stopped midway through our journey from Playa d’en Bossa to St Antoni de Portmany in the town Sant Josep de sa Talaia, for a cafe con leche  (coffee with milk) at a small cafe. It was delicious, well priced and gave us an opportunity to explore a little bit of the island that had appeared to retain its original charm.

Mediterranean Specialties

No visit to Ibiza, or Spain in general would be complete for me without eating as much Mediterranean food as possible. While Mainland Spain is famous for jamón, the coastal cities and islands are known for their seafood: such as burrida de ratjada (ray with almonds). Try to find a restaurant a little off the beaten tourist path and ask if they have a fresh catch of the day and try to avoid pescado de Helado (Frozen Fish) when possible.

The Island of Formentera

I wrote a recent article going into further detail about Formentera, but just in case you didn’t catch it, the small island of Formentera is located just off the coast of Ibiza. The ferries to the island takes about 40 minutes from Playa d’en Bossa and cost about 22 euros round trip. We rented bikes to drive around the island and it was absolutely worth the six euro price tag. You can reach the tip of the island in about 30 minutes with a bike, with beautiful white sand beaches and crystal clear water.

Viva La Fiesta

Okay, so earlier I said I would discuss what other things there were to do in Ibiza minus the club scene. In all honesty, I felt I would not be doing this list justice without a mention of the all night fiestas. I mean, really, where else in the world do artists like David Guetta and other DJs play season long residencies? If electro music is not your thing, there are tons of other places to enjoy a night out. As there are at endless amount of options, I would recommend asking the locals for the kind of music you’re looking for.

* Disclaimer: as Ibiza is part of the Balearic Islands, they speak a dialect of Catalan, known as Eivissenc, but Spanish and English are widely spoken. I used the Spanish terms for the things in this article when I did not know the Catalan/Eivissenc version.

A Little History Of Lagos

As with most European coastal cities, Lagos has a rich history that dates back over 2,000 years. With an eclectic mix of settlers, ranging from the Celts to the Romans to the Moors, Lagos represents a culturally and historically rich site that offers something for everyone.

By the 15^th century, Lagos was an integral part of the Portuguese maritime exploration and eventually became the gateway for the African slave trade into post-medieval Europe, illustrated by the building of the world’s first slave market in the city center in 1444.

It then became the capital of Portugal from 1576 until 1755 until it was destroyed by the earthquake and tsunami of 1755. Upon visiting the city itself, you can see that there are still some buildings, including the famous castle remaining from the 16^th century, but most have been rebuilt dating as early as the 17^th century.

Lagos Beaches

What is initially striking about a visit to Lagos, however, is the incredibly picturesque nature, especially the cliffs along the beaches. One of the highest rated beaches in Lagos is the Camilo Beach, or Praia do Camilo. As with many of the beaches in this area, you have to walk down many stairs until you reach the sand. The great part about that is, however, that you get an amazing view of the landscape from the top, and once you’ve reached the bottom the water is so refreshing!

Outdoor Activities

Besides relaxing on the beach, there are also tons of other nature-related activities such as kayaking within the caves, sailing, surfing, scuba diving and even mountain biking!

Especially stunning are the Ponta Da Piedade, also known as Mercy Point, an area within Lagos that features huge cliffs that have been weathered down to various heights and angles that provide a stark contrast to the absolutely beautiful, clear turquoise water. You can choose to admire the view from the tops of the cliffs, and then climb down the 182 steps to reach the sea level where it is possible to then travel with a boat within the hidden caves and underpasses. Costs are relatively low (10-22 euro per person) for shared or private tours.

During the cooler part of the day (early morning and late evening) a trip into town should definitely not be missed to get a holistic experience of Lagos. The older part of the city is still enclosed with old walls. The Lagos marina can be found by traveling along the Avenida dos Descobrimentos (Avenue of the Discoveries) that runs along the waterfront.

Exploring Lagos City

The city is small enough to explore on foot, with tons of little cafes and artisan shops. Although it isn’t as touristy as more famous cities such as Paris or Rome, there is definitely an element of the tourist traps. I found that there are tons of great, traditional restaurants serving fresh fish and typical Portuguese dishes if you go off the main road a bit and explore the small, windy streets. Highly recommended is also the restaurants along the beach Meia Praia, where you can sit out and enjoy the view.

[Wikipedia], [Algarve Tourist], [Lagos Uncovered]

Although bordered by France in the northeast and Portugal to the west, Spain is almost completely surrounded on three sides by water. Its unique location at the mouth of the Mediterranean creates such diversity within the nation’s beaches. I’ve been lucky enough to visit many of the coastal areas of Spain- from Barcelona to Valencia to Alicante to Málaga and Tarifa and if you’re thinking of heading to Spain this spring (yes, it can already be warm enough in Spring to go to the beach!) and summer check out my favorite places to get the ultimate playa experience.

1. Costa del Sol

is one of the most famous beach areas of Spain and was my first introduction to Spanish beaches back in 2008. This is located on the stretch east of Gibraltar and is the most southern coast of Spain and is known for extravagant beach parties, endless hours of sunshine and breathtaking beaches. The most famous resort areas include Marbella, Terremolines, Nerja and Málaga.

2. Costa Blanca

is the coast that begins at Valencia and runs south through Alicante and Benidorm. I spent a week in Alicante last summer and was so pleasantly surprised by how nice the city beach itself was, despite being a bit crowded. The water was crystal clear turquoise and so salty you could easily just float around catching gazes of the city built up into the mountainside.

3. The Balearic Islands

probably take the award for the most beautiful beaches that I’ve been to in Spain. These consist of the islands of Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera. Though wildly different in terms of atmosphere (party hard in Ibiza and chill out in Menorca), the beaches are consistently stunning. It’s typically warmer on the island than in the mainland and you can easily take a tour of the island with car or motorbike in a few days. Make sure to check out the lesser-traveled beaches farther from the tourist areas, as these tend to be a bit nicer.

4. Costa Brava

runs from Barcelona to the French border and is where I’ve spent the majority of my Spanish beach time, especially in the sleepy spa town of Caldetas, just an hour north of Barcelona. The beaches here are a bit rockier, but consist of long stretches you can walk for hours.

5. Costa Verde

is on my wish list. I’ve been there in the winter, but now must return when the sun is in full spirits. It’s known as being very different from the sundried beaches of Andalucía and more to resemble a sunny version of Ireland’s west shore. The area is also known for being the most green in Spain (hence the name translates to “green coast”), which could provide a bit of respite from the seemingly merciless sun!

[Frommers]

Where to stay in Caldetas

I’ve been lucky enough to spend time there for a few weeks at a time here and there over the past few years, staying in a really lovely vacation apartment built up on top of the hill with beautiful views of the town below and the Mediterranean Sea.

Caldetas Town

What I especially love about visiting Caldetas is the feeling of utter relaxation. You can totally imagine why it has a reputation as being a spa retreat. The slow pace of life, strict adherence to the siesta policy and, of course, the presence of the sea just minutes from the town center set the tone for the kind of vacation you’re going to spend there: chilled out.

Just walking around and exploring the little streets is one of my favorite things to do there! There is even a small museum, called Fundacio Palau, which exhibits some works from Picasso.

There is even a thermal bathhouse in the town center that uses only the purest water from the mountains above. I’ve been there, and believe me, it’s everything you would expect!

When you’re not relaxing in a whirlpool, there are also many little restaurants that call this charming town home. Down the main strip is where you will find the majority of them- a mix of seafood, rustic Spanish, tapas bars, and a pizza place as well as small cafes and bars. If you spend a little time exploring the side streets there are also a few more restaurants, including one of my favorites- Fonda Manau

Like most Spanish villages and cities, there is also a central market on the main street, which has different sections for meat, vegetables, fruits, cheese and fresh seafood. As well, there is an open air market that was open on Tuesday and Friday mornings when I was there. The prices are very low and you can get local ingredients right from the farmers. Also, because Caldetas is not a hugely touristic destination, the locals are very friendly for the most part.

A short story: when ordering some meat for dinner from the butcher at the local market, I misheard the price and thought she said 13 euros instead of 30. When she went to ring me up, the price was much higher than expected and I realized my mistake. When I explained it to her she simply asked where I was staying and told me to bring the rest of the money when I came back down from the house the next time! That’s for sure not something you see everyday!

The Best Part? The Beach!

The star of the show in Caldetas is the beach, of course. There isn’t much better than waking up on a bright, sunny summer day and throwing on your bathing suit, walking 10 minutes down a hill and setting yourself up in the sand for the day.

The water is really clear and the beach was never super crowded when I’ve been there. Plus there are tons of little beach bars along the way to provide a nice respite from the hot Spanish sun.

If you like, there are also surfing and windsurfing classes offered during the summer months at reasonable prices.

For days when the weather isn’t warm enough for the beach or you simply need a change of scenery, you can easily take the train from the town center up or down the coast. Just an hour ride south you arrive in the Plaça de la Catalunya in the heart of Barcelona or a few hours up the coast is the town of Figueres, Dalí’s hometown and the location of the Dalí Theatre and Museum. Or, for a short trip, there are also many little town along the way that are fun to explore!

Just keep in mind that in many of the small villages most people won’t speak English, so you may want to brush up on your Spanish, or even better, Catalan!

Take a moment to close your eyes and think of one of the most windy places you have ever been.

Perhaps walking outside during a huge storm? Or, maybe, a motorcycle, zooming down the freeway. You may not have pictured a white sandy beach with crystal clear turquoise waters… That is, unless you’ve been to Tarifa, a small town on the southernmost point of Spain.

Tarifa, Spain is located in the province of Cádiz, Andalusia on the famous Costa de la Luz or Coast of Light. It is the southernmost point on the European continent at 36 degrees latitude, actually south of the African capitals of Tunis and Algiers. It is also the closest European point to Africa, at a minimum distance of 14 kilometers (35 minutes by ferry) to the Moroccan coast, and is greatly influenced by this.

In total, the city has about 18,000 permanent residents, but it is a very popular destination for tourists and visitors who seek to take advantage of Tarifa’s many natural gifts. It’s located in the narrow area of sea between northern Africa and southern Europe, where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean, known as the strait of Gibraltar. This resultant difference in air pressure creates a nearly constant strong western breeze, which averages at 45 km/h. This not only allows for generation of renewable energy through many wind turbines, but it also creates an ideal condition for wind- and kite-surfing. In fact, Tarifa is already known as the European capital for windsurfing.

In addition to extreme water sports, there are also many other activities to enjoy in Tarifa such as whale watching. With ideal viewing times during the months of April to October, various types of marine mammals such as bottlenose and common dolphins, long-finned pilot whales, orcas, sperm and fin whales swim between the Mediterranean to from the east (Costa del Sol across to Morocco and the Atlantic) to the west (between the Costa de la Luz and Morocco). It is even possible to organize family courses with the FIRMM (Foundation for Information and Research on Marine Mammals) to join researchers on daily boat trips, learn about oceanography and even snorkel with the marine biologists.

Overall, Tarifa offers many opportunities for all kinds of activities. Having only gone for one afternoon, I was instantly impressed with the beautiful white sand and clear waters, but a bit taken aback by the intense winds. After some getting used to, it becomes more comfortable and the secluded stretch of beach became not only a major sport and hobby destination, but also just a great place to hang out and relax.

[Andalucia.com]

Featured image from Mar Kiddo via Flickr.

Located just south of the famous Playa de San Juan, the calas (coves) are relatively simple to get to. We rode the tram from Alicante city to the Tridente stop and then walked from there. It took about 15 minutes from the stop to reach the area, and we had to walk down a steep desert valley before reaching the first cala.

We walked the entire length of the horn along the water’s edge, which gave us the opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of the rock formations, such as the various “overhangs” that were formed by the erosion of the rocks over time.

I noticed that most of the people also brought a softer mat, such as a yoga mat, to put under their beach towels because there is very little sand and the only other option is the lay on the hard (and hot) rock. When present, however, the sand was golden and soft, providing the perfect place to relax and enjoy the sun. Plus, the water was super clean and clear.

What you will notice very quickly about a visit to the calas is that they are a popular destination for nude sunbathers, either by themselves, with a friend or partner and even in groups. This could be due to the privacy provided by the rock formations, or perhaps because the calas are not as simple to get to as the regular beach, so they were much less crowded.

Even though we were just walking through, I could get the sense of absolute natural serenity and relaxation that the calas provide for the sunbathers and I actually was a little jealous we weren’t joining! One older (and naked) gentleman even offered my brother a cold mojito as we passed through. In hindsight, I think we should have stayed; they looked like they were having a great time!

The three most well-known calas are La Cala de la Palmera, La Cala Cantalar and La Cala de los Judíos.

La Cala de la Palmera is located in the quiet residential zone. It is characterized by fine sand with a vibrant combination of rock types as well as clear waters that provide a great place to snorkel and see the various habitats.

La Cala Cantalar is located between the beaches and calas closest to Alicante. There are many trails and paths to go through this area, which even has a naturally protected section with native plants.

La Cala de los Judíos is a small bay located in a relaxed, residential zone, with fine small sand. It is one of the most popular sections because it is only accessible by walking or by mountain bike and therefore offers a private section.

Sources: Alicante City and Experience , Wikipedia , Cabo de las Huertas

The Calanques National Park (Parc Nationales des Calanques) is less than 10 years old. Located between the cities of Marseille and Cassis, the calanques are considered to have some of the most beautiful landscapes, outstanding biodiversity and deep cultural heritage in all of France.

So if this magical place is located just a short drive from a city of nearly a million residents why doesn’t everyone just go there to relax and enjoy the beach?

From as far as I could tell, it’s simply that the calanques are not very easy to get to, in fact, you could even say they are hidden and secluded. As well, the mountains that surround and form the calanques are made from white limestone, with little vegetation. The reflection of the sun on the rocks and the sea can cause a fire risk in the summer months and therefore it is possible that you can only enter the park from 8am to 11am or even not at all. If you do wish to visit, check the Bouches du Rhône regional website (only available in French) before planning your trip.

How to get to the calanques

There are a few options to get there. The first is to charter a boat; the second to take a bus to Cassis and the third is to drive. I was told that if you arrive before 8 am you can drive your car all the way to the Calanque de Sormiou, but we were not that lucky. Instead, we had to park at the gate and hike for 3 km up the mountain and then down rocky trails before reaching the beach. There is a small restaurant located by the beach, and if you make a reservation (or at least tell the gate keeper you have one) you can drive through. Also, you can hitchhike, which is what we did on the way back, but not so lucky on the way there.

Take comfort in the fact that once you reach the calanques, whatever stress you accumulated during your journey will be washed away in the stunning beaches. The main beach (which is very small) is right when you walk into the area. There are a few smaller coves along the calanque, but they are not so easy to get to.

It is also possible the hike to the Calanque de Morgiou by following the “red path” from Sormiou, but it would take about an hour and hiking boots are required according to the park ranger.

I’m hoping in the future to be able to visit more of these natural wonders, especially one of the smaller, more secluded ones that are only reachable by boat. A great option (both for a little exercise and to keep costs low) could be to rent a kayak, which was possible at Sormiou.

[Calanques National Park] [Marseille Tourism] [The Guardian]