How to Incorporate Healthy Habits into Your Next Guys Trip

I’m going to be honest: I’m not the kind of guy who always makes the healthiest choices. I’ve had my share of late nights, indulged in too many greasy burgers, and sometimes I skip the gym a little too often. But I’m always trying to do better. I’ve realized that vacations aren’t just about having fun and escaping the daily grind—they’re also a chance to hit the reset button, try new things, and maybe even kickstart some healthier habits.

So, if you’re like me, just a regular guy looking to make better choices—here are some healthy habits you can try on your next trip.

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway with your buddies or taking a solo trip to clear your head, vacations offer the perfect opportunity to experiment with healthy habits in a low-pressure environment. When you’re away from the routines and stresses of daily life, it’s easier to make small changes that can have a big impact. Think about starting your day with a run or a hike, exploring new outdoor activities that push you out of your comfort zone, or simply relaxing and practicing mindfulness. Even small steps ... like choosing healthier meals or committing to staying hydrated—can set the stage for long-term changes.

10 Healthy Habits That You Can Start On Your Next Vacation

Here's how to make those changes happen, even when you’re just looking to have a great time.

Morning Walks or Runs

Starting your day with a morning walk or run isn’t just good for your body, it’s also an amazing way to see the sights. Whether you’re strolling along a sandy beach, jogging through a cool forest trail, or running down a city street before the crowds wake up, you’ll get to see a different side of the destination while also getting your blood flowing.

Plus, this can also be a great way to make new friends out doing the same thing.

Try a New Outdoor Activity

You’re in a new place, so why not try something different? I know for myself I can live a pretty sedentary life sitting at the computer all day. When I'm out on vacation though, it's fun to try something new.

Hiking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, or rock climbing are all fun outdoor activities to stay active without feeling stuck in a hotel gym. And who knows? You might discover a new passion that you’ll want to keep doing when you get back home.

Practice Mindfulness or Meditation

This one’s easier than it sounds and you can do it in your hotel room or find a garden, park, or secluded part of the beach ... it's all up to you.

Take 5-10 minutes each morning, find a quiet spot, and just breathe. Focus on where you are, take in the sounds around you, and let go of whatever’s stressing you out. You don’t need to be a guru - you just need to be present. Trust me, you’ll feel better for it.

Opt for Healthy Eating Choices

You’re on vacation, and of course, you want to indulge a little. That’s fine! But try to balance it out by choosing local fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains when you can.

When traveling internationally, it is absolutely amazing how much healthier the food is. For instance, while Americans might laugh at the French for eating too much bread and cheese or putting too much sauce on their meat ... those foods are probably much healthier than that Whopper you had for lunch and the Snickers and Mt Dew you slammed down for a mid-afternoon snack!

You’d be surprised how delicious healthy dishes can be, especially when they’re made with fresh, local ingredients.

Stay Hydrated

Seems like a no-brainer, right? But it’s easy to forget, especially if you’re out exploring all day or enjoying a few drinks at night. Keep a reusable water bottle with you and make sure you’re drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Your body (and your skin) will thank you.

Digital Detox

I’m as guilty as anyone of spending too much time on my phone. But vacations are the perfect excuse to cut back on screen time. Put the phone away for a few hours and focus on where you are, who you’re with, and what you’re doing. You might find you enjoy it more than scrolling through the same old social media feed.

Set a Sleep Routine

Sure, late nights are part of the fun on vacation. But try to keep a consistent sleep schedule if you can. Go to bed and wake up around the same time each day. You’ll have more energy to enjoy everything your destination has to offer, and you’ll avoid feeling like a zombie by day three.

Engage in Stress-Relieving Activities

Vacations should be a break from the stress of daily life. So why not add in some activities that help you relax? Whether it’s yoga on the beach, stretching in your hotel room, or journaling in a café, these small habits can help you unwind and make the most of your time away.

Stop an Unhealthy Vice

Here’s a tough one, but a vacation can be a great time to kick (or at least cut back on) a bad habit like smoking or drinking too much.

This can be as simple as swapping sparkling water for soda at lunch or trying a non-alcoholic "mocktail" at the pool bar. For other people who are facing more complex vices like smoking, it can be challenging to drop a habit like that in the middle of your normal life so maybe try to quit with all the normal chaos from your life going on. However, on vacation you can try something new like taking nicotine gum or trying a vape for the first time. These are all super easy to start this days and you can even find essentials like your vape starter kit online and at your local convenience store.

You’re already out of your normal routine, so why not use that to your advantage? Think of it as a fresh start in a fresh place.

Set Personal Goals

Use your trip to set a few small, achievable goals. Maybe it’s walking a certain number of steps each day, reading that book you’ve been putting off, or trying a new activity you’ve always been curious about. Goals give you a sense of purpose and accomplishment, even on vacation.

The bottom line? Vacations are more than just a break from work or a chance to relax. They’re an opportunity to try new things, see new places, and yes, even start living a little healthier. So, why not give it a shot? You don’t have to be perfect—just willing to try. And who knows? You might find that some of these habits stick around long after the trip is over.