7 tips to stay active while on vacation

Too often, we return home flabbier than we've been since, well, our last vacation. It doesn't have to be this way. Active vacations can often be the most relaxing of all. Yes, really. It's all about defining what an active vacation is.

When we take a vacation, what many of us want most is simply to relax. And so we spend long, lazy days on a deck chair and socialize the night away drinking and indulging in calorific desserts.

The weather will probably be friendlier, your energy levels higher, and your agenda emptier than later in the day.

A walk at dawn or dusk is rejuvenation defined.

• Try to make this a daily ritual of life away from home, and you will guarantee yourself both physical and spiritual replenishment.

Don't allow yourself to spend all your time sitting in front of the pool.

• Whether it is the ocean, a swimming pool or a tree-lined lake, make sure you get into the water for swimming or games or even "walking".
• Merely standing in waist-high water is a good workout, thanks to the action of the waves.

Paddle boats are fun. Canoeing is a joy. Row boats are romantic. Powerboats exhilarating. Sailboats serene. Kayaks pure adventure. Even standing at the rail of a steamboat is exciting!

• Boats make you feel young, and whether you are propelling them or not, being on a boat burns calories and engages your muscles more than being on dry land.

It's amazing how active you can be while stuck on a boat in the middle of the ocean.

• Most cruise ships offer numerous options for seaworthy exercise.
• Many have pools, golf simulators, climbing walls, fitness centres, jogging and walking areas and instructor-led fitness classes – and that's just what's on board.
• During any ocean and land excursions you can burn calories as you snorkel, hike, scuba dive and horse ride. The possibilities seem almost endless!

Many of us spend a large part of our vacations on the road, either getting to and from our destinations, or using the car for sightseeing. But no matter how beautiful the scenery is, great, memorable trips don't happen in a car seat.

• Don't wait for exhaustion or the call of nature to get you to pull over.
• Get out frequently and stretch, walk, picnic, shop, visit and have fun.
• It's important for your health and energy, and it makes travelling a lot more interesting.

When most people think of outdoor games, they think of team sports such as hockey, baseball or soccer– all of which can be both intimidating and excessively strenuous for adults who stopped playing such sports a long time ago.

• Opt instead for gentler games, such as badminton, table tennis and lawn bowling. Your goal: to play an outdoor game every day while on vacation.