I’ll be the first to admit, the trips I enjoy most probably aren’t what most people prefer. They’re long, active days full of hiking or exploring cities (what I like to call urban hiking). How intense, you ask? On the way to Patagonia, we caught a red-eye from JFK with a 24-hour layover in Santiago. Landed at 7 AM, dropped our bags, and took off exploring. 32,000 steps later, we finally called it a night before catching our next flight.
Now, you don’t have to go full “32K steps in a layover” to have a great trip (unless that’s your thing). But there are tons of ways to weave movement into your travels, and you might be surprised how much more you see, taste, and experience when you do.
🏙️ Go for an Urban Hike
That cool spot you saw on Instagram? Flag it on Google Maps. Add a few stops from TripAdvisor or your favorite travel blog, then connect the dots on foot. Wandering point-to-point often leads to hidden gems you’d never find otherwise, a bakery down a side street, a mural tucked behind a market, or that local café that ends up being your trip highlight.
👉 Safety Tip: Do your homework on the neighborhoods you’re walking through. Most places are fine, but if you’re unsure, join a walking tour or link up with a local guide who knows the area.
🚲 Pedal Your Way
Bike shares are everywhere now, and they’re a game-changer. Scan a QR code, hop on, and you’re cruising. It’s perfect for covering a bit more ground than walking allows, or for connecting those can’t-miss spots that are spread out. You still get activity, but at a different pace (and with a breeze in your face).
💡 Pro Tip: Morning or early evening rides tend to be cooler, less crowded, and ideal for photos if you’re chasing golden-hour light.
🍴 Try Active Immersion
Not every activity has to be high intensity. One of my favorite “sneaky fitness” strategies is booking a food tour. You get a guided walk through the city, cultural insights, and (let’s be real) some delicious bites along the way. It’s sightseeing + steps + eating = a win all around. For reference, I’ve had great experiences with Secret Food Tours in multiple cities.
Other ways to blend culture and movement? Try a morning market walk, a guided kayaking tour, or a local dance or yoga class. It’s movement that connects you deeper to the place you’re in.
⚖️ Mix It Up
Remember, not every day has to be max effort. After a long hike, maybe your next day is a mellow walking tour or a long, sit-down meal where you just relax and connect with your travel crew. Travel is about balance. Listen to your body and rotate between high-energy and slower-paced adventures.
💡 Takeaway
Movement doesn’t have to stop when you’re on the road. In fact, building activity into your sightseeing, whether on foot, by bike, or on a guided tour, helps you experience a destination in ways you’d miss otherwise. You’ll make memories, rack up steps (if you’re into counting), and feel better for it.
Move more. See more. Feel better. That’s the Miles & Macros way.
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