Traveling is such an exciting, high-energy adventure, whether you’re lounging on a beach with a good book or trekking through jaw-dropping landscapes. The key is making sure you’ve got the energy to fully embrace it! In this second installment of “Are You Fit to Travel?”, we’re diving into the myth of the “relaxing beach vacation†and why staying active is the key to truly enjoying the experience.
The Hawaii Adventure: More Than Just Lounging
Let’s rewind to April 2023—Hawaii, Waikiki Beach. Dreamy, right? I mean, picture it: paradise with swaying palm trees, turquoise waters, and a laid-back vibe. Waikiki somehow manages to nail the beach resort relaxation while still feeling like a bustling city and a quaint village all at once. It’s the perfect place for a beach holiday, or so I thought…
When you imagine Hawaii, you might think, “I’m just gonna chill on the beach, maybe try some surfing, and that’s it. No need for serious fitness here!†Spoiler alert: that was my exact thought—and boy, was I in for a surprise.
The Misadventures Begin
We kicked off our trip with a leisurely boat cruise around the island. Sounds relaxing, right? A perfect way to ease into vacation mode. The cruise was set for 11 a.m. the day after we landed. We barely made it to the dock on time, after a frantic dash to grab Starbucks. The sun was shining, the vibe was chill, and drinks were offered left and right (not saying no, of course).
Fast forward to swimming with sea turtles after a couple of cocktails and too much sun. Big mistake. My body decided it wasn’t a fan of the combo, and suddenly I was as green as the turtles we were swimming with. Lesson learned: alcohol + swimming + not knowing your limits = a rough start to the trip. But hey, it’s Hawaii! We powered through.
The Active Side of Waikiki
A few days later, my niece and I rented scooters and decided to go full adventure mode. Next stop: the crater of a dead volcano. Because why not, right? When in Hawaii!
When we got to the base, the trek to the top looked doable. Just a simple hour-long walk, winding our way up the crater. Easy! Except, the path narrowed and got rockier as we climbed. People were going up and down the same uneven trail, and the higher we got, the more I realized… this wasn’t your typical beach vacation stroll. But wow—when we finally reached the top, the views were breathtaking. You could see all of Waikiki below and the vast, endless ocean. That moment alone was worth every step. It was a reminder of just how awe-inspiring the world can be, and how much we forget to stop and appreciate it.
Coral Crater: Not Your Average Beach Day
After our volcano hike, we kept the energy going with a trip to Coral Crater—a full-on outdoor adventure park. Ziplines? Check. Adventure towers? You bet. But the real fun kicked in when we hopped on ATVs and tore through the terrain.
Now, I’ll be the first to admit that things got a little too adventurous when we sped into a tree. Yup, whiplash and all, we laughed it off and kept the party going. Was it a little crazy? Absolutely. But sometimes those are the moments that make a trip unforgettable!
Are You Fit to Travel?
So, what’s the takeaway here? It’s not just about lounging by the pool with a fruity drink (though there’s definitely a time for that). Hawaii, like many other “relaxing†destinations, offers so many opportunities for adventure, and being fit to travel means you get to embrace them all. Whether it’s climbing craters, zipping through forests, or even swimming with sea turtles, being in good shape ensures you’re ready to say “yes” to every amazing experience thrown your way.
The moral of the story: vacations can be as active as they are relaxing. And trust me, when you’ve got the stamina, you’ll come back with way more than just a tan—you’ll have a collection of epic stories to tell.
