Summer is the perfect season for adventure—whether it’s a long-overdue family vacation, a road trip with friends, or race-cation travel to a big event on your calendar. But if you’re training for a triathlon, marathon, or just trying to stay in shape, travel can throw a serious wrench in your routine.
The good news? You don’t have to choose between travel and training. With the right strategies, gear, and mindset, you can stay consistent on the road and come home feeling stronger, not starting from scratch.
In this summer training travel guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know to keep your training on track during your summer travels.
Let’s start with the truth: missing a few days of structured training won’t ruin your season. But that said, maintaining consistency—even at a reduced volume—can make a massive difference in your overall progress, especially for endurance athletes. Staying in the habit of movement while traveling also makes it easier to transition back into your routine post-trip.
When done right, travel can even boost your fitness. Think new routes, fresh scenery, mental refresh, and some well-earned flexibility.
Failing to plan is planning to skip your workouts. Before you head out:
1. Review your itinerary.
Know when you’ll be in transit, what days are packed, and which mornings or evenings are lighter. Use this to schedule shorter, high-quality sessions where they’ll fit.
2. Adjust your training schedule.
Shift rest days to travel days, and front-load or back-load your training week depending on when you’ll have access to gear or time. Communicate with your coach if you have one!
3. Research your destination.
Tools like Strava’s Heat Maps, Google Maps, and AllTrails are great for discovering safe and scenic training routes.
You don’t need to bring your entire pain cave on the road. A few small items go a long way in keeping your workouts effective and efficient.
Essentials to pack:
Pro tip: Pack your workout gear in your carry-on. If your luggage gets delayed, your workouts don’t have to.
Even if you only have 20–30 minutes, you can still make it count. These minimalist workouts travel well:
This keeps your swim muscles activated even if there’s no pool.
One of the biggest mistakes athletes make while traveling is trying to perfectly replicate their home training schedule. Don’t stress if your travel workouts look different. Instead, focus on frequency and effort rather than volume and perfection.
Mindset shift:
If you can move your body 4–5 times during the week you’re away—even just 20–30 minutes each session—you’ve stayed consistent.
Travel often brings erratic meals, unfamiliar foods, and hydration challenges—especially during long flights, drives, or hot summer weather. But with a few simple practices, you can stay fueled and energized.
Nutrition tips for athletes on the go:
Vacation food doesn’t have to derail your progress. Enjoy the local cuisine and stick to the 80/20 rule: 80% fueling your body, 20% enjoying the fun stuff.
Think beyond the hotel gym. Summer travel offers some of the best workout scenery:
Ideas for creative workouts:
You might even discover a new favorite way to train that you bring home with you.
Don’t ignore safety just because you’re in a new place.
And if something doesn’t go according to plan? Flex. Your body will benefit from a lower-stress, more joyful approach to fitness, especially while traveling.
If you’re mid-season or preparing for an Ironman or 70.3, travel can be stressful. But with smart planning, you can stay on top of your goals.
Triathlon-specific tips:
Need help adjusting your triathlon training plan around travel? A coach can help you modify your workouts and recovery based on your trip so you don’t lose momentum.
At the end of the day, training during summer travel is about staying consistent—not perfect. You’re building a lifestyle that supports your goals, wherever life takes you.
So whether you’re in a beach town, camping in the woods, road-tripping cross-country, or traveling for a big race—remember:
At Organic Coaching, we help time-crunched triathletes and runners stay consistent and confident—no matter what life (or travel) throws at them.
From customized training plans to coach check-ins and race prep guidance, we’re here to make training fit your real life.
📩 Get our free guide: 9 Time-Saving Workouts for Busy Triathletes
🎯 Book a free consultation to see how we can help you train smarter, not harder.
You can absolutely enjoy a full summer of adventure and stay on track with your fitness goals. With smart planning, a bit of creativity, and the right support, you’ll return home feeling strong, refreshed, and more motivated than ever.
Need help building a flexible training plan that fits your summer travel schedule?
We’ve got you. Contact us today or check out our coaching programs to learn more.
Carly and Tyler Guggemos built Organic Coaching in 2014 with a simple philosophy that works. The idea is to take what you have and grow it to get faster, fitter and stronger. And to do it with the time you have – not the time you wish you had.
For athletes who are ready to take their training to the next level while still thriving and succeeding in their professional and family life.
Copyright © 2024 Organic Coaching LLC
