7 Workout Items You Shouldn't Take on Trips (and What to Pack Instead)

The ability to travel is a privilege that no one here at EatingWell takes for granted. While we’re always grateful for the opportunity to visit with loved ones, relax at the beach or tour cities we’ve never seen before, we’re also cognizant of the fact that a certain amount of discomfort follows in the wake of these excursions. Since we have less control over what we’re eating and how we’re staying active, we’ve learned to travel with an assortment of packable workout gear to help us maintain our routines when we’re far from home, as well as what to leave behind. Read on to shop seven editor-loved products—carefully selected after years of trial and error—for the ultimate stress-free vacations.       

Don’t pack: A foam roller 
Pack this instead: 5Billion Fitness Peanut Massage Ball

Since traveling with a foam roller isn’t an option, senior commerce editor Phoebe Sklansky packs her trusty silicone massage ball. She uses it to stretch her muscles after a long flight or to recover from an intense workout while on a trip. “It fits neatly in a carry-on or suitcase pocket,” said Sklansky. “And it even digs into places a foam roller can’t quite reach, like my neck and side glutes.” At 5 inches long and weighing only 12 ounces, it’s the perfect tool to help you loosen up while on the road.    

Don’t pack: Wired headphones 
Pack this instead: Bose QuietComfort Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones

Wired headphones are so 2010. “I don't fly without my Bose noise canceling headphones,” said news editor Abigail Abesamis Demarest. “They keep the noise down on the plane, and are ideal for workouts. They're wireless, so I can move seamlessly from cardio machines to free weights while listening to my favorite playlist or current audiobook.” More than 1,000 Amazon five-star reviews praise the sound quality, battery life and comfort, with the only complaint being the price. Well, they happen to be $100 off for a limited time, so act quickly before the sale ends.    

Don’t pack: A purse  
Pack this instead: Nike Sport Fanny Pack

Associate editorial director Carolyn Malcoun uses this Nike fanny pack in place of a purse while traveling. It has an adjustable strap and an interior pocket to hold credit cards or cash. “It’s just the thing to hold a room key and my phone while I go out for a walk or run, and it’s super slim so it even fits under my clothes if I wanted it to,” she said. Between pickpockets and how easy it is to misplace items, the ability to keep all valuables hidden and on your person is definitely a plus. 

Don’t pack: Weighted bangles 
Pack this instead: Pvolve Ankle Workout Bands 

Malcoun also travels with this ankle workout band instead of weighted bangles. As a devotee of the fast-growing fitness program Pvolve, she loves the flexibility of filtering for videos using this specific piece of equipment while on vacation. But customers confirm that it’s also a quality product even if you aren’t a subscriber. One wrote that it’s “still great after a year of use,” while another added that it’s “easy to use and quickly tones muscles.”    

Don’t pack: More than one pair of sneakers  
Pack this instead: Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 23 Running Shoes 

Assistant general manager Penelope Wall recommends packing one set of shoes that works for every activity. Her pick? Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 sneakers. They’re a versatile option designed to handle long treadmill runs and even longer city walks thanks to the brand’s signature GuideRails technology and mesh upper. With more than 2,000 perfect ratings and comments declaring them the “best sneakers ever,” it’s evident that Amazon shoppers also love these shoes. 

Don’t buy: Plastic water bottles  
Pack this instead: Yeti Rambler 18-Ounce Bottle

Instead of relying on plastic water bottles, I like to travel with a reusable water bottle like this Yeti Rambler. At 18 ounces, it’s large enough to keep me hydrated during a long flight, but not so big that it weighs down my backpack when full. I appreciate its leak proof design, double-walled vacuum insulation for its ability to keep my water cold and its dishwasher compatibility for easy cleaning at home.        

Don’t pack: Bulky parkas 
Pack this instead: Outdoor Ventures Women’s Lightweight Packable Full-Zip Jacket

I also always include a packable puffer in my suitcase instead of my bulky parka when I’m planning on walking or running outside in the winter. While the one I currently own is out of stock, this Outdoor Ventures jacket comes highly recommended by over 1,000 happy Amazon customers who appreciate its price, lightweight material and quality. One shopper wrote that they love how it folds into its own pocket, adding that it’s “especially well suited for travel in chilly climates.” They also like the extended sizing options for all body types.