15 Things To Pack to Make Vacation Workouts Actually Happen

1) Your Trusty Pair of Running Shoes

Whether you're vacationing at the beach or in the mountains, it's impossible to get active if you aren't equipped with the right kind of footwear. Grab your favorite pair of exercise shoes and place them at the top of your suitcase so you're forced to look at them and remember to at least go for a walk, if not a run.

» Read More: Custom Lace Your Running Shoes For Pain Relief

2) Proper Hair Products

If you have long hair, exercising without a hairband is pretty much impossible. Make sure to pack elastic hair ties, headbands, dry shampoo, and all of the other products your hair requires after a sweaty stint at the gym.

An office favorite is Owl Be Sweatin' headbands, they adjustable, non-slip to fit your active lifestyle...perfectly.

3) Exercise Clothes You Actually Want to Wear

The cuter your workout clothes are, the more you'll want to flaunt them while you're on your trip. Try to match your outfits to your environment so you're even more likely to don workout gear. For instance, pack your light tank with tropical flowers for your beach trip or your new NorthFace jacket for your outdoor runs in a national park.

4) Makeup Wipes

You never know what your vacation schedule will look like, so you might have to squeeze a trip to the gym into the middle of your day. That means you'll need to remedy any eyeliner, lipstick, mascara, or foundation that's smeared by your sweat. Keep a packet of makeup-removing wipes on hand so you're always able to clean up after a workout.

5) Your Handy-Dandy Water Bottle

If you're going to work out, then you'll need to stay hydrated before and after your exercises. Bring your reusable water bottle so you can fill up wherever you are and have it nearby while you're at the gym.

» Read More: Why You Need to Wash Your Reusable Water Bottle, Like, Right Now

6) Headphones

Going to the gym without music is like embarking on a road trip without snacks: completely pointless. Double-check to make sure that you've stuffed your favorite pair of headphones in your bag so that you can listen to tunes, podcasts, or whatever floats your boat while you're in the gym.

7) The Right Kind of Socks

There's nothing worse than realizing you brought workout shoes, but you don't have any socks to wear with them. Grab at least a handful of ankle socks to wear with your tennis shoes whenever you do head to the gym or out on a run.

8) Jump Rope

Moderate-intensity rope jumping — about 100 to 120 skips per minute — burns about 13 calories a minute, according to the "Compendium of Physical Activities". This mode of exercise uses more muscle groups than jogging, and challenges your balance, and coordination — especially if you practice drills that require extra hand and foot skills. Plus, a jump rope easily folds up and fits inside your tennis shoes to save space.

9) Sun Protection

Running outside is a great way to see a new destination without skimping on your fitness ambitions. However, exercising outdoors means you'll need to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Wear a baseball cap that covers your scalp and forehead, then slather plenty of SPF 30 on your arms, legs, and face to ensure you don't wind up with a painful sunburn.

10) Necessary Medications

It's always a smart idea to toss some Advil or Tylenol in your bathroom bag, just in case you push yourself extra hard in the gym and end up sore. Plus, you might have a bit of a headache after one too many mimosas, so you may need to pop a pill in order to head to the gym. If you need other medications to stay healthy and safe when working out, be sure to pack those, as well.

11) Armband for Your Phone

Many exercisers can't live without their trusty armbands that strap their phones to their body while running, lifting weights, or engaging in other physical activities. If you're one of those people, don't leave your band at home.

12) Athletic Undergarments

Lacy thongs or granny pants have no place underneath your workout pants. Pack a few pairs of your favorite athletic underwear so that your yoga pants fit just right and don't reveal any unflattering panty lines. You'll also want to bring one or two sports bras so that everything stays where it should while you're bouncing around in the gym.

13) Resistance bands

This is an easy choice. Resistance bands are practically weightless and take up a tiny space in your suitcase. These little powerhouses pack quite the punch. They can be used to target almost any part of your body—and unlike dumbbells, resistance bands allow you to maintain tension throughout a rep's full range of motion.

» Check out out Zone-by-Zone Resistance Band Workout.

14) Tampons

If there is even a slight possibility that you'll be on your period while you're traveling, you'll need to prepare for that. Toss a box of tampons in your luggage so that your time of the month won't hinder your workout goals. Oh, and throw in some Midol as well in case your cramps make a nasty appearance.

» Read More: This is Why You Shouldn't Store Tampons Too Long

15) Laptop

A laptop? For vacation? Yes. As long as you've got an internet connection—you have access to watch workout videos on streaming services like Daily Burn. Search for workouts that are equipment free that you can do right in your hotel room. Get your workout in early so you can relax the rest of the day.

» Need a couple videos to get you started? Try Cardio Strength Circuit, 20-Minute Tabata Workout or Ladder 10 Cardio Workout!