Heading on an active holiday – or simply don't want to fall into the trap of just laying by the pool and doing nothing – but not sure what to pack? I've got you, I'm such an active girlie on trips but I know it can be difficult to know what to pack to ensure you're always adventure ready. Whether you're hiking coastal trails, squeezing in sunrise runs, or joining a yoga class overlooking the ocean, packing the right workout gear can be the difference between seamlessly enjoying an active break, or finding all the excuses to skip the workout.
The goal is simple: stay comfortable, feel motivated, and have everything you need without overpacking. As your adventure travel expert, I've spent years living out of a backpack so I'm all about streamlining your packing, while still having everything you need to spontaneously go on a hike or book that once-in-a-lifetime active experience. After all, life is for living, so why waste time sitting by the pool? If you're someone who always stays active when they're at home, but struggles when they're away – perhaps it's just about being more prepared so that you have no excuses to find a fun way to workout.
Here are the 10 workout essentials worth making space for in your suitcase, plus some clever hacks to keep everything organised.
10 Workout Essentials to Pack for an Active Holiday
Before you travel, lay out everything workout-related on your bed. Separate essentials from “nice to have” items and pack only what you genuinely plan to use during your trip. Then store these items in a dedicated packing cube, that way you always know where your workout gear is, and you can grab it quickly before sunrise runs or spontaneous adventures.
Packing smart means you’ll arrive feeling prepared, motivated, and ready to enjoy every active moment of your holiday.
1. Versatile workout clothes
When packing activewear, focus on pieces that you can mix and match. Think moisture-wicking tops, lightweight leggings, and breathable shorts – the kind of items that dry quickly and roll neatly into packing cubes.
If your active holiday includes tennis courts, padel sessions, or general sporty exploring, consider packing one outfit specifically for those activities. A comfortable, great-looking option is packing tennis skirts – they’re lightweight, flattering, and incredibly versatile for everything from casual rallies to sightseeing on a hot day. [AD]
Space-saving tip:
Choose outfits in similar colour palettes so you can re-wear and layer pieces easily. Fabrics like recycled polyester or bamboo blends dry fast, meaning you can wash them in the sink overnight and they’ll be ready by morning.
2. A pair of reliable training shoes
Shoes are often the bulkiest item in an active traveller’s bag, so pick wisely. Bring one main pair of athletic shoes that can handle the activities you have planned, whether that’s running, HIIT workouts, light hiking, or long city walks.
If you’re planning something more technical (like trail running or mountain hikes), swap your usual trainers for a sturdier grip-based shoe. Just avoid packing several pairs unless you truly need them, your suitcase will thank you.
Space-saving tip:
Wear your heaviest shoes during travel and pack socks inside any others to save room and maintain their shape.
3. Lightweight layers
Even in hot destinations, mornings can be chilly. A breathable long-sleeve top, zip-up layer, or light windbreaker is perfect for early runs or outdoor classes. I always make sure to pack a light but thermal layer in case I discover any good hikes to nearby peaks – these are great for sunrise but temperatures can drop this early in the day.
Choose packable materials that fold down to almost nothing, I have a great thermal jacket which rolls up inside it's own pocket and takes up barely any space when packing! Layers also help you transition from workout mode to breakfast mode without needing a full outfit change.
4. Quick-dry socks
It’s easy to overlook, but having the right moisture-wicking socks can save your feet from blisters, especially if you’re walking or running more than usual. This is one of those small packing choices that makes a big difference.
5. Earbuds or headphones
Whether you’re listening to your favourite workout playlists, guided runs, or meditation sessions, good earbuds are essential. Noise-cancelling options can double as inflight companions, helping you rest on travel days. If you’re heading somewhere windy or planning outdoor runs, look for sweat-resistant or secure-fit buds that won’t budge mid-workout.
6. A travel-friendly fitness app
Active holidays are more fun when workouts fit naturally into your trip. A few apps worth downloading include:
- ClassPass – great for booking classes in cities worldwide.
- AllTrails – perfect for discovering local hiking and running routes.
- Adidas Training – excellent for on-the-go strength sessions.
- Strava – ideal for runners or cyclists who want community motivation while travelling.
These apps keep your routine flexible, especially when you want a structured workout but don’t know the local area.
7. Reusable water bottle
Hydration is key when you’re more active than usual and particularly if you're travelling to hotter countries. Investing in a reusable bottle helps you cut down on single-use plastics while staying prepared, it's also great for long travel days! Choose a lightweight, insulated version that keeps water cool, especially if you’re travelling somewhere warm.
8. Resistance bands
If you're travelling a lot and want to stay consistent with your workouts, resistance bands are one of the best space-saving workout tools you can pack. They weigh almost nothing, fit into any pocket of your suitcase, and allow you to train strength anywhere – from your hotel balcony to the beach.
They’re perfect for warm-ups, stretching sessions, and quick strength workouts on the days you’re not doing bigger activities.
9. A microfibre travel towel
If your trip includes beach workouts, outdoor yoga, or stays where towels aren’t provided, a microfibre towel is a lifesaver. It dries fast, folds tiny, and keeps sand or sweat from becoming part of your luggage.
They're also a great investment for camping holidays, road trips or a great addition when packing for backpacking trips.
10. A mini first-aid or care kit
Staying active means being prepared and not letting anything stand in your way. A small kit with blister plasters, electrolytes, antibacterial wipes, and a roll-on muscle balm can keep minor issues from affecting your plans. If you’re planning long hikes or multiple workouts, consider bringing magnesium supplements to help with recovery.
