If you are a regular reader around here, you know I love to get my runs in while traveling. After all, it is the best way to see a new city or a new country. Here are a few quick tips & suggestions for running while traveling abroad.
Quick tips & Suggestions for running abroad
When I travel in bigger cities, I like to sign on to do an organized running tour when available. However, if you are running in a smaller town and/or on your own, these tips should be helpful to you.
Carry your own water
While I am a fan of carrying my own hydration pack all the time, it is especially important to consider this while running abroad. I did not see any water fountains or places to refill my bottles in France or Italy. This is even more important in the warmer summer months when you are really going to want it.
Bring along Euros
Back in the states, I have gotten used to running with only my phone and relying on apple pay if I need to purchase water or coffee. I found that my apple pay did not work in Europe and I needed to insert the actual card for purchases. This comes in very handy when you need to buy water.
Public restrooms
Public restrooms are hard to come by in Europe. As a runner who may need to use one, be aware that most cafés will not let you use them unless you are eating there.
Know your route
This is important anywhere you run obviously for safety and convenience. But, when you are in a foreign town even more so. I quickly realized my high school level French was pretty useless. Knowing your route also helps to plan for the restroom and water situation above.
Have a working phone
In case you do get turned around, having a working phone with GPS capability can be a life saver to get you back to your starting point. Also, it can’t hurt to know the local emergency number and how to dial it from where you are.
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These are my quick tips and suggestions for running abroad. Running while traveling can be one of the best parts of your vacation if you take the above into consideration. Happy travels and happy miles!
These are great tips, Deborah!
I’m in Italy right now and ready to go out for a run. We have downloaded a tour on our watch so we won’t get lost.
Also, we always have some Euro coins in our pockets. I find this comes in handy when you need to stop at a cafe for a drink or for a toilet stop.
Yes, I have learned not to rely on my phone for apple pay and to carry some euros at all time
Great tips! It’s definitely important to be prepared when running in new places, especially abroad.
yes, it is important to be prepared for sure
All key tips.
I made the mistake of not having internet on my phone the last time I was in Paris.
I always ask the hotel desk to recommend a good running route.
yes, its always key to know where you are and how to get back!
Yes, these are great tips! I can see how it would be hard to find water or a restroom when you’re running in a foreign country. i’m looking forward to hearing about some of your runs in France and Italy!
It was fab and I look forward to sharing about them on Sunday 🙂
These are really good tips. I love that you’re always able to stay safe while exploring new areas on foot.
You have run in some beautiful places!
I love checking out all these spots while traveling. Yes, it is important to stay safe and know where you are
These are super important and helpful. Things are different in other parts of the world and the onus is on us to keep ourselves safe.
Definitely always pays to be prepared for anything
Great tips! I’ve loved seeing your traveling photos. I think it’s definitely important to make sure you have everything you need – sometimes I get “lazy” about carrying water on short runs, but when it’s summer you can’t be too careful!
you cannot be too careful or too prepared about the summer heat
I love running when I travel. Some of my best running experiences were running in Paris and Florence. I’d add that another reason to know your route is to make sure that it is safe, especially if you’re running alone. Safety first!
Yes, definitely need to always make sure it is safe