• Originally published July 24, 2010 at 4:24 p.m., updated July 24, 2010 at 4:30 p.m.

I love to travel, and I also love to run in new and exotic places. I have run past castles, sheep, and emerald fields in Ireland. I have run down the Champs d'Elysees in Paris and along the Almafi coast in Italy.

Favorites in the United States include the winding hills and outlying Marin highlands of San Francisco and among the towering trees of the Pacific Northwest.

So when we began planning our family vacation to Europe this summer, I immediately became excited about all the prospects of where I may find myself running!

When you are in the middle of an active triathlon or running season, or just trying to maintain fitness- going on vacation could possibly spell trouble if you don't plan properly. Weeks on the road and away from your normal routine can bring down fitness levels quickly unless you take steps to assure a certain level of fitness will be maintained. I'm not saying vacation should just be a continuation of your current strenuous training regimen, but rather an opportunity to get some workouts in with a different twist in regard to location and varying intensity.

Pack With Workouts in Mind

You can't exercise unless you pack the workout clothing, right? I always check out the temperatures and conditions in the cities we plan to visit so I can pack accordingly. Don't allow poor planning to turn into an excuse to not work out. I usually always throw in running shorts and tanks just in case a location doesn't deem itself an appropriate "outdoors" running area- that way I can hit the treadmill at the hotel fitness center. If you are visiting an area with cooler temps, pack some layers.

Find Hotels With Workout Facilities or Nearby Parks

If able, I always prefer to hit the outdoors for my workouts. However, as a back up plan, when booking a hotel, I will look for ones that have workout rooms or indoor pools. A phone call ahead of time to get specifics on exercise equipment available may also be useful. Be prepared to alter you workouts some, as some hotels may not be equipped with all of the workout equipment you may be used to.

The concierge can be very helpful in helping you out the door to the nearest running routes. I was pleasantly surprised with just how much help I received on our trip with my quest to find the best running paths. In Freiburg, Germany my instructions were to head up the mountain to the Schloss (castle). I eagerly headed out the door to run up the mountain and was met with the most fantastic views of the town and cathedrals that lied below. Not to mention the castle!

In Lake Lucerne, Switzerland, there was a magnificent running trail that ran along the parameter of the lake with views of the lake itself, Mount Pilatus, and old town Lucerne. In Fussen, Germany, I made my way through three separate villages, almost ran south into Austria, and was filled to the brim with excitement when I discovered three amazing castles along my route! In Rothenburg, Germany (Germany's most medieval town), I was directed to an outlying road with the most fantastic views of the guard walls and magical town up on the mountain.

Vary Up Your Workout Routine

Just because it's fitness, that doesn't mean it shouldn't be fun. Although fitness should be included, vacation does allow you the "green light" to lighten up on your intensity a bit, and also to make room for different types of exercise you wouldn't normally do when you are in your usual routine. Hiking, mountain biking, or just walking can all be good sources of exercise. While we were in Switzerland, our family had an amazing workout when we took on a zip line and obstacle course up on Mount Pilatus. After one hour of supporting ones own body weight through zips and obstacles, we were all exhausted!

Vacation is meant to be a time for rest and relaxation. However, fitting in fitness while on vacation can become a part of the fun equation. Heading out for an early morning excursion allows a bit of time to relax "away from the family", while allowing you a bit of extra time to take in the sights. You may even discover something spectacular while you are out hitting the pavement that you would have otherwise missed!

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