Traveling and getting that much-needed break you deserve can help you unwind and relax—but it can also lead you to neglect your usual fitness routines. However, going to the gym while in a new location isn’t the best way to make the most out of it. Luckily, there are several fun ways you can stay fit while on vacation, including playing sports! But instead of playing your usual soccer or basketball, why not try new and unusual sports from around the world?
So, the next time you plan on traveling, don’t forget to try out these sports in their respective origins.
Man vs. Horse
A unique marathon you can participate in to get a great sweat session while exploring the United Kingdom is called ‘Man Vs. Home.’ It’s conducted in Welsh Town in the country of Wales, and just like its name implies, it involves both men and horses running against each other within a track surrounded by Trex fences. If you’re up for the challenge and want to get in some cardio while you’re on vacation, participate in this unique sport.
Sepak Takraw
Sepak Takraw is a popular sport across Southeast Asia, a game similar to volleyball, but instead of using hands, players need to use their chest, knees, feet, and head to maneuver the ball around. More than 100 countries participate in official Sepak Takraw tournaments. For your next Southeast Asia trip, find Sepak Takraw training centers to join in the fun and stay fit while on vacation.
Kabaddi
kabaddi is the national sport of Bangladesh and famous across South Asia, and has been around since the 20th century. However, many still consider it ‘odd.’ It’s a contact team sport played by both men and women, similar to American football. It’s since then became an international sensation, where over 40 countries participate in official Kabaddi tournaments. So, the next time you visit Bangladesh and other nearby countries, you’ll likely find some locals playing the sport, so don’t hesitate to join and break a sweat.
Yukigassen
Yukigassen is the combination of dodgeball and snowball fighting, bringing a whole new light to snowball lights. It’s an actual sport that originated from Japan, including seven-person teams that compete using pre-made snowballs. So, the next time you go to the land of the rising sun, make sure it’s snowing to help you get the most out of the colder season by playing this unusual sport.
Quidditch
This sport originated from the famous Harry Potter book series and movies initially meant to be played on flying broomsticks. But the book’s popularity has made the sport popular in real life too. Although you don’t get to ride a flying broomstick, you can try a real-world version of the game on the hockey field. This unusual sport is widely played and very popular across the United States.
Toe Wrestling
You’re likely familiar with the sport of arm wrestling, but something you haven’t probably heard before is toe wrestling. It’s a fun sport where you need to pin down your opponent’s toes for at least three seconds using your very own toes. You can dive into the local toe wrestling community in the destination you’re visiting and play against some dedicated players there. This sport is popular in the United States and the United Kingdom.
Tuna Tossing
If you’re planning on visiting Australia this summer, head down to South Australia and participate in this bizarre yet thrilling sport known as ‘tuna tossing.’ The game was inspired by local fishermen who would usually toss the fist onto their trucks with great force and since then became a fun way to ‘spice’ up a local festival they hold every year. Luckily, you don’t need to deal with real fish as participants use rubber fish nowadays instead.
Wife Carrying
If you’re going to Europe for your next vacation with your spouse, one quirky sport you can both try is “Wife Carrying.” It’s essentially a race where the husband carries their wives through a set track, as you’d see in marathon tracks. The game originates from Finland, where local women get commonly abducted—and since then grown to an annual competition named the ‘World Wife Carrying World Championship,’ boasting teams competing from Australia to the United States.
Being out on the road or staying abroad for the next couple of days or weeks for a much-needed vacation isn’t an excuse to stray away from your usual fitness routines. Fortunately, traveling has its perks when it comes to staying in shape, one being that it allows you to try new things from different places and cultures like the sports mentioned—making it easier for you to stay fit, have fun, and make the most out of your travels.
