Want to stay in shape on vacation without having to spend half your morning at the hotel gym? With this hotel room workout exercise routine, all you need is 20 minutes to get a full-body workout. And best of all, you don’t need any gym equipment, so you can leave your yoga mat at home.

Watch the video here, and then scroll down to find details on the number of reps and a breakdown of how to do each exercise.

5-Minute Hotel Room Workout Warm-up:

1. Jumping Jacks (60-seconds)

2. High Knees (60-seconds)

3. Leg Swings (30-seconds each)

4. Arm Swings (30-seconds)

5. Shoulder Circles (30-seconds each)

6. Core Twists (30-seconds)

10 Hotel Room Workout Exercises: 

Recommended: Two to three sets of 12 for each

1. Push-Ups: (works biceps, chest, core, shoulders and triceps)

Steps: Place your hands on the floor to line up with your shoulders and move into a plank position. Keeping your back flat and core tight, lower down and up.

Modified Push Up: Place your knees on the floor, and follow the same steps.

2. Tricep Dips: (works chest, deltoids, triceps, and upper back)

Steps: Place your hands at the edge of a chair or bed shoulder-width apart, with your feet out in front of you.  Keeping your back straight, bend your elbows back until they reach a 90-degree angle, and then raise up by fully extending your arms.

Modified Tricep Dip: Sit on the floor with your knees at a 90-degree angle. Place your arms directly behind you, and bend from the elbow to dip backward and up.

3. Single-Leg Stand (works core, glutes, hamstrings and quads)

Steps: Sit on a chair with both feet on the floor. Elevate one leg, and lean forward using your working leg and core to stand up. Sit back down and repeat.

Modified Leg Stand: Using your core strength, stand up with both legs then sit back down and repeat.

4. Squats (works core, glutes, hamstrings and quads)

Steps: Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Lower down until your hips and knees are parallel, then come up and repeat.

Modification (45-Degree Wall Sit): Place your back against the wall and slide down to a 45-degree angle, keeping your knees and feet aligned. Hold for 30 to 60 seconds.

5. Hip Hinge (works core and lower back)

Steps: Stand with your hands on your hips, feet hip-width apart, and your knees slightly bent. Keeping your back flat and core tight, slowly lower your upper body down and up.

Modified Hip Hinge: Sit on a chair or bed with both feet on the floor, and follow the same steps.

6. Leg Lifts, Front, Back, & Side (works core, glutes, and hip flexors)

Steps: Stand up with your back straight and core tight. Raise one leg straight out in front of you to a 45-to-90-degree angle, then bring it back down. Hold onto an object for balance if needed. After one set repeat exercise to the side, and then to the back. Adjust the height of the leg lift to modify.

7. Standing Bicycle Crunch (works core and obliques)

Steps: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, fingertips behind your head, and elbows pointing outward, in line with your shoulders. Bring your right leg up and twist the left side of your body to the right, bringing your opposing knee and elbow together at the torso. Continue by alternating sides.

Modified Bicycle Crunch: Place one hand against the wall for balance and do a set on one side before switching.

8. Plank (works core and lower back)

Steps: Go into a push-up position, or, bend your elbows and rest your weight on your forearms, keeping your back flat and core tight. Hold for 30 to 60 seconds.

Modified Plank: Follow the same steps, only this time with your knees touching the floor.

9. Side Plank (works core and obliques)

Steps: Lie on your side with your body in a straight line. Extend your forearm out, with your elbow lined up slightly below your shoulder. Keeping your hips square and your neck in line with your spine, push yourself up so that your palm is supporting your weight. Hold for 30 seconds and lower, then switch sides.

Modified Side Plank: Follow the same steps using your forearm to hold yourself up.

10. Heel Raises (works calves)

Steps:  Raise your heels off the floor while keeping your knees straight. Hold, and then lower your heels to the floor.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2016. It has been updated to reflect the most current information. All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

This video was filmed at the Hotel AKA Boston (formerly Nine Zero Hotel) in Boston, Massachusetts.

The post 10 Hotel Room Exercises You Can Do Without Any Workout Gear appeared first on SmarterTravel.

If you could only choose one attraction to visit in each U.S. state, what would it be? I rounded up the top-rated cities, towns, and iconic sights in all 50 states (plus Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Washington, D.C.) and asked you to decide. Here’s what you told us.

(Click to enlarge)

More from SmarterTravel:

• The 10 Best Road Trips in the U.S.A.
• Cheap Weekend Getaways from 9 Major U.S. Cities
• The 10 Best U.S. Cities to Visit in 2019

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2016. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

The post The One Thing You Should Do in Every U.S. State appeared first on SmarterTravel.

If you’re not already following us on Instagram, maybe it’s time to start. Each day, we bring gorgeous travel inspiration to daydreamers, storytellers, and photographers. Here are 11 reasons to follow us on Instagram and let us help you find your travel bliss.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BoXApV6gWVJ/?taken-by=smartertravel

To see the most incredible sights in the world

You’ll see breathtaking photos of everything from National Parks and European cities to secret islands and serene beach destinations.

To discover the best places to eat and drink

You’ll get a taste of the local cuisine in other cities by seeing pictures of beautiful, culturally-inspired dishes.

To watch us share our travel experiences 

With IGTV, you get an inside look at our travel experiences with our series, Trip Report.

To follow our journeys around the world

See real-time photos captured by our team of writers as they explore amazing destinations around the world.

To share your travel experiences

Tell your best travel stories by sharing your photos with us. We love seeing your tagged photos and travels around the world.

To discover new destinations

Learn about places you never considered visiting, or even knew existed.

To get inspired

You’ll get daily inspiration to excite your wanderlust.

To be featured on our Instagram account

Take the opportunity to have your travel photos featured on our Instagram account. Just tag your posts with #smartertravel so we can see and share them!

To put your photography skills to the test

Flex your photography skills by entering into our monthly travel-themed photo contests.

For the chance to win giveaways

You’ll get the chance to win awesome travel swag during our travel-swag giveaways

To find your next dream vacation

Discover bucket list destinations to inspire your next trip, and the one after that.

Ready for your daily dose of inspiration? Follow us on Instagram!

More from SmarterTravel:

• The Most Instagram-able Destinations in the U.S.
• Seven Ways Social Media Can Make Your Trip Amazing
• How to Turn Your Smartphone into a Pro Camera

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2016. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

To see more by Olivia Briggs, follow her adventures on Twitter @Olileibri and Instagram @Olileibri.

The post 11 Reasons to Follow Us on Instagram appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Top Things to Do in Western Montana

More from SmarterTravel:

• 10 Best Things to Do in Portland, Oregon
• 10 Best Things to Do in Colorado
• 10 Best Things to Do in Virginia

Olivia visited Montana for a week-long road trip with the Montana Office of Tourism and Business Development. To see more from her trip, follow her on Twitter and Instagram.

The post 11 Best Things to Do in Western Montana appeared first on SmarterTravel.

No gym or gear needed! Here's our routine for staying fit while we travel!

The post 10 Exercises You Can Do in Your Hotel Room (Video) appeared first on SmarterTravel.

When it comes to comfortable and versatile travel pants, it doesn’t get much better than leggings. They’re easy to pull on, lightweight, stretchy, multi-seasonal, and go with almost everything. But not all leggings are created equal.

Leggings for Travel

From secret pockets to corduroy look-alikes, here are the best leggings for travel.

Clever Travel Companion Leggings

Take the Clever Travel Companion Leggings on vacation and they’ll become one of your most-worn items. Ideal for wearing through airport security, these leggings make it easy to access all of your travel essentials because their two hidden front pockets are big enough to hold a passport, cash, and credit cards. Made from cotton, modal, and spandex, these high-quality, classic black leggings are perfect for travel year-round.

HUE Essential Denim Leggings

Want to look like you’re wearing jeans without having bulky denim weighing down your carry-on? With the Essential Denim Leggings by HUE, you’ll have the best of both worlds. These jean-resembling leggings are machine-washable and are made from cotton, polyester, and spandex, so they’re super stretchy and easy to fold. Versatile and equipped with functional back pockets, this pair will be a staple item in your wardrobe on every trip.

90 Degree By Reflex High Waist Power Flex Leggings with Tummy Control

Looking for leggings that also function as shapewear? Try the High Waist Power Flex Leggings with Tummy Control from 90 Degree By Reflex. This pair comes with a wide, high-rise waistband that sits comfortably at your mid section, giving you fuller coverage and a flattering, slim-fit look. Customers rave about the high-quality, thick material—which is polyester and spandex—and say these leggings are great for working out in and for everyday wear. Additionally, they have a small front pocket at the waist.

Baleaf Yoga Workout Leggings with Side Pockets

If you enjoy staying active on vacation—whether that means going for your daily morning run or exploring a new city on foot—you’ll love Baleaf’s Yoga Workout Leggings. Made from nylon, polyester, and spandex, these ultra-stretchy, quick-drying, comfortable bottoms are equipped with side pockets large enough to fit your cell phone, credit cards, and keys; and are available in full-length and capris.

HUE Medium Wale Cord Leggings

Looking for a dressier option than leggings and jeans, but don’t want to sacrifice comfort? Try Hue’s Wale Cord Leggings, which pull on like regular leggings but look like stylish corduroy skinny jeans. Made from cotton, polyester, and spandex, these cords are praised by customers for their thick, velvety, non-shrink material, stretchy waist, and comfortable overall fit.

Stylish and versatile, these leggings look great when worn with heels and a blazer, or with boots and a fall jacket. They’re also warmer than most leggings, making them perfect for fall and winter travel.

RejuvaWear Leggings

If you’re taking a long flight, try RejuvaWear Leggings. Made from nylon, microfiber, and lycra, these bottoms act as shapewear around your mid section and thighs, and come with a four-inch waistband to give you a more slender look. They also have five to 20 mmHg of graduated compression to help reverse the feeling of tired, swollen, and sore legs that can result from excessive sitting or standing. For more information about RejuvaWear leggings, read our review.

More from SmarterTravel:

• Best Lightweight Fall Jackets for Travelers
• Fall Travel Clothes for Changing Seasons
• 7 Must-Have Fashion Accessories for Fall Travel

Olivia Briggs brings at least one pair of leggings with her on every trip. To read more by Olivia, follow her on Twitter and Instagram.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2016. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

The post Best Leggings for Travel 2016 appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Big Sky Country is a special place. And there’s no better way to see it than along Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the Sun Road—the iconic 50-mile drive past snowcapped peaks, through dramatic U-shaped valleys, among towering spruce and cedar trees, and along massive deep turquoise-colored lakes. The iconic drive also takes you to the 6,646-foot Logan Pass along the Continental Divide.

The magic of Big Sky Country extends far beyond the park’s boundaries to Montana’s small lakeside mountain towns like Whitefish and Bigfork, where you can rub shoulders with locals at weekly farmer’s markets and performing arts shows, or pause for a drink at one of the many craft breweries and distilleries. You’ll also discover the living history of the West in Montana’s 18,500-acre National Bison Range— one of the oldest and largest wildlife sanctuaries in the country.

Planning ahead for next year? Consider this: June is northwest Montana’s secret season. Temperatures range from the low 60s to the upper 70s and there’s an equal balance of sunshine and clouds—perfect weather for outdoor pursuits. June is also the calm before the peak summer season—and for a road trip, that means having the wide open roads virtually all to yourself.

Want to see experience Big Sky Country for yourself? Here’s a 60-second video from my trip:

 More from SmarterTravel:

• 10 Things You Need on Every Road Trip
• 10 Amazing North American Road Trips
• The Best National Parks for Each Season

Olivia visited Montana in June for a week-long road trip with the Montana Office of Tourism and Business Development. To see more from her trip, follow her on Twitter and Instagram.

The post Discover the Beauty of Big Sky Country in 60 Seconds appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Ready to hike, walk, run, or bike your way to vacation bliss? We’ve got just the thing.

We recently tested Topo Athletic shoes for active travel, and liked them so much we teamed up with Topo to give some away. Want to score a pair for your next big adventure? Here’s how:

Enter to win on Instagram by following both @smartertravel and @topoathletic and liking the athletic shoe pic we’ll be posting every day or two.

Want to win a second pair for a friend? Tag that person in the comments and you’ll be entered to win two pairs. Get them to enter the contest and tag you back and you’ll both double your chances to win.

Enter by 11:59 PM on August 24th; we’ll announce the winner on Instagram on August 25th.

Read the full rules here and then head to Instagram. Good luck!

The post Win Shoes for Your Next Active Vacation appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Ready to hike, walk, run, or bike your way to vacation bliss? We’ve got just the thing.

We recently tested Topo Athletic shoes for active travel, and liked them so much we teamed up with Topo to give some away. Want to score a pair for your next big adventure? Here’s how:

Enter to win on Instagram by following both @smartertravel and @topoathletic and liking the athletic shoe pic we’ll be posting every day or two.

Want to win a second pair for a friend? Tag that person in the comments and you’ll be entered to win two pairs. Get them to enter the contest and tag you back and you’ll both double your chances to win.

Enter by 11:59 PM on August 24th; we’ll announce the winner on Instagram on August 25.

Read the full rules below and then head to Instagram. Good luck!

1. Eligibility: SmarterTravel TOPO Athletic Shoe Instagram Giveaway is open only to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States or the District of Columbia who are at least sixteen (16) years old. Employees of Smarter Travel LLC, its affiliates, or other companies associated with the Sweepstakes, as well as the immediate family (spouse, parents, siblings, and children) and household members of each such employee, are not eligible to enter.

2. Sponsor: The Sweepstakes is sponsored by Smarter Travel Media LLC, 226 Causeway Street, Boston, MA 02114 (“Sponsor”). The Sweepstakes is not sponsored by, endorsed by, administered by, or associated with Instagram. By participating in the Sweepstakes, you agree to a complete release of Instagram.

3. Agreement to Official Rules: By entering the Sweepstakes, you indicate your full and unconditional agreement to and acceptance of: (a) these Official Rules and (b) Sponsor’s decisions and ultimate discretion, which is final and binding. Winning a prize is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements set forth herein.

4. Entry Period: The Sweepstakes begins at 11:00 AM ET on August 15th, 2016 and ends at 11:59 PM on August 24th, 2016. Entries submitted before or after the Entry Period will not be eligible. Sponsor’s computer is the official time-keeping device for the Sweepstakes.

5. How to Enter: To earn one Entry, follow @smartertravel and @topoathletic on Instagram (via app or at instagram.com/smartertravel) and like the sweepstakes photo. An entrant can tag up to one friend in the comments to win a second pair of shoes for the tagged party

6. Entrant’s Warranties and Representations: By submitting an Entry, you warrant and represent that the Entry complies with all requirements of these Official Rules.

7. Sponsor’s Rights to Entries: By participating, you grant Sponsor, its agents, licensees, and assigns the unconditional, perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free, fully-paid-up, non-exclusive right and license to use, edit, adapt, and/or publish your Entry in any format and on any platform or media without limitation, and without any review, compensation, or approval from you or any other party.

8. Selection of Potential Winner: After the Entry Period, the winner will be selected via a random drawing from all eligible Entries received during the Entry Period. The odds of being selected depend on the number of Entries received.

9. Notification and Requirements of Potential Winner: Winner must be following @smartertravel and @topoathletic at the time they are contacted to be eligible to win. Sponsor will send a message to the potential winner’s Instagram account used to enter the Sweepstakes with instructions on how to claim the prize. In order to receive any communication from Sponsor, your “Photos are Private” setting of your Instagram profile must be turned to “OFF.” If a potential winner does not respond within two (2) business days after the notice is sent, the Sponsor may select an alternate potential winner, at random, in his/her place. Only three (3) alternate potential winners may be contacted. Except where prohibited, a potential winner may be required to complete and return an affidavit of eligibility and/or a liability/publicity release. If a potential winner fails to sign and return these documents within the required time period, as determined solely by Sponsor, an alternate potential winner may be selected at random in his/her place.

10. Prize: Two pairs of TOPO athletic shoes, selected by Smarter Travel, will be given away at the end of the giveaway. If the first winner has tagged a friend in the comments, that winner will receive both pairs of shoes. If the winner has not tagged a friend in the comments, a second winner of a single pair of shoes will be selected. A winner is responsible for paying any applicable income taxes and any and all other costs and expenses not listed above, and shall inform Smarter Travel of the requested shoe size. Any prize details not specified above will be determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion. A prize may not be transferred and must be accepted as awarded. A winner may not request cash or a substitute prize; however, Sponsor reserves the right to substitute a prize with another prize of equal or greater value if the prize is not available for any reason, as determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion

11. General Conditions: In the event that the operation, security, or administration of the Sweepstakes is impaired in any way for any reason, including, but not limited to, fraud, virus, or other technical problem, Sponsor may, in its sole discretion, either: (a) suspend the Sweepstakes to address the impairment and then resume the Sweepstakes in a manner that best conforms to the spirit of these Official Rules or (b) award the prize(s) at random to entrants from among the eligible entries received up to the time of the impairment. Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to disqualify any individual it finds to be tampering with the entry process or the operation of the Sweepstakes or to be acting in violation of these Official Rules or in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner. Any attempt by any person to undermine the legitimate operation of the Sweepstakes may be a violation of criminal and civil law, and, should such an attempt be made, Sponsor reserves the right to seek damages from any such person to the fullest extent permitted by law. Failure by Sponsor to enforce any term of these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision. Proof of sending any communication to Sponsor by mail shall not be deemed proof of receipt of that communication by Sponsor. In the event of a dispute as to any online Entry, the authorized account holder of the Instagram account used to enter will be deemed to be the participant. The “authorized account holder” is the natural person who is assigned to an account by an Internet access provider, online service provider, or other organization responsible for assigning accounts for the domain associated with the submission. The Sweepstakes is subject to federal, state, and local laws and regulations and is void where prohibited.

12. Privacy and Publicity: Any information you submit as part of the Sweepstakes will be used in accordance with Sponsor’s Privacy Policy. Except where prohibited, participation in the Sweepstakes constitutes an entrant’s consent to Sponsor’s use of his/her name, likeness, voice, opinions, biographical information, and state of residence for promotional purposes in any media without further payment or consideration.

13. Disputes: Except where prohibited, you agree that any and all disputes, claims, and causes of action arising out of, or connected with, the Sweepstakes or any prize awarded shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action, and exclusively by the appropriate court located in Massachusetts, USA. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules, your rights and obligations, or the rights and obligations of Sponsor in connection with the Sweepstakes, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of Massachusetts, USA, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules (whether of Massachusetts, USA, or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than Massachusetts, USA.

14. Results: The winner will be notified on Instagram via Direct Message system via Instragram or other means of contact as determined by Smarter Travel, on August 25th.

The post Official Rules: SmarterTravel TOPO Athletic Shoe Giveaway appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Summer is for beaching, unplugging, and getting away. To celebrate our favorite season, we’re launching a photo contest and a sweepstakes on Instagram this July, with plenty of great travel prizes! The details are as follows:

Beach-Themed Photo Contest on Instagram 

Running date: Now through July 15^th

To enter, simply post your best beach photos to Instagram and tag them #smartertravel (so we can see them) and follow us on Instagram @smartertravel (where you can enjoy more beach pics and scope out the competition).

On July 15, we’ll choose our 10 favorites and post them on SmarterTravel, and then leave it up to you (and your friends, family, and fans) to vote for the winner!

Each of our 10 finalists will get a set of three Instagram-pic-friendly photo frames from Tiny Mighty Frames (prize value: $48) plus a coupon for printing three of your favorite Instagram pics. And one grand prize winner, as voted by our readers, will get a beautiful leather weekender bag (prize value: $350) from Whipping Post.

We’re looking forward to seeing your beautiful, inspiring, funny, and fabulous beach pics. Post as many times as you want on Instagram between Tuesday, June 28, and Friday, July 15. Then get ready to vote for your favorites (sign up for our newsletter below or follow us on Facebook or Twitter to be the first to know when the voting opens) between July 18 and 24.

See our contest rules and terms of use for more information.

May the best beach photo win!

SmarterTravel & Jetsetter #WeekendGetaway Instagram Sweepstakes

Running date: Now through July 17^th

We’re partnering up with our sister site, Jetsetter, to give away $500.00 for the perfect weekend getaway to one lucky winner!

To enter, you must have an Instagram account. Starting at 11 a.m. EST on July 5, 2016, log in to your Instagram account (or create one at www.Instagram.com) and follow both SmarterTravel’s Instagram account (@smartertravel) and  Jetsetter (@jetsetterdotcom).  “Like” the designated Sweepstakes photo on either account. That’s it! From there, you’ll be automatically entered into the Sweepstakes.

Each Entrant is only allowed one entry. “Liking” the image on both @smartertravel and @jetsetterdotcom accounts will not garner a second entry. All entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. EST on July 17, 2016, at which time one winner will be selected at random and will be notified via Instagram Direct Message.

See our contest rules for more information.

Good luck to all!

The post Hot Month, Cool Prizes: Two Ways to Win this July appeared first on SmarterTravel.