5 Travel Tips You Can Learn From Pro Athletes

We learn some of our most important life lessons from sports—teamwork, sportsmanship, confidence and the value of hard work. So it should come as no surprise that many of the habits practiced by pro teams and athletes can by applied to the way we approach our next vacation. Huddle up to learn these champion strategies.

Teams often prepare for their next opponent by reviewing hours of game film—that’s how they learn about their rival’s style of play, strengths and weaknesses.

As a traveler, you, too, want to develop good research habits. Take the time to craft a game plan for your chosen destination. Read up on air travel experts for insights on where to eat, stay and play. Dive into the best travel advice and reviews from fellow travelers who may have tips on parts of town to avoid or attractions you won’t want to miss. If you do your research, you’ll arrive prepared, make the most of every minute and leave feeling that you took advantage of every opportunity to score.

You know the old adage: if you want to get better at something, practice, practice, practice. Athletes spend countless hours perfecting their game. Whether it’s taking extra swings in the batting cage or shooting a few more free throws after practice before calling it a day, athletes are aware of their weaknesses and make the most of practice time.

You can follow this advice when you travel. Going hiking? Prior to your vacation, spend an extra few minutes running uphill on a treadmill every time you work out so you get used to the incline. Exploring a new city on foot? Prepare your legs and your lungs by walking a few miles each day in the months or weeks leading up to your trip to ensure you’re in tip top shape for sightseeing.

Teams set a tempo that best suits their strengths. In football, a strong passing team likes to run a three- or four-receiver set. A great running team tries to control the game by running a high percentage of the time. In basketball, teams lacking speed focus on a slower-paced game, bringing the ball up court slowly before falling back on defense to prevent fast breaks.

When planning your trip, find a pace that suits you. If you’re more of an adventurous traveler, you may want to go mountain climbing or biking. Taking the family? Pick a place that has affordable and convenient activities for kids. Want to relax and have fun? Think about a destination with golfing or a great spa.

Teams that manage the clock better than their opponent typically come out ahead. If you can control possession even a few minutes longer than your opponent, chances are, you’ll win the game.

When you’re on vacation, you want to manage your time wisely. Sure, you want to get the most out of your experience by taking advantage of all your new city has to offer. But you want to be able to enjoy yourself too. Rushing around and trying to see everything will set a frenetic tempo and may tire you out too quickly. When planning your itinerary, prioritize your list and make a schedule that has ample room for all your must-see attractions.

Whether playing at home or on the road, most athletes have a consistent pregame routine that helps them focus on the challenge ahead. Maybe they like to get a good night’s rest, wake up early and warm up with a light jog or a brisk walk. Maybe they try to eat healthy meals, drink lots of water to be properly hydrated or give some thought to personal performance goals.

If you develop your own routine, you’ll set yourself up for an enjoyable trip. Then get out there and enjoy your vacation—you’re prepared for a win!

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