How to Stay Fit While Traveling: Budget Gyms Around the World + At-Home Workouts
Traveling and working remotely can potentially leave something to be desired in the staying fit department. But we are here to tell you that doesn’t have to be the case. Today, we want to lay out gym memberships in 15+ countries and at-home workouts in such great detail, that you won’t be able to look yourself in the eyes without doing a crunch or a squat tomorrow. So let us get started!
New to remote working and traveling? Read our complete guide on how to get started!
How to find gyms while traveling
When you’re on the move, whether hopping between cities every week or staying a month in one place, finding the right gym setup can be the difference between maintaining your fitness goals or losing momentum. Fortunately, there are several smart ways we have perfected in order to stay fit while traveling, depending on your pace and budget.
Look for Multi-City Gym Chains
If you’re moving between multiple cities or even countries within a region, your best bet is to go with a budget-friendly gym chain that offers multi-location access. Brands like Anytime Fitness, Smart Fit, McFIT, and Jetts have hundreds of branches across cities (and often countries), allowing you to work out consistently without needing a new membership each time you change locations 🌐
Before signing up, check:
- If the chain offers nationwide or global access
- Whether day passes or short-term memberships are available
- If the membership requires contract commitments or initiation fees
- Whether you can pause or transfer your membership when moving to another country
👉 Pro Tip: Some chains offer memberships that give access to all their locations—perfect for nomads road-tripping or city-hopping in one country. (See our list in the next section)
Staying Longer? Go Local.
If you’re staying in one city for 2+ weeks or more, it might be more cost-effective to skip the big chains and find a local gym 📍 Many local gyms, especially in Latin America, Southeast Asia, or Eastern Europe offer:
- Weekly or bi-weekly memberships
- Unlimited class passes
- No initiation fees
- Cash discounts for walk-ins
You’ll often find these local spots on Google Maps, Facebook groups, or simply by walking around. Ask locals or your Airbnb host for recommendations—some of the best gyms are off the beaten path. You never know who might be able to get you in a gym for free as their friend!
Use Apps & Resources
Several apps and platforms can help you locate gyms with flexible access 📲
- ClassPass – available in many major cities worldwide; lets you drop in to gyms, studios, and classes on a credit-based system
- TrainAway – connects travelers to local gyms with short-term passes in over 40 countries
- GymBird – a directory for gyms that cater to travelers and offer short-term memberships
- Google Maps & Instagram – search “gym near me” or hashtags like #CangguGym or #LisbonFitness to find popular options
Talk to the Front Desk
Even if a gym doesn’t advertise short-term access, it never hurts to ask. Many will offer:
- A free trial
- A day or weekly pass (sometimes unlisted)
- A discount for paying in cash
Bringing a friendly attitude and explaining that you’re visiting short-term often opens doors.
Gym memberships with cross-country access
We want to start off by calling out some gyms and passes that can get you access to gyms in multiple countries. I cannot think of a better deal than that! Prices might vary, rules change quickly and conditions of access might vary, so please confirm the details on their respective websites.
| Name | Cross-Country Access | Region | Notes |
|---|
| Anytime Fitness | ✅ Yes | Worldwide | Global key fob access after 30 days |
| Snap Fitness | ✅ Yes | Worldwide | Global, but call ahead |
| McFIT | ✅ Yes | Western Europe | Easy access between countries |
| FitX | ✅ Yes | Germany (mostly) | Growing in Europe |
| Smart Fit | 🟡 Partial | Latin America | Country-wide, limited cross-border |
| Basic-Fit | ✅ Yes (Premium) | Netherlands + Europe | Multi-country with premium plan |
| ClassPass | ✅ Yes | Global (30+ countries) | Best for classes, not full gyms |
| Gympass | ✅ Yes (corporate) | Global | Requires employer plan |
Travel-friendly gym memberships (multi-city) by country
1. United States
Planet Fitness: With over 2,700 locations nationwide, Planet Fitness offers a “Black Card” membership that grants access to all its gyms. Memberships start at $15/month. I’ve used them a few times in the past, and they have decent facilities. I usually try to go to the newer locations, as equipment tends to be nicer!
LA Fitness: Operating over 600 locations across the U.S. and Canada, LA Fitness provides a nationwide access plan starting at $49.99/month, offering amenities like spacious workout areas and group classes.
Anytime Fitness: Known for its 24/7 access, Anytime Fitness has over 3,000 locations in the U.S. Members receive a key fob for convenient entry at any time.
Crunch Fitness: With more than 400 locations, Crunch offers memberships starting at $9.95/month, providing access to a variety of equipment and classes. Don’t fall into a trap without asking for all hidden fees. There is usually a joining fee and sometimes a gym maintenance fee as well!
2. Canada
GoodLife Fitness: As Canada’s largest gym chain, GoodLife offers memberships with access to over 250 locations nationwide.
Fit4Less: A budget-friendly option with locations across Canada, Fit4Less provides affordable memberships suitable for travelers.
3. Australia
Jetts Fitness: With numerous locations across Australia, Jetts offers 24/7 access and flexible membership options, making it convenient for travelers.
Anytime Fitness: Also present in Australia, Anytime Fitness provides 24/7 access to its gyms nationwide. (We tried them out, and it was a good deal!)
F45 Training: Originating in Australia, F45 has studios nationwide offering high-intensity group workouts. While memberships are typically location-specific, some studios may offer flexible options. (I have been waiting to try these out)
4. United Kingdom
PureGym: With nearly 400 locations across the UK, PureGym offers affordable, no-contract memberships, making it a convenient choice for travelers. Personally, I loved this gym. And their funky mechanism to enter and exit the gym.
The Gym Group: Operating over 240 gyms nationwide, The Gym Group provides flexible, low-cost memberships suitable for those on the move.
Hussle: This service offers access to various gyms across the UK through day passes and multi-gym memberships, providing flexibility for travelers.
5. Mexico
Smart Fit: A leading chain in Latin America, Smart Fit has numerous locations across Mexico, offering affordable memberships with access to multiple gyms.
Anytime Fitness: With a growing presence in Mexico, Anytime Fitness provides 24/7 access to its gyms.
6. Colombia
Smart Fit: Also prominent in Colombia, Smart Fit offers budget-friendly memberships with access to various locations nationwide.
Bodytech: A well-known chain in Colombia, Bodytech provides multi-city access with its memberships, catering to travelers.
7. Brazil
Smart Fit: Dominating the Brazilian market, Smart Fit offers extensive coverage with affordable plans, allowing access to multiple locations.
Selfit Academias: Another budget-friendly option, Selfit has numerous gyms across Brazil with flexible membership options.
8. Portugal
Fitness Hut: As one of Portugal’s largest chains, Fitness Hut offers affordable memberships with access to multiple locations, ideal for travelers.
Solinca: With gyms in various cities, Solinca provides flexible membership plans suitable for those on the move.
9. Spain
McFIT: Operating in several Spanish cities, McFIT offers low-cost memberships with access to all its locations. Another one that we liked!
VivaGym: With numerous gyms across Spain, VivaGym provides affordable, no-contract memberships ideal for travelers.
10. Germany
McFIT: As one of Germany’s largest gym chains, McFIT offers budget-friendly memberships with access to numerous locations nationwide.
FitX: With gyms in various German cities, FitX provides affordable memberships and 24/7 access.
11. Thailand
Fitness First: With multiple locations in Bangkok and other cities, Fitness First offers flexible membership options, including short-term passes suitable for travelers.
Jetts 24 Hour Fitness: Operating in Thailand, Jetts provides 24/7 access and flexible membership plans.
12. Indonesia
Celebrity Fitness: With gyms in Jakarta and other major cities, Celebrity Fitness offers various membership options, including short-term plans.
Fitness First: Present in Indonesia, Fitness First provides flexible membership options suitable for travelers.
13. Vietnam
California Fitness & Yoga: With locations in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and other cities, this chain offers various membership options, including short-term passes.
Elite Fitness: Operating in major Vietnamese cities, Elite Fitness provides flexible membership plans catering to travelers.
14. Philippines
Anytime Fitness: With numerous locations across the Philippines, Anytime Fitness offers 24/7 access, making it convenient for travelers. Roughly 45 USD/month we last checked.
Gold’s Gym: Operating in various cities, Gold’s Gym provides flexible membership options, including short-term passes.
15. Japan
Anytime Fitness: With over 900 locations nationwide, members enjoy 24/7 access. Membership fees vary by location.
Gold’s Gym: Provides access to various locations across Japan, with memberships starting at approximately ¥10,000/month.
16. South Africa
Virgin Active: Offers access to multiple locations across South Africa, with memberships starting at approximately ZAR 250-750. Remember, only the premium membership allows using the gyms in multiple locations.
Check out our blog post on the top destinations to work remotely and travel from!
Best at-home workouts
The beauty of at-home workouts is that you can stay fit with zero commute, minimal gear, and just a bit of floor space. Whether we’re in a studio apartment in Lisbon or a beach in Hawaii, these workouts get the job done for us.
I like to think of them in three main categories. Mixing and matching across these gives you variety, balance, and a better shot at actually sticking with it.
1. Strength & Calisthenics 💪
Great for building functional strength and keeping your muscles active without weights.
- BetterMe Calisthenics
Structured, progressive bodyweight workouts that grow with your ability. Daily sessions are short and efficient—perfect if you’re hopping cities. (This one has been kicking our ass recently) - MadFit Strength Routines (YouTube)
Apartment-friendly, low-impact bodyweight workouts focused on glutes, core, arms, and full-body burn.
👉 Pro Tip: Add a resistance band to level up these routines with barely any extra luggage.
2. Cardio & HIIT 💨
Good for energy boosts, burning off all that travel food, and getting your heart rate up in short bursts.
- Nike Training Club (NTC)
One of the best free apps out there. It has a solid library of short, high-intensity workouts that require no equipment. You can filter by time, intensity, and body part. - Pamela Reif Dance + HIIT Workouts (YouTube)
Great if you want quick, upbeat workouts. Her no-talking videos are perfect when you’re short on motivation.
3. Mobility, Flexibility & Recovery 🧘♂️
Essential when you’re sitting a lot, flying often, or working long hours at a laptop.
- YOGABODY by Lucas Rockwood
Known for deep, science-backed flexibility training. The “Science of Stretching” series is great for hips, back, and hamstrings. I love following Lucas, and I also got my wife hooked on to it. I have tight posterior chain, and all the stretches and poses help me so much with my back pain issues! - Down Dog App
Customize yoga sessions by level, time, and style. It even works offline—huge plus for slow Wi-Fi zones.
👉 Pro Tip: Stretching for 15 minutes in the morning is a game-changer when you’re jetlagged or stiff from travel. Or anytime during the day in order to get past that nasty back pain or relieve pressure on your sciatica.
How to stay accountable when traveling?
Staying fit while traveling isn’t just about access, it’s about mindset and momentum. When your environment changes every few weeks, routines get thrown off fast. Here are some practical hacks I’ve found that help me stay consistent (or at least, not completely fall off the wagon).
1. Set Minimums, Not Max Goals
You don’t need a 90-minute gym session to call it a win. On travel days or busy work weeks, my goal is just 15 minutes—a bodyweight circuit, some yoga, or even a walk. It’s about showing up, not showing off.
“Something is better than nothing” becomes a superpower when you’re changing cities every week.
2. Schedule Workouts Like Meetings
If you work remotely, your calendar is your command center. I block off a recurring workout slot—before my first meeting or after work—and treat it like a non-negotiable. No “I’ll do it later.” Later doesn’t exist when you’re exploring a new city or catching a bus. I also try to stick to the same time of day every day, as that consistency reinforces the habit.
3. Track Something—Anything
Whether it’s checking off workout days on a habit app or writing it down in a notes app, tracking builds momentum. After 3–4 checkmarks in a row, you don’t want to break the chain. Nerdy? Maybe. Effective? 100%.
4. Use a Portable Routine
Have a go-to no-equipment workout saved on your phone (push-ups, squats, planks, done). If you know exactly what you’re going to do, you’re way more likely to actually do it—especially when you’re jetlagged or staring at a tiny Airbnb floor. When I had dropped out of practice, I started with a 1000 push ups in 30 days challenge. It was surprisingly effective in jumpstarting my exercise routing!
5. Mix Travel with Movement
Hikes, beach runs, long walks through new neighborhoods—these totally count. Some of my best “workouts” on the road haven’t looked like workouts at all. I end up losing a few pounds every time we go on a trip longer than a month, because I walk so much every day!
6. Find a Temporary Fitness Buddy
This can be a partner, a friend on WhatsApp, or even someone you meet at a co-working space. Just saying, “Hey, I’m trying to work out 3x this week—ask me if I did it?” works wonders. If you are a couple, like us, hold each other accountable.
Final Thoughts
Over the past few years of working while traveling, we’ve come to realize that staying fit on the road isn’t about rigid routines – it’s about adaptability and small wins. Whether it’s a quiet stretch session in a tiny Airbnb, a sweaty gym visit in a new country, or just walking 15,000 steps while exploring a new city, it all counts. Some of my favorite memories now include things like discovering a quirky gym in Colombia or doing push-ups on a beach in Gold Coast before breakfast. Fitness while traveling isn’t just possible but it can be fun, memorable, and surprisingly motivating. The key is to make movement a natural part of your journey, not a chore you have to “fit in.”
