With 2017 rapidly coming to a close and 2018 soon upon us (maybe I'll do this workout again to celebrate the New Year), it is time to take one last trip to bid farewell to what has been an action packed year. On December 20th, I’ll head out to Europe for a month with my mom and my brother. I am looking forward to being back on the continent and especially about returning to one of my favorite cities in the world and former hometown for a year, Berlin, Germany. Below is a list of 10 things that I am bringing with me (and all fit travelers) need on their next adventure:

1. Quest Bars

Protein bars are a must for an athletic nomad since you never know what the food situation may be in a certain country or maybe you have to take a night bus with limited options. Quest bars has been one of  the top selling protein bar brands since they were introduced back in 2010. With over 20 grams of protein and 10 grams of fiber, you really can not go wrong with Quest bars. For my trips, I like to get a variety of flavors, but you really can’t go wrong with Rocky Road or Raspberry White Chocolate.

2. Elastic Bands

A wise man, Anthony Molina, once told me, “Plan ahead or plan to fail.” Staying fit while traveling is hard, but elastic bands make it easy to get a challenging workout anywhere I am in the world. Their light weight, packing friendly design and bag allow me to fit them in my carry on bag.

3. Jump Rope

Similar to my elastic bands, a jump rope is a must for me. You can turn a hostel game room, bus waiting area, or the street into your very own HIIT paradise. You might get some crazy looks, but I believe it is more people saying, “Wow, good on that guy for staying fit while he travels. I am making sure to go out and get my jump rope next time I travel.” Besides, it is always a great conversation starter and you can make friends with locals by playing different jump rope games such as Snake In The Grass.

4. Nutrizone Supps/Shakers

First of all, big shout out to Nutrizone for keeping my supplement game on point. The Montreal-based supplement store has some of the lowest prices in the city and some of the most knowledgeable staff I’ve met! Seriously, check them out! With that being said, pack whatever supps you take in a plastic Ziplock bag so you can take your health with you! It is easy to get off track, but take 10 minutes to get everything in order and put them somewhere that is easily accessible. I like to put my supplements like CLA and Whey Protein in the smallest pocket of my backpack so I can take them at anytime.

5. Binoculars

One thing a lot of people don’t know about me is that I am a huge nerd and I love birdwatching. I bring my binoculars almost everywhere I go, especially in South America, to see some amazing birds. I am most definitely bringing them on this trip to check out the Swiss Alps and see if I can see any cool hawks or owls. I have a small black 8268 ACULON Nikon pair that I highly recommend. Nothing fancy, but you would be surprised how often I use my binoculars for non-birdwatching reasons.

6. Canon G7x

One of my big goals for 2018 is to start doing more Vlog/Youtube videos. I decided what better way to start creating more video content than vlogging some of my Europe trip. I am not sure exactly what it will produce, but either way it should be fun and lead to some crazy experiences. Maybe vlog in different gyms I go to? Would love to hear some thoughts in the comments about what you guys want to see. Either way, I look forward to getting the Canon G7x. I did some big research on this camera and from what I can see, this is the way to go in terms of being portable and vlogging.

7. City Mapper

Ever since I studied abroad in Berlin in 2015, I have trusted my navagational needs to City Mapper. I find City Mapper has the most variety of citys and they make it simple to download offline maps and timetables for buses and trains. That being said, I have not experimented too much with other city map apps, but City Mapper is and will always be my day 1.

8. Travel Size Toiletries

Ahh toiletries...Dealing with the different size requirements for your toiletries can be a big hassle, but have no fear because travel size toiletries are a thing. I usually grab two of pretty much everything from mouthwash to toothpaste to bodywash. Obviously, if you are staying in a place for a while or roaming on a longer trip, you can stock up, but to start off travel size toiletries are amazing.

9. Travel Shirt

If you know me, you know how (in)famous the travel shirt is. The red flannel shirt from J Crew has been with me in every country, across every continent that I have traveled to. I am a firm believer that the travel shirt is absolutely necessary. No matter how experienced you are as a traveler, you will always miss home at some point. Having a travel shirt is great to give you some sort of comfort and familiarity in a foreign land. So, go ahead, and pack that high school “Sen12ors” shirt. Whatever makes you happy :)

10. CarryOnTravelFitness Workout Plan

Swamped with finals, holidays, or life in general? Don’t feel like making workouts before you travel? Let me do the hard work for you! Half of the problem of staying fit while on the road is being organized, creating workouts before you leave, and sticking to a plan. I’ll help you create a customized workout schedule that fits your time, travel plans, and fitness goals. What better way to learn to stay fit while traveling from someone who does it as a career! To add some holiday spirit to everything, I am doing 50% off workout plans for the month of December. Yes, 50% OFF. Message me on Facebook, Instagram, or email to get started today!

Where are you guys traveling this holiday season? What are you bringing with you? Comment below!