Everything you need to know about training while travelling — day passes, finding gyms, what to pack, etiquette, and more.
The fastest way is to use GymMaps — search by location, filter by equipment or martial arts discipline, and see day pass prices before you arrive. Alternatively, search "[city] + gym + day pass" on Google, or ask your hotel. Walking into gyms directly almost always works in tourist-heavy areas. Read our full guide on finding gyms on holiday.
A day pass (also called a drop-in or visitor pass) is a single-visit fee that lets you use a gym without a membership. Most independent gyms worldwide offer them. Day pass prices range from $3–8 in Southeast Asia up to $20–35 in major Western cities. Some budget chains do not offer day passes at all. See our complete guide to gym day passes abroad.
It varies heavily by chain and country. Independent gyms almost always offer day passes. Large commercial chains like PureGym, Planet Fitness, and many budget chains typically do not allow non-members to train. Premium chains like Virgin Active and David Lloyd sometimes allow day passes, especially at quieter locations. Always call ahead or check GymMaps before showing up.
No. Day passes exist specifically for travellers and visitors. In most countries, simply walk in and ask for a "day pass" or "visitor pass" at reception. Some gyms require you to fill in a waiver form. Bring your ID. A small number of private or members-only clubs do not accept visitors — GymMaps flags these.
Yes — GymMaps lets you filter by specific equipment types, brands, and categories. Looking for a squat rack in Lisbon, a Concept2 rower in Tokyo, or cable machines in Bali? Search by equipment to find gyms that have exactly what you need before you travel.
Rarely, unless you only need cardio or light resistance training. Most hotel gyms have limited free weights, no barbells, and inadequate equipment for serious training. Use GymMaps to find proper commercial or independent gyms nearby — in most cities there will be a decent gym within walking distance or a short taxi ride.
Prices vary enormously by country and gym tier. Southeast Asia is cheapest: Thailand ($3–8), Bali ($3–10), Vietnam ($2–6). Europe mid-range: Spain/Portugal ($8–18), Germany ($10–20), UK ($12–25). USA and Australia are most expensive at $15–35+ per visit. Our gym travel guide has a full day pass cost table by country.
Often yes, if you plan to train more than 3–4 times. Many gyms offer weekly or short-term memberships at a discount versus daily rates. Ask at reception — these are rarely advertised but almost always available. In Southeast Asia, some gyms offer unlimited monthly access for less than the cost of a week of day passes in Europe.
In Southeast Asia and parts of Latin America, negotiating or asking for a local rate is common and usually works — especially for longer stays. In Europe and North America, prices are typically fixed. Asking never hurts, but expect a firm price in Western countries.
It depends heavily on the region. Southeast Asian gyms typically have good free weight sections (dumbbells, barbells, squat racks) and basic cardio. Equipment brand quality varies. European commercial gyms usually have comprehensive setups including cable machines and plate-loaded equipment. US gyms often have the widest range. Niche equipment (specialty bars, reverse hypers, GHDs) is rare outside dedicated strength gyms. Check GymMaps kit lists before you visit.
Not universally. Chalk is banned at most commercial gyms worldwide, particularly budget chains. Weightlifting gyms, CrossFit boxes, and dedicated strength facilities typically allow or provide it. Liquid chalk is a widely accepted alternative that avoids most chalk bans — it leaves no dust and dries quickly.
Essentials: padlock for lockers, flip flops for showers, dedicated gym shoes (some gyms require clean non-marking soles), microfibre towel (many gyms require one), and a water bottle. For serious training: wrist wraps, lifting belt, and any specialist equipment your gym back home may not have — gyms abroad rarely lend these. Read our guide on staying consistent at the gym while travelling.
Yes, with some restrictions. Powders in containers over 350ml may face additional screening in certain countries. Liquid supplements follow standard liquids rules (under 100ml in carry-on). Pre-measured servings in bags can look suspicious — keep supplements in labelled original containers. Read our full guide on flying with supplements through airport security.
Significant ones: Japan bans visible tattoos in most gyms and expects silence during training. Germany strictly prohibits filming in many gyms. South Korea requires separate indoor training shoes. The US has a more social gym culture — offering to "work in" on equipment is standard. Brazil has a highly social gym environment, more like a social club. Read the full breakdown: gym etiquette around the world.
It depends entirely on the country and gym. Germany: often strictly banned. Japan: generally not acceptable. US and UK: widely accepted in most commercial gyms. Southeast Asia: generally tolerated, especially in tourist-area gyms. Always check the gym's policy before setting up a camera. Filming other members without consent is universally unacceptable.
Yes — Japan is the most well-known example. Many gyms and public bathhouses (onsen) in Japan prohibit visible tattoos due to historical associations with organised crime. This is strictly enforced. If you have visible tattoos, look for gyms specifically marketing to international visitors, or use hotel gyms. Coverage with sleeves or compression garments is sometimes accepted but not guaranteed.
GymMaps lets you filter by martial arts discipline — search for Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, Boxing, wrestling, and more across 10+ disciplines. You can also filter by specific equipment like heavy bags, mat space, and boxing rings. Phuket, Thailand is the world's most popular destination for Muay Thai — read our Phuket gym guide for a full breakdown.
Yes — most Muay Thai camps, especially in Thailand, welcome complete beginners with drop-in sessions. Classes are typically structured so all levels train together, with the coach adjusting technique instruction per student. No experience or gear is needed; camps provide gloves and wraps. Expect to pay roughly 300–600 THB (~$8–18) per session in Phuket.
For Muay Thai: gloves (8–16oz), hand wraps, mouth guard, and shorts. Most camps provide gloves and wraps for beginners, but having your own is more hygienic. For BJJ: a gi (most academies rent or lend to visitors) or no-gi shorts and rash guard. MMA gyms typically provide most gear for trial sessions. Bring your own mouth guard regardless — camps rarely provide these.
Yes, at reputable gyms. Established Muay Thai camps and BJJ academies have structured classes with experienced coaches who match training partners by skill level. Avoid small unofficial gyms without qualified coaches. Check reviews on GymMaps before visiting. Let the coach know your experience level at the start of every session.
Plan ahead — find your gym before you arrive using GymMaps, not the morning of. Treat gym time as a fixed commitment like a meeting. Be flexible with timing: if your usual 6am session is impossible due to travel, train midday or evening instead. Accept that your routine will adapt — the goal is to maintain the habit and stimulus, not replicate your home gym exactly. Read more: staying consistent at the gym while travelling.
Don't try to push through heavy training in the first 24–48 hours after a long-haul flight. Use the first day for light movement — a walk, mobility work, or an easy cardio session. Hydrate heavily. Adjust your sleep schedule to local time as fast as possible. Once you're adjusted (usually 2–3 days), your training performance will return to normal.
Yes, if you train consistently and eat enough protein. The main challenge is protein intake — prioritise local protein-rich foods (meat, fish, eggs, legumes) and use a protein powder if needed. Unfamiliar equipment and gym layouts are temporary obstacles; focus on compound movements available in most gyms and adapt rep ranges if necessary.
Treat it as an opportunity. Most exercises have a close substitute: if there's no cable machine, use dumbbells or resistance bands; if there's no leg press, use a barbell squat or hack squat. The muscle doesn't care what equipment you use — it responds to tension and fatigue. GymMaps equipment lists let you check what a gym has before you arrive so you can plan your session accordingly.
GymMaps is an app for finding gyms and martial arts studios worldwide. It shows community-verified equipment lists, day pass prices, opening hours, ratings, reviews, and photos so you can check out a gym before you arrive. Available on iOS and Android.
Yes — GymMaps is free to download and use. You can search gyms, view equipment lists, see pricing, and read reviews at no cost.
Open GymMaps, tap the "+" button, and fill in the gym's details. Community submissions are reviewed before going live. You earn points for adding gyms, verifying equipment, and contributing to listings.
The Fitness Passport is a feature in GymMaps that lets you collect unique stamps from each gym you visit. Every gym you train at earns a stamp in your passport. It's a way to track your training journey and explore new gyms worldwide.
Download GymMaps and find gyms, equipment lists, and day pass prices wherever you go.
More questions? hello@gymmaps.app