The frequency at which our Global Traveler readers travel is astonishing to the average American. The logistics of travel alone is enough to keep many home or within driving distance of their vacation destinations. Packing your bags for 32 trips annually is unimaginable to the vast majority.

What our readers know, that others may not, is that there are many tips picked up along the way to make travel smoother and more enjoyable. With practice, frequent travelers move seamlessly from home to their destinations without missing a beat.

One of my personal travel challenges has always been maintaining my exercise schedule while on the road. While travel often offers delectable dining opportunities, my fitness program always seems to take a back seat. This starts the moment I open my small suitcase and begin to pack. My sneakers are the first to go in and instantly fill what appears to be half of my overall luggage space. In this moment, I begin running my itinerary through my head and estimating what time, if any, I will have to exercise. Usually, out of guilt, the shoes make the cut, though they are instantly a source of resentment as other accessories are forced to stay behind.

So imagine my excitement when a colleague shared a tip with me during a recent trip to Dubai. She bought a pair of minimalist running shoes for the purpose of travel. She keeps them in her luggage, and they take up only a fraction of the space that a cushioned running shoe would. It never occurred to me that, while my ideal shoe has more support, what I bring for a week of travel workouts is overkill.

Now I am on a mission to purchase my own “travel running shoes.” The top contenders are Asics Blur 33, Saucony Kinvara 3, Nike Free Run +3, and Adidas Climacool Seduction.

I head out to the stores this week to explore my options and will report back on the winning pair. If you have any suggestions of the best brand to buy, please send them my way!

— Danielle Hudena, director of sales and marketing