Just in Time for You Vacationers...

The winter season is the perfect time for many to get away, with kids out winter breaks and with adults having some left over time off, not to mention you snow birds can get to warmer weather!  This is the time of year to go visit many of the different tourist attractions across the country and get some R & R so you can make it through the harsh winter months a little easier. However, all this travel can wreak havoc on anyone who's trying to stay healthy and fit while on the go. I mean, you can't pack any treadmills or dumbbells in your suitcase, so how is a constant traveler going to stay fit while on vacation or traveling? Well, here are some easy tips that will help you avoid any extra travel weight on the way home:

• First things first- realize that you aren't going to be able to do your normal workout away from the gym you go to. It's best to aim for just half of your normal workout routine, and by doing that you'll be able to get enough accomplished by doing half instead of trying to do the full schedule and missing out completely.
• Be a planner. You planned the rest of your vacation, so why not plan the fitness that will go into it. See what kind of gym your hotel has (if they have one at all) and other accommodations that will help you plan your workout the way you want it. Locating local gyms near you is also a big help.
• Use the vacation to your fitness advantages by going on a "fitness vacation". If there's something on your vacation about hiking up a tall mountain or swimming in the ocean take it on. If you're walking a lot then take that into consideration too. Just because you're on vacation doesn't mean you can't be active.
• Heading someplace tropical? Well, then do some workouts in the pool to stay cool. Water aerobics are a great way to stay healthy and fit while taking a dip. Even water walking can keep you in shape without you even noticing it.
• Most importantly, just because you're on vacation doesn't mean you can eat whatever you want, so eat right when on vacation! Stick to your diets and how you would eat at home. Obviously have a little fun (I mean you are on vacation), but most of the time order food that is good for you and that you know is healthy. Do that and you'll come home the same way you left.

Going on vacation is one of the best experiences of anyone's year. It allows you to relax, get some rest, and enjoy some place that is different and more exotic then where you come from. It shouldn't be a time where everything you worked for health-wise gets thrown out the window, so be smart and remember just because you're away from home doesn't mean you can take a vacation from being fit and healthy!