Going on a nice vacation is something everyone looks forward to. This is that one time each year when you and your family can get away from the hustle and bustle of every day life for a week or two and just relax , enjoying your time together somewhere other than at home. But just because you can take it easy during this pleasant little break from the rat race doesn't mean that you want to overindulge in all the fine local cuisine and bring back an extra 10 pounds as a souvenir of your trip.

Of course you will want to try some of the fine foods that will be available. Your vacation wouldn't be as enjoyable if you totally deprived yourself of those pleasures along with everything else you will be experiencing. Besides, you will probably be a little more active with all the sight seeing and various activities going on meaning you will be burning off a few extra calories along the way. But, you still don't want to get too reckless and go off on eating tangents and take in far more calories than you can burn off.

Here are a few strategies to take with you on your vacation to help you avoid excess weight gain but still be able to have a good time just the same.

When you are ready to book your trip, try to book a motel room that has a kitchen and write out a grocery list. Studies have shown that people who eat out more often are more likely to gain weight. A large part of the reason is because restaurants give you near twice the portion sizes than you really need in one sitting. Also, restaurants tend to fill you up with hidden calories often disguised as flavor enhancers. If you plan to cook two of your major meals in your motel room and eat only one major meal out, you will spare a lot of extra calories and the money you will save not eating out for every meal will make up the extra cost for the room with the kitchen.

If you are flying, try to eat something before you go to the airport. This way you can avoid getting hungry and eating hot dogs or pastries or some other fattening food while you are waiting to board your flight. If you are driving, plan to bring some low-fat snacks with you in the car. Eat one