It’s true…when traveling, calories are still calories. Unfortunately, the increase in temptation, long days and lack of routine can push you to make poor food and exercise choices. Here are some tips to help keep you healthy and fit on your next vacation.

Pack the goods. Having healthy snacks like fruit, veggies and nuts on hand can go a long way and they are a much better choice than the street vendor or fast food joint on the corner.

Snack often. There are times when traveling that it’s easy to lose track of time and forget to eat, which means your blood sugar can suffer and open a world of other problems. Don’t let yourself get hungry and have a snack.

Plan your meals. Even if you bring snacks, take time to know the area and your dinner options. It’s never a good idea to wait too long to eat. By the time your stomach starts growling you will most likely agree to eat anything. Make it a point to choose an eating establishment long before mealtime and, better yet, take a peek at the menu so you already have your healthy meal picked out.

Eat like you’re at home. This is the most challenging task of all when on the road when we’re frequently lured by bottomless buffets, fried food filled menus and fat-laden desserts. Try your best to maintain a consistent healthy eating pattern by skipping food items described as crispy, creamy, crunchy and sinful.

Use your feet. Taking the stairs or walking to an attraction can burn extra calories and help keep you feeling good as you explore new destinations.

Utilize the fitness center. Most hotels, like Homewood Suites, have an onsite gym. Keeping up with your regular fitness routine can be the most important thing you do to keep yourself fit and it will do wonders for the scale during a week of treating yourself to ice cream cones and theme park corndogs. But most of all, it will help you return home without any extra body baggage.