Avoiding Weight Gain During Travel: Tips for Staying in Shape On the Road, By Guest Contributors, NAPSA

Some folks bring home unwanted souvenirs from a trip extra weight. One traveler says he brings an extra three pounds, settling in on the hips after traveling. Junk food, gourmet dining, glasses of wine and desserts all add to great fun, but several travelers pay for it when the buttons don't button and the zippers don't zip.

There is no silver bullet to beat the weight, however there are some traveling fitness tips you can incorporate during your travels to help you maintain your weight.

* Pack exercise clothes as a source of motivation - Seeing the clothes makes you feel guilty for slacking off while traveling, and you almost have to find some sort of physical activity to burn those calories.

* Walk around to the local sites and shops as much as possible - This is a great way to get out of the hotel and on your feet, plus you get to explore the places you are traveling.

* Use the hotel gym - If the hotel does not have a gym, try to find a gym close by and walk there. Make the gym a daily part of your life, while traveling and at home. Plan your day accordingly and exercise for at least 30 minutes and you will be able to stay in shape.

* Plan your meals ahead of time - Even though you're traveling, that doesn't give you a free pass to deviate from your diet. Always eat breakfast in order to jumpstart your metabolism, and eat at least one piece of fruit and some sort of protein rather than just grabbing a cup of coffee and heading out the door. This will not only help your diet, but you will also feel better on your traveling adventures.

* Carry A Snack - After breakfast, be sure to always carry some sort of healthy snack, like unsalted peanuts, to keep you satisfied during the day Eat a healthy lunch and try to eat a later lunch so that you will eat a lighter dinner. Also, avoid alcoholic beverages and the desserts, no matter how tempting they look.

Incorporating these tips into your daily routine could help you to stay slim and fit while traveling, making those buttons easier to button and the zippers easier to zip.