There's nothing like a vacation to relax and restore you. Unfortunately, days of lounging while sipping tropical drinks and eating every meal out can pack on pounds faster than you can say "Bon voyage." Who can pass up a sweet, fruity concoction by the pool or an ice cream cone after a day the beach? Not me! Luckily, there are a few wise ways to stay healthy and still have fun on your holiday. Use these tips on your next getaway, and you'll return slimmer and less stressed.

Choose your treats wisely
No vacation would be complete without digging into a local specialty, whether it's a lobster roll on Cape Cod or key lime pie in Key West. But rather than downing the delicious regional delicacies every chance you get, have one splurge a day and stick to lighter fare--such as salads and soups--for the majority of your meals. You can also dig into the lowest-calorie foods on your plate first so you fork up fewer high-fat bites.

Educate yourself on eateries
While you read up on sights you want to see, sleuth out some spots to dine at, too. Search online: Sites like RoadFood.com list local restaurants nationwide according to cuisine (including vegetarian and health food) and provide reviews and links to their websites (many list menus). Plot your course before you leave home so you'll always have healthy options to choose from. Even better: Decide your meal in advance to avoid impulse ordering.

Suss out serving sizes
Once you find a spot to eat, spend some time doing a little restaurant reconnaissance and you'll avoid being served a sandwich the size of your suitcase. You know what to expect in terms of portion sizes from your local diner, but when you're away from home, all bets are off! Check out what other diners have ordered to see how sizeable the helpings are--and whether you need to order an appetizer or split an entree with your pal. And don't be shy about asking to substitute sides of veggies or greens for fries.

Bust a move
When you leave home, you also desert all the laundry, housework and errands. Time off from work means there are no meetings to attend or email to answer (if you're smart enough to give your BlackBerry a vacation, too). That translates into considerably fewer responsibilities and more minutes for you. Use that down time to amp up your exercise. Aim for one calorie-burning (and fun!) activity in your itinerary each day, such as snorkeling, kayaking or even hula classes, and shoot for a manageable 30 minutes.

Pack your breakfast
Eating a healthy A.M. meal every day stokes your metabolism, keeps your energy up and helps prevent the sugar swings that make you more susceptible to pig-outs. And make sure it has some protein--an egg-and-veggie burrito is a good choice--which will keep you feeling full longer. You can also stash a packet of instant oatmeal in your bag (you can find hot water almost anywhere) and pair it with a glass of skim milk for a hit of filling protein.

Find a room with a fridge
Or even better, a kitchen! You might pay more for the accommodations, but you'll avoid dropping a bundle in restaurants and gain control over your calorie intake. Make a grocery store your first stop after check-in and pick up healthy bites such as almonds, fruit, lowfat yogurt, carrots, hummus, skim milk and high-fiber cereal (find one with at least 5 grams of fiber and no more than 5 g sugar per 100 calories). It's easier to watch what you eat when you're in charge of the menu. If you're in a real time crunch, many convenience stores and even gas station food marts stock smart options such as fruit, nuts or energy bars.

Check your watch
When you're in a different time zone, it's easy to lose track of your eating because you'll be hungry at odd times. Set your watch to local time and move your meals to match, so you eat regularly during your trip. To prevent hunger swings and energy lows, try not to let more than four to five hours go by between eating stints.

Order room service
Surprise! This seemingly indulgent option may be your best bet. Menus tend to be limited and more expensive, so there is less temptation to overorder. Choose salads, fruit plates and other fare that's lighter on your waistline--and your wallet.

Nab more tips on smart nibbling at home or on the road at Self.com's Healthy Bites blog.