In less than a week I’ll be sipping a fruity drink and basking in the sunny warmth of the sun on a tropical island (completely slathered in sunscreen, of course) and I can’t wait. Getting away right now is exactly what I need. With the kids back in school I’ve had every bug they’ve brought home—and with three kids, they all get a slightly different version of the virus. Lucky me, I get a chance to experience every mutation.

I plan to go away armed with the books I meant to read this past summer and a supply of health-boosting supplements. My goal is to come back healthy, relaxed, rested and not a single pound heavier than when I left. I’m pretty sure I can do the rested and relaxed part, but it’s the weight gain that might be tricky.

It’s hard not to want to indulge in all the delicious foods when you are away on holidays—the fruity drinks alone can send your calorie count through the roof. My goal is to put into practice some of the great tips I’ve learned from various health experts. In an upcoming issue we have a story on how to avoid gaining weight and getting sick while cruising. There are some great ideas and strategies from both the writer, who worked onboard a cruise ship, a registered dietitian and a doctor of travel medicine. I’ve digested all of them and I’ve got an action plan. I know when to hit the dining room so I avoid overeating, I’ve learned what the best time to workout is to get every machine to myself (and possibly a great view) and I’m even getting my shots topped up so I can avoid getting sick. I’m all set; I’ll let you know how it goes.

If you have any tried-and-true strategies you employ to avoid overdoing it at the buffet or to keep from getting sick when travelling, I’d like to read about them.

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