It's vacation time, and you're ready to relax. However, for many people, an unfamiliar bed or diet can cause restlessness instead. Don't let a few days away from home wreak havoc on your daily routine. Keep these tips in mind to feel good and stay healthy on the road.

1. Avoid too much sun, which can cause skin cancer and other skin damage. Use sunscreen with a sun-protective factor (SPF) rating of 15 or higher, and reapply after being in water. Shade the eyes and face with a hat, and wear sunglasses.
2. Keep your medicine with you. Put it in your carry-on bags.
3. Move around. Get up and walk around the train, plane, boat, etc., one time per hour for a few minutes or longer. If driving, get out of the car and move around for five or more minutes. Sitting for long periods of time can hinder your digestion, circulation and flexibility and cause your feet to swell.
4. Exercise. Make time to accumulate 30 minutes of moderately intense aerobic exercise at least three times per week.
5. Support your back. Ask the hotel for a king-size bed because they are usually firmer and in better condition. Adjust seat while traveling to maintain proper back and head support.
6. Eat right and drink water. To reduce the risk of developing indigestion, eat new foods in moderation during active times of the day, not at night. When traveling by air, minimize your intake of alcoholic and caffeinated beverages; both can dehydrate you.
7. Plan ahead. If you suffer from motion sickness, avoid heavy meals and alcohol before traveling.
8. Avoid muscle strain. Pack two smaller suitcases rather than a single large one. Also, buy suitcases on wheels that have pull handles or straps.
9. Be prepared. When you travel to areas where you are a visitor, carry a written summary of your personal health history, your immunization history, a list of your current medications by brand and generic name, a list of any of the medical problems from which you suffer, a list of any drugs you may be allergic to, your physician's name and telephone number and the name and phone number of a relative or friend to contact in case of a medical emergency.
10. Don't let jet lag get you down. Try to diminish the effects of jet lag by shifting your sleep/wake cycle to the new time in advance of travel, making appropriate food choices and spending time outdoors during your first few days after arrival.