You're going away on vacation. Does this mean you have to leave your good exercise habits behind? No way! In fact, just the opposite is true. This change of scenery can often provide exciting opportunities for trying new exercises in interesting places. So remember, when you're packing for your next trip, don't forget to bring along your workout clothes!

Here are some tips for how to keep up with your exercise routine, even when you are on the go:

• Walk whenever you have the opportunity. Take a walking tour of the city you're visiting. You can learn a lot and get a great workout.

• Try to stay at hotels that have fitness centers.

• USE the hotel fitness center!

• Bring along an exercise DVD in case you have access to a DVD player.

• Find out if your hotel has free passes for any local fitness centers.

• Bring a jump rope with you. It takes up little space and is a great aerobic workout.

When exercising, follow these general guidelines:

• Warm-up — Move around lightly for 3-5 minutes. You can march in place, or walk up and down the halls a few times.

• Stretching — Ease into the stretch and hold for 20-30 seconds.

• Strengthening — Try these exercises to help strengthen key muscles.

  • Push-ups: Lie on floor with hands slightly outside chest and shoulders. Keep knees on floor. Press up with arms until elbows are almost straight. Do not hold your breath.

  • Abdominal Crunches: Lie on back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Cross arms across chest. Slowly lift head and shoulders off of floor until your shoulder blades come off the floor. Slowly lower yourself back to the starting position.

• Aerobic Exercise — Briskly walk, swim, bike, jump, etc., at a somewhat hard pace for 20-30 minutes. Remember to cool down for 3-5 minutes after your workout!

Try these simple exercises. They're perfect for a small space, like a hotel room.

Sit-ups: Lie on your back with your knees bent and heels about a foot away from your buttocks. Place your arms across your chest and slowly curl up until the middle of your back is off the floor. Be careful not to strain your neck. Return to original position and repeat.

Leg curls: Stand upright, using a chair or other stationary object for balance. Slowly bend one leg as far up as is comfortable. Then slowly lower foot to floor. Repeat with other leg.

Elbow extensions: Stand with your knees slightly bent. Hold your hands together above your head (use light weights if you have them with you). Slowly bend your elbows and lower your hands behind your shoulders until your arms are completely bent. Slowly push your arms back to the initial position. Repeat.