When you're on a vacation, it is very tempting to simply throw caution to the wind and forget all about eating healthy. While you may be trying your hardest to stick to a healthy diet, it can be hard to resist grabbing an ice cream cone or two while you're on vacation. It's important to remember, however, that the key to successful healthy eating is to stick to it no matter what — and that includes even when you're on vacation.

You can try watching what you eat when you're on vacation. Just because you're away from home and not able to prepare healthy meals for yourself and your family doesn't mean you should forget about eating healthy until you are back home. These days, you will find many restaurants and even airline companies offering vegetarian meals.

If you're driving to your destination, it can be a little challenging to eat healthy, but it's not impossible. For instance, instead of settling for the greasy foods served at most fast food places today, bring your ice cooler with you and pack it with nutrition foods such as crackers, fruits and vegetables, sandwiches, and yogurt.

At your hotel, avoid the minibar. If you get a free continental breakfast, stick to fruits and cereals. Stay away from the doughnuts and pastries. If you have a microwave in your hotel room, you can bring with you microwavable food from home.

What if you have to eat out? Make sure you eat only when you are truly hungry. Most people tend to eat even when they are still full. Be careful at restaurants and buffets. Most of them typically serve large portions. If you end up eating a huge meal, resolve to cut back on your next one. If your meal is too large for you to eat in one sitting, ask for a takeout box. You can eat half of your meal later.

If it's difficult for you to eat three full meals a day while you're on vacation, see if you can fit in six small meals or snacks. If you're eating out, skip the appetizers.

If possible, it's best if you don't eat a large meal at night. When your body is getting ready to rest and sleep, it starts burning calories a little slower. So avoid eating bread or foods that have a lot of calories three or four hours before bed. If you must eat dinner, have a small meal. Go with fish or poultry rather than meat.

It may sound difficult but you can stick to a healthy diet even when you're on vacation. You simply need to have some determination. You'll need to skip the foods you know are not healthy for you and will only cause you to get off your healthy eating habit.