If there is one thing most of us DON'T want to include on our vacation, it's the same boring workout we do at home. We're at the beach/ski slopes/new city/resort, and all we want to do is kick back with our favorite food, drink, or book of choice.

But if you don't work out while on vacation, you'll lose all the progress you've made, and you may come home a few pounds heavier. Dig deep and find the motivation to drive yourself to get a good workout, even if it's the last thing you want to do. Once you're fully motivated, you've come to the easy part: finding the time.

Here are a few ways to fit your workout into your vacation:

• Go to the beach -- And this doesn't mean go to lounge around all day. Instead, go to the beach and play some beach volleyball or soccer, or get in the water for body surfing, surfing, or good old-fashioned swimming. By the time you sit down with your book and beer/cocktail, you'll have earned it!
• Do it first thing in the morning -- The last thing you want to do is wake up early, but that may be the key to staying motivated. Early in the morning, your brain hasn't had time to talk you out of the gym. Don't set the alarm to go off too early, but don't sleep in either. Make it a priority to hit the gym first thing in the AM, and you'll enjoy your breakfast a whole lot more.
• Make your daily activities active -- If you don't want to waste an hour of your vacation day working out at the gym, choose an activity that is active and gets your heart beating. For example, take a jungle hike, or go whitewater rafting. Take a surf class, climb a mountain, or run with the bulls. The more active your daily activities, the easier it is to get in a workout without having to "work out".
• Walk all day -- Instead of taking a cab around town, use your own two feet to get around. It will burn a lot of calories and will be great cardio. Plus, you'll find hidden gems that you would never have stumbled across riding in a car or taxi.
• Do it at night --Want to make sure you sleep well every night? Instead of starting your day with an epic workout, end it with one. You can hit the pool to swim laps after all the kids have gone to bed, or use the hotel/resort gym when there is no one else to occupy the machines. After a good workout, your shower, and a cold beer/tropical drink will be the most wonderful thing in the world.
• Use your membership -- If you're a member of Gold's Gym, 24-Hour Fitness, or another gym franchise, your membership will be valid wherever there is a franchise. You'll be right at home in any city in North America (and even some in Europe). In fact, many gyms have membership arrangements with other overseas chains.
• Don't leave your hotel room until you're done --This can be an easy way to make sure you get in a workout. You can do a basic Hotel Room Workout (all bodyweight exercises: pull-ups, push-ups, squats, lunges, etc.), and make sure that you complete the workout (for time as well as for sets/reps) before you leave the room.

Follow this advice, and you'll have no problem fitting in a good workout no matter where you travel for vacation.