For most people, a holiday is a time for total relaxation and to indulge on tasty treats.

But if you're on a slim down and worried about undoing all of your hard work on holiday then there's plenty you can do to make sure your diet doesn't completely derail.

Of course, it's all a balancing act because you should enjoy yourself too.

But if you make some simple changes then you can keep weight gain to a minimum.

Here are a few tips.

1. Swap a bus tour for a walking tour

How many calories you burn during exercise is different for everyone, but one hour of walking can burn around 200 calories. So that's about two gin and tonics in holiday speak.

2. Swim it off

If you have a swimming pool at your hotel, an hour's swim can burn 500 calories. We're not suggesting you go all out for an hour but if you break it up into three manageable 20 minute sessions throughout the day then you've soon burned off enough for that ice cream.

3. Forget the fast-food at the airport and service stations

We reckon the holiday begins as soon as you begin the journey. But celebrating with a boozy meal means you're loading up the calories before you've even stepped on the plane. Indulge in a celebratory meal or a boozy tipple, but not both.

Better yet, take a healthy meal with you. It'll save you money too.

4. Skip the salad dressing

Yes, a salad is a decent choice if you're calorie concious. But the salad dressing can ruin your good intentions.

5. Make a choice

Holidays are all about treats. But if you're concerned about over-indulging then decide where to splurge. If you fancy some cocktails one day, skip dessert. If you've got a hankering for something sweet, choose soft drinks instead.

6. Drink plenty of water

We're told to drink plenty of water every day. But when we're in hot weather it's easy to become dehydrated so it's even more important. Sometimes hunger can be mistaken for thirst too, so stay hydrated to avoid this.

7. Choose somewhere with a kitchen

If you haven't booked yet, then there's still time to go self-catered. This means you'll be able to keep calories to a minimum because you're in control of your meals.

8. Don't crash diet

Don't crash diet before your holiday. It'll only make you overeat when you do go away.

9. Plan ahead

If you're heading out for the day, pack a healthy picnic so you won't be tempted with unhealthy food when you're hungry. Or, if you know you'll be having the works at dinner then make a healthier choice at breakfast.