If holiday travel plans will be keeping you far from the gym and exercise equipment this season, you'll need to come up with some creative ways to stay buff while on the road. While some hotels will have a fitness center on site, you may not have time to coordinate your schedule to keep up with your usual workout routine. Fear not, there is a way to stay fit without sabotaging your travel itinerary. Here are some easy ways to stay fit when you hit the road for the holidays:

1. Incorporate walking into your schedule. Whether you start off the day with a walk with family, or head out after lunch or dinner for a brisk walk around the block, get into the habit of walking off a few calories each day to keep your heart and mind healthy. Walking is a no-fuss workout routine that can help you stay in great shape all season long. Plus, it's a fun activity to do with friends and family. Just pack a good pair of walking shoes and you'll be ready to go.

2. Pack a set of resistance bands. If you know you're going to be stuck at a hotel for a few days, add some strengthening and toning sessions into your day with a set of resistance bands. Resistance bands can be used in a myriad of ways to tighten and tone core muscle groups, and they can be easily packed into your suitcase or tote for the long haul.

3. Do yoga in the morning and/or before bed. Deep yoga stretches will help you stay toned and limber throughout the season, and yoga exercises can help to increase circulation and reduce stress. Undertake a yoga session each morning or evening during your holiday travels to better manage your day and enjoy some much-needed exercise.

Staying buff and trim during the holiday season can be a challenge, and when you're traveling a lot, you may not be putting exercising at the top of your agenda. Integrate some of these exercises into your travel plans so you can stay in great shape through the holidays, and beyond.

When the day is full of to-do lists and high stress levels, squeezing in a workout may be the last thing on your mind. Unfortunately, skimping on the workouts can quickly turn into a lifestyle that leads to weight gain, poor muscle tone and low energy levels. One of the easiest ways to combat the inevitable is to add just 20 to 30 minutes of focused exercises into your day. Still not convinced you can do it? Pick up some resistance bands and you'll be well on your way!

Resistance bands are easy to pack and stow away in your desk at the office, and you can use them virtually anywhere. They're a convenient alternative to dumbbells and you can still get a great workout from a few reps using major muscle groups. These bands look like giant rubber bands and come in an array of colors. You can tie them to a doorknob to turn your door into an instant weight-training machine, step down on them and lift them over your head to imitate the movements of an overhead press, or use them to perform more challenging squats and lunges.

Resistance bands are lightweight and portable, so plan to tote these along in your tote bag or work bag with ease. You can use the simple variety that are just basic bands, or go for the premium type that include safety straps (so you don't have to worry about slipping).

A few things to remember when strength training with resistance bands:

Always make sure the bands are tied securely around the object, or you risk hurting yourself
Stretch briefly before and after (sans resistance bands) so you don't shock your muscles into action
Watch your breathing, just as you would if you were lifting weights at the gym
Make sure your hands aren't wet or sweaty, or you risk losing your grip on the bands
Look for different ways to perform your usual gym workouts such as squats, lunges, overhead presses, bicep curls and tricep curls.

There are dozens of exercises you can do with resistance bands, and they're among the best workout tools to pack and take along on any busy day. Squeeze a resistance band workout into your busy day so you don't have to worry about piling on the pounds when there's no time for the gym!