Your Complete Healthy Travel & Wellness Guide

Locations in this article:  Phoenix, AZ Rome, Italy

airportThis February, we’ve brought you some of the best Valentine’s Day travel deals to show your significant other you care. Now it’s time to turn the focus back on you. The Travel Fit contest has closed (sign up for our newsletter to for next week’s new contest challenge), but we wanted to share all of the amazing suggestions with everyone. Here are your healthy travel tips:

  • My wife and I like to share meals. When we are in a restaurant we figure out what we both like, then we order one meal and share it. This is a good method for people that like to eat because it forced you to eat a reasonable portion, thus feeling better when you get on the plane. BTW, we always TIP as if we had ordered two full meals because it’s the honest thing to do. 🙂 – Jeffery C.
  • Remember that lack of sleep is one of the surest ways to get sick. Thought there are lots of great new sights to see and activities to take part in on vacation, make sure to get enough rest so you can keep on enjoying it all. – Gillian O.
  • I try to only book flights that get me to my destination mid to late afternoon, so that I will have time to work out before dinner time. If weather will not permit an outdoor run, then I spend 20+ minutes on the treadmill in the tiny “gym” at the hotel. If all else fails, squats, jumping jacks, burpees, push-ups, and/or yoga in my hotel room is better than nothing.  In case your’e not a member of a national health club chain, some hotels have arrangements that allow guests to use nearby health clubs. For a few dollars, I can enjoy access to a complete facility — weights, swimming pool, treadmills, etc. If a business dinner is on the agenda, then I try to select items that are healthy; but if that is not possible, then I just exercise some self control and limit the quantity of food that I eat. If dinner is scheduled for late in the evening, I often “pass” or I eat VERY lightly (i.e., salad or an appetizer). Sleeping is generally challenging for me when traveling, so I avoid/limit alcohol and large meals in the evening. I book hotels that are close to meeting locations, but not too close; walking to the meeting is a good way to get in a little exercise, while providing time to visualize/rehearse what needs to happen that day. I also take the stairs instead of the elevator. I often pack healthy snacks to eat instead of the sodium laden sandwiches that are typical fare for office lunches.  Rather than sit down to wait for a flight, I walk around. – Randy R.
  • Whenever I travel I conduct a lot of research about the destination. What are the surroundings? How are their exercise facilities. Can I launder clothing or should I pack a week’s worth of gym gear? Whenever possible, I take advantage of the surroundings. There’s nothing better than a destination off the beaten path because you know there’ll be plenty of traffic-free running space. But even the most seemingly inopportune destinations have fitness opportunities. Picture a cruise ship with a mediocre exercise facility. Run the deck in the morning, pack a jump rope & yoga mat. Burpees can be executed in a 6′ x 6′ space. Whatever you do though, be sure to enjoy your travel experience. Eat, drink and be merry, but be sure to keep your goals in the back of your mind. – Jeremy W.
  • I carry or eat a light breakfast before arriving. It staves off the fast food cravings and gives me the energy I need to travel with a smile. I also pack small bags of trail mix and other dry snacks for the flight (although, I can never turn down Biscoff cookies!) and opt for water instead of juice or soda. For exercise, I keep it simple. In the winter, I’ll stick with the treadmill in the hotel gym and push-ups and crunches. I also have few apps on my phone that are mini-trainers. When warm, I’ll find the nearest trail or scenic area and take in the city on foot. I’ve found some incredible little spaces to eat and shops that way.  La F.
  • I always take at least one walking or running tours (my recently discovered passion) when I travel. This way, I learn about about the area, usually through a local that shares my love of health/walking/running but I can learn about the area, culture, food, architecture at the same time. Usually the tours are inexpensive and are for small groups so it enables me to ask questions and we can go at a moderate pace – Claudia D.
  • Walk when ever you can. Between flights, to the restaurant, etc. – Jerome L.
  • I pack my own food so I never have to be tempted by the wrong food. I pack raw ruts, fiber one bars, peanut butter in a refillable tube that is normally used for camping, dried cranberries for something sweet. in the city I am vacationing in I use their public transportation for environmental reasons and that always involves some walking to and fro destinations and I get to mix with the locals. I’ve been following you Peter for years. thanks for all the tips. I am signed up for your facebook feed. – Mary B.
  • I find that I actually do better staying fit traveling then I do at home. One of the reasons is my body is constantly in motion walking, swimming, instead of sitting at the computer all day. If I am staying at a place with a buffet I take just a small serving, spoon full of the things I want to try. As for meals on the plane I pack my own snacks or meal and drink lots of water. My last trip I didn’t have a scale so I used my belt to make sure the waist line wasn’t expanding. Nothing worst then putting on the jeans at the end of a week to find they are too tight. – Jill S.
  • Nuts, especially almonds and walnuts are a good snack to opt for to curb hunger and they have nutritional value as well. Buy from the bulk bins and take them with you in your carry on bag. Just don’t eat an entire bag at one sitting. By the way, lemons also have lots of vitamin c, no sugar, minerals, and antibacterial benefits as well — great for keeping your intestines healthy when traveling. So in addition to drinking warm lemon juice in the morning, enjoy fresh squeezed lemons with your water at every meal. They also help break down fats and chilled lemon water is always refreshing. You’ll notice that it’s trendy now. Many hotels have large, decorative water dispensers in their lobbies, filled with water and citrus slices. Take advantage of this and bypass the soda machine. Plus, it’s free! – Steve H.
  • My husband and I began getting fit this summer and after some great weight loss (him 45 lbs, me 25 lbs) we have become those “annoying” people who use vacation time as a time to get fit! Here’s my husband’s trick: When we book a trip, he starts “Googling” 5Ks to run while we are away. Two weeks ago we went to Vegas where he ran in a 5K for the Southern Nevada Girl Scouts – made great time, and raised $236 in the process! (We don’t even have a daughter in GS.) – Debbie S.
  • Bring a few lemons and plastic knives in your suitcase. First thing in the morning, run hot water through the coffee maker in your hotel room and squeeze the juice of 1/2 a lemon in a coffee mug of warm water. This will clear your liver of toxins and curb your appetite so you’re not tempted to devour the first pastry you eye on the buffet table. Your body starts to come alive naturally prior to consuming massive amounts of caffeine. You’ll be awake and calm, and not jittery and anxious. It also satisfies the craving to drink something warm in the morning. Plus, it will naturally cleanse your mouth, eliminating morning breath. While you’re waiting for the water to heat up, do a few jumping jacks, push ups, yoga stretches or anything to get your blood flowing. Once you get to the breakfast buffet, fresh or dried fruit, or hard boiled eggs will be more appealing, and a much better alternative for giving you energy without making you bloated and tired. Then take a walk on the beach, through town, or around the hotel to get a lay of the land before starting your day. Trust me, you’ll feel energized! – Steve H.
  • It is important to stay limber & relaxed when traveling. Check out Jessica Bellofatto’s recommended poses on Alignyo at: https://bit.ly/WN3IvZ (Jessica was recently included in one of Kerri Zane’s articles on Peter Greenberg on family friendly healthy retreats). – Kate C.
  • When I fly, I always take healthy snacks, bottled water (purchased after security of course) and walk the airport if I have a lengthy layover. To avoid gaining pounds on a cruise, but still enjoy eating and drinking as much as I feel like, I never take an elevator anywhere on the ship–doing stairs instead, and selecting active excursions like hiking or snorkeling. – Julie S.
  • Packing excercise clothes is no big deal – easy, but shoes can be an issue and the bulk is why most of us blow off taking them. And then blow off going for a quick trip to the gym. Save your “old” running shoes, which for most runner are 3 month old and in really good shape. Whenever you go on a trip, bring a pair along (toss them over your carry-on with the laces tied together if you don’t have enough room in your bag). If you don’t use your shoes or even if you do, leave them at the hotel when you go home. You get your workout in. The hotel will donate them to housekeeping staff or a charity. And you come home with enough room in your bag for whatever else you picked up on your trip. – Suzanne C.
  • Get up and first thing is to hit the gym or go for a run/walk before you start your day. Now you feel great all day knowing you worked out and started your day off right. I find I am more inclined to eat healthier so I don’t mess up the hard work I did in the morning. I try to any other physical activity I can throughout the day i.e. swimming, tennis, running on beach, walking tours, etc. I like to feel good on vacation! – Michelle M.
  • All in one fitness on the go: Slip-on elastic tie exercise shoes. You can go barefoot or with socks, slip ’em off & on quickly for airport security, walk up and down the gates during a layover and you don’t have to pack bulky running shoes. Realistically, most people will get in a few walks, maybe a weight training session or two, so these shoes fit the needs while on the road without adding a ton of weight to the suitcase. – Sarah J.
  • It’s all about self control. Primarily, controlling oneself at the swim up bar! 🙂 I think it is a great idea to load up on all the fresh fruits & veggies you can enjoy when traveling to the tropics. And bring your own snacks for the plane ride- almonds and Quest Nutrition bars are a great choice! – Cary D.
  • For airport travel, I make sure I pack several protein bars in case I cannot find something that is healthy and quick. I also pack an empty reusable water bottle (Klean Kanteen) that I can fill up with water once I’m through security. Saves money and the environment too. For exercise, I’ve found that many hotels now have local (and safe) jogging routes mapped out for you. What better way to see a new location than on a jog? – Mary S.
  • Important to remember even though you are on vacation, you can still choose to eat smart. Do have 3 meals everyday. A meal is including at least 3-4 food groups. Choose a starch (bread or cereal), a protein (cheese, egg or peanut butter) a fruit and/or a cup of milk/or yogurt container. At a breakfast buffet, choose your proper portions and 3-4 food group choices and remember to say NO and walk by other unhealthy, high-fat food choices. Just say NO! To help you know your portion of starches–potato, rice, noodles–use to size of your fist as a portion guide or choose 2 slices of bread. For your quantity of protein–meat, fish, chicken, turkey–use the size of the palm of your hand only, not including your fingers.- Sondra S.
  • My trick to airport dining is packing snacks ahead of time in my carry-on (baby carrots, almonds, apple, etc., to munch on if I cant find something) and then walk around the airport to find a healthy option (sandwich, yogurt, etc.). Choosing a buffet breakfast is all about balance. Look to include fruit, healthy fats, grains, veges, and proteins (in whatever combination you can find). I have found that exercising while travel is not too difficult if you make it a point to walk as you explore the city/resort that you are visiting. I love to take walks in the morning and evening to spend time with my travel buddy and plan out our day. Fitting in a job or a hike is also a great way to stay active while away.- Cara M.
  • Eating fresh/less processed foods; drink lots of water; squeeze in some time on the cardio equipment in the hotel; stretch often and walk as much as possible in and out of hotels, planes and trains – just keep moving since if we rest – we rust!- Annie C.
  • Remember to bring along packs of tissue and packets of antibacterial wipes–both have many uses (like napkins, clean hands and face, wipe off whatever is dirty, etc.) They will keep you clean, healthy, and hopefully germ free!- Terry G.
  • Bring workout clothes and exercise at the same time you do everyday at on while on vacation…you can change it up with doing exercises that fit into try vacation, the important thing is to do it! Do not eat like your on vacation, still make healthy choices and do not over indulge. Try drinking your alcohol choice with water instead of juice or sodas, example vodka and water with a lemon or lime, it will be a lot less calories and your drinking water! After each meal make it a point to walk somewhere!- Jessica S.
  • While on the road rest up for the busy days ahead or to make up for lost sleep on the way home. Whenever possible stop and move around if traveling by vehicle and in an airplane get up and walk if possible. I know if you’re like me I try to not drink much before getting on a plane because of restroom lines but once I’m on a sip on water to hydrated. EAT! You can take healthy snacks on an airplane and most airlines have healthy alternatives also.- Stephanie M.
  • And for travelling, make sure you rest your mind and focus on yourself and having fun at your destination! Stretch before your flight!!- Lina B.
  • I would say the most important way to keep healthy on a trip is to keep hydrated! Especially if you’re in a hot location, on the beach and drinking alcohol. Its so easy to forget to keep yourself hydrated while having fun on vacation. My husband and I love traveling but one of the main reasons we travel is to take in as much as possible not just sit on the beach everyday. See what your resort has to offer. Snorkeling, partaking in activities, dances, swimming and see what landmarks are around. You would be surprised how many people don’t take advantage of learning about the culture and location they have traveled to. All of these activities are not only fun but great exercise. Try something new like parasailing and kayaking. My all time favorite was snorkeling. I could have kicked around in the water all day like a child. Walk around and see everything and go hiking. Wake up each morning and thank god for the day and take a walk or run on the beach or vacation destination. With the challenges of our daily lives most don’t have time to maintain a healthy lifestyle at home. Surprisingly it can be easier while on vacation and also a lot more fun! Take advantage of it and most of all HAVE FUN!-Stephanie M.
  • My healthy tip is to LIVE!!! Make yourself priority and live each day like its your last with no regrets! Eat plenty of vegetables and lean meats and spoil yourself!- Lina B.
  • For airport travel, I make sure I pack several protein bars in case I cannot find something that is healthy and quick. I also pack an empty reusable water bottle (Klean Kanteen) that I can fill up with water once I’m through security. Saves money and the environment too.- Mary S.
  • For exercise, I’ve found that many hotels now have local (and safe) jogging routes mapped out for you. What better way to see a new location than on a jog?- Marylee
  • Drink lots of water, set your watch to your destination’s time while flying and sleep/stay awake to get on schedule, eat a healthy breakfast every morning, and maintain your exercise routine (or take advantage of the hotel pool/gym). Usually easier said than done while travelling!- Clark W.
  • Remember to bring along small packs of tissue and packets of antibacterial wipes–they will keep you clean and healthy when you get or feel dirty and don’t take much room. Either can have many uses, like napkins, clean face and hands, wipe dirty things off, etc.- Terry G.
  • I usually always get a little earlier and use something fast as roast beef, salad and French fries, accompanied by a glass of wine, at breakfast and prefer to go with lots of fresh fruit with yogurt and cereals and in the exercise took sweatshirts and tennis walking each have the opportunity.- Luz T.
  • When on long plane flights, I drink double up on the water intake just to keep hydrated, plus I walk the aisles as often as possible. Gotta keep moving! Once at my destination, I explore as much as possible by foot–good for my fitness and my cultural curiosity!- Marti M.
  • I make healthful sandwiches for the airport, and put a post-it note on my door so I don’t forget them.- Linda C.
  • I started bringing my own healthy snacks so I won’t be tempted by airport food. Not to mention it saves money. Bananas, apples, granola or protein bars and dried fruit are great travel snacks. I also bought a water bottle with a filter and fill it up at water fountains after I’ve passed through security.- Patti N.
  • Do isometrics for your glutes and abs. Tighten for 30 seconds, rest for 30 seconds. Repeat for 5-10 minutes every hour of your flight or layover. At a breakfast buffet the smart choices are cereal or oatmeal with fruit on top or on the side and a yogurt.- Rina H.
  • Walk walk walk everyday for miles to sightsee and enjoy the serendipity of travel.- Gladys T.
  • Walk, walk, walk. Bring snacks to the airport and for on the airplane. I always carry a snack sized bag of almonds and craisins or other dried fruit so I can have what I want when I want it. Also try to be active when on vacation. Go explore, ski, dance, go into the water and jump the waves or swim in the pool. Don’t just look at it, jump right in! Be curious and challenge yourself to try new things.- Mary Z.
  • Remember to bring along small packs of tissue and packets of antibiotic wipes–both can have many uses like napkins, face wash, etc. and they will keep you clean and healthy when you get or feel dirty!- Terry G.
  • For the airport food: beware! I usually bring tons of snacks while traveling (for the sake I hate airplane food) so stock up on granola bars, nuts, fruit leather, and always always have your water bottle attached to your hip! I think that breakfast buffets are somewhat manageable, stick to fruit and oatmeal, coffee and tea. But where travellers go wrong, buffest any other time of the day, be it brunch, lunch, dinner. I have been caught saying “I’m on vacation!” as I stuff myself with German pastries or Belgium chocolates, but do you really want more work for yourself when you get home? No. So stick to portioned meats, whole grains, and try your hand at exotic veggies and fruits! Make sure you walk a lot, or hit up fitness classes or the gym at your hotel. I have ran every where from the streets of Rome to along the docks in Ireland. It’s fun to see the city so early in the morning, and it usually leads to great stories! happy healthy traveling all!- Jackie L.
  • Create a sumptuous, cheap, healthy mid-day feast at local markets or groceries. Buy fresh grainy bread, a small bottle of olive oil, fruit grown in an orchard down the road, fish caught nearby and grilled on the spot, cheeses made in the village. No processed food or chain restaurants when you travel! Then spend the afternoon walking the neighborhoods and nourishing your spirit, and for supper you can get by with a snack and some local wine–perfect!- Mary M.
  • I’m a more mature traveler. Remember to do ankle exercises and leg movements in your seat to keep deep vein thrombosis away. I drink a full glass of water for every hour I’m in the air. It not only hydrates but eases jet lag. Of course I get an aisle seat. During my frequent trips to the restroom I do upper body stretches in the restroom just to ease upper body stiffness on longer flights. During layovers I walk, replace my healthy snacks: almonds, apples, celery. I will do deep knee bends and chair deep knee bends near a wall out of the way of others. Walking prior to flying, during layovers, and post flying are a must.- Cheryl A.
  • While on vacation, fitness comes with exploring. Hit the streets/trails with the goal to see as much culture and scenery as you can. Participate in a local dance class, seek a local hiking club to join for the day or find a local to recommend an activity popular to the area.- Kelsie H.
  • Power snacks are the way to go to stay away from quick (expensive) processed snacks. Almonds, peanut butter packs and fruit keep me satisfied. Another tip to prevent overeating at a bland breakfast buffet is to down a couple glasses of water first. You will eat less plus you probably needed to catch up with the hydration from the previous days of traveling.- KR
  • What’s your trick to airport dining? Eat at the first restaurant closest to my departure gate. How do you choose smart at a breakfast buffet? I love breakfast buffets. Fresh fruits, yogurts, and toasts. What’s your trick for fitting in exercise on the road? I pack my sneakers EVERY time I go somewhere, I’ve only used it once! I’m so bad at staying in shape when I travel. No healthy travel suggestion is too big, no change in behavior is too small. I travel with Almonds and try to drink more water. Other than that, I honestly go on vacation from EVERYTHING when I travel. I would love to get some tips on how to become better at making exercise just as important as having fun.- Terry E.
  • A month before my trip I start walking. Walk as far as I can, then turn around. Next day, walk just a little bit further. Each day I add a little bit more distance so by the time I go on the trip I can explore to my heart’s content.- Cara D.
  • Actually, I carry food with me when traveling and purchase bottled water along the way. I always pack a snack or meal in my carry on luggage because (a) then I know what I am eating and (b) I am not paying those inflated airport prices! My family members loves that I usually make enough “mini” sandwiches” for all of us and snacks, too. Breakfast buffet? Easy! Yogurt and fruit. If they have an omelet station, request an egg white omelet if available. The best way to exercise while traveling is to walk instead of taking an elevator or cab whenever possible. Of course, you have to practice good safety sense–don’t walk alone in unfamiliar areas–but walk when you can.-Gale D.
  • When traveling it is important to stay hydrated. If flying I try to get up and move around or even stand for a moment. I always take some healthy snacks along and try to stay away from fast foods in airports and look for fruit, salad, proteins, etc. It is not difficult to exercise while abroad. A nice run or hike and exercises using your own body weight are easy to do like push ups, crunches, planks or burpees.- Lauren J.
  • Traveling is big part of my job. I have food allergies and to keep healthy on the road I visit my local health food store before my departure and pick up enough healthy snacks to last my entire trip. That way I am not at the mercy of the hotel mini-bar (if available) to satisfy hunger on the run. If traveling to a foreign country I make sure I know words such as “vegetarian” or “no dairy” and “allergy” prior to my trip. Healthy food in airports can be hard to find at times so bringing healthy snacks is a necessity for me. Finding time to work out can also be challenging but I have a mini-workout that includes yoga and stretching that is easily done in any hotel room and help keep me stress free.- Christine W.
  • Pack clothes that fit well, nothing elastic waisted or baggy. This way, you will know you cannot afford to gain weight or be tempted to overeat.- Kate H.
  • Fairly easy to eat healthy at breakfast buffets IF they offer fresh fruit. Also, eat the fruit & avoid the fruit drinks. And if there’s an omelet station, ask for egg whites only & with as little oil as possible. Fruit, egg whites omelet and maybe a nice chunk of wheat bread makes for a great, healthy meal. – Sharon L.
  • I drink a full bottle of water before each meal. I eat slowly and when I feel the first feeling of “full” I stop. – Tracy B.
  • The biggest trick to airport dining is to not dine there at all! Airports are designed to play on our stresses, making us seek out sensory fulfillment in unhealthy snacks and beverages. Drab walkways direct us to a cozy bar with cheese-covered fries and beers waiting to cheer us up. Instead, bring healthy food that is sensually stimulating. Food can go through security. Bring an orange for its texture, smell and taste. Pack some baked veggie chips with olive oil and sea salt for another sensory experience. Not only will you avoid the unhealthy foods, you will also save traveling dollars for a place with yummy food by not participating in jacked-up airport pricing. Also, although you can’t bring a full water bottle through airport security, you can bring an empty one and fill it up at the water fountain. This saved me so much.- Dawn R.
  • Visit a local grocery store and purchase healthy snacks instead of hitting the vending machine. An added bonus is you will get a new experience in that culture and hopefully find something you’ve never tried before or can’t get at home. Also, go green and bring your own refillable water bottle.- Mallory B.
  • The night before a flight, I try to eat simple, healthy foods like fruits and vegetables, baked chicken, etc.When traveling, I try to find a quiet corner in the airport, and do stretching exercises. Planes are getting more and more cramped, so stretching is vital to feeling well on a flight. I also try to drink at least one 8 oz bottle of water for every 4 hours of flight time. During the flight, I try to stand up and gently stretch also. This is trickier since flights are so cramped, but doable. Usually I stand by the restooms and do it. Usually other people see me and start to gently stretch also. Trust me, you will arrive at your destination much relaxed and happier if you can stretch, and hydrate before and during a flight. Happy traveling!- Cathy C.
  • You can eat healthy at airports! Most restaurants will serve you portions of steamed vegetables if you request it. At buffet’s you can load up on fresh fruit and more vegetables with a little protein like maybe some tuna. On long flights, exercise is a bit harder but if you get to the airport early you can walk the length of it over and over. Just make sure someone is watching your luggage, or for an even better workout, drag it with you. I have all sorts of tips and ideas for staying fit and healthy on the road, lol.
  • Walk as much as you can, and avoid taking public transportation when you can. Also, sign up for walking tour’s, they really give you a work out! – Char P.
  • Pack a pure food meal for the plane. Eating is one of the last things we prepare for, knowing we can buy something in the airport. Airplane snacks are discouraging. Pack protein, fruit, vegetables, fiber and water. Going on Medical Weight Loss made me mindful of all the extras we eat without a second thought. Sitting on a plane is hard on my legs, so I am careful to avoid salt now. Shop at Farmer’s Markets during your vacation to stock up for the return trip home. One of my favorite parts of my California trip last summer was the Berkeley Farmer’s Market. We carried a dozen peachers, plums and apricots on the flight back home to Michigan. The flavor of the fruit was incomparable to what was in our stores back home! – Anna D.
  • Healthy clean eating! Plenty of water & a fitness regimen at least four days a week!- Rebecca P.
  • The first step is obvious – walk as often as you can. A few flights of stairs vs elevator? Take the stairs. Long layover at an airport? Go for a stroll. Phoenix Sky Harbor is perfect for a good walkabout.. – Dale M.
  • I do handstands whenever possible- Felicita P.
  • Packing a container of antibacterial wipes is not only good for the airplane ride to wipe surfaces around me but also useful to sanitize hotel rooms and for exploring the city or whatever I take along baggies of unsalted nuts, dried fruit, baggies with veggies, packets of hummus and fresh fruit for nutritious snacks. A Lara Bar or something similar is also a healthy treat to take along. My beverage choice is a refreshing sparkling water with a slice of lime. I take my own tea bags of choice. Walking or taking stairs when possible is a way to get in exercise at the destination or packing a jump rope to use in the hotel room. I choose whole grain cereals topped with fresh berries or whole wheat bread and fresh fruit for breakfast. I try to avoid processed foods when possible.-SW
  • Pack a protein power bar in your pocket and power walk during your airport layover for travel POW!- LL
  • Sometimes you really can’t work out at a gym but I always take along comfortable walking shoes, fitbit, phone with earphones and walk a couple of miles; it’s free and you get to explore the area too!- RJ
  • I always bring my workout gear and walk as opposed to ride whenever possible.- Daniel D
  • I’ve learned to plan walking into my vacation plans. I’m always surprised by how many different muscles I use getting around a city (as opposed to biking and running which are my regular methods of exercising). If I research my destination enough, I’ll find hills and huge museums to wear me out!- Melissa C.