Whether you’re hitting the road for sport, business or just a holiday, your first priority should be location, just as with real estate. Ensure you have all the facilities you need in close proximity to where you’re working or playing. For example, if you’re off to a conference, find a few hotels near the conference centre. Call the hotels to find out where the nearest grocery store or supermarket is, local restaurants, and nearby gyms if not in the hotel. Now choose the one with the best combination.

Another option is to begin with the gyms and stores and work backwards. Google Maps (maps.google.com) allows you to search by item of interest (e.g. “hotel” or “grocery store”). Without everything nearby you are just giving yourself an excuse to fail, skip workouts, miss meals or come off the wagon in other ways.