Wherever your plans take you this summer, these tips will help ensure that your vacation leaves you refreshed not stressed

By June Bell

There's nothing like a vacation to wipe away stress, boredom and exhaustion. But a vacation done wrong can be every bit as draining as the day-to-day routine you were so eager to escape in the first place. We've packed these two pages with tips to help guarantee that you return refreshed.

Off on the Right Foot

First things first: Decide what kind of vacation you want. Will you be backpacking? Exploring Manhattan? Hitting Disneyland? If you detest Mickey, speak up now or be prepared to grit your teeth through "It's a Small World." Let the entire family weigh in on the decision so everyone gets a chance to do something they enjoy.

Set a realistic schedule: You can't possibly study every painting or eat at every restaurant. So why try? You'll feel less pressured if you allot some down time each day. Hang out in a park or schedule a massage. As a Massage Envy member, you have access to more than 230 clinics around the United States.

On the Go

Rest easy: Get a good night's sleep before your trip. That means you last-minute packers-you know who you are-need to plan ahead. Once you're en route, avoid alcohol, which has a dehydrating effect that can amplify jet lag, Murphy says. Resist the urge to nap when you arrive at your destination. Instead, go to bed early so you'll wake up in sync with the locals.

Stay healthy: Avoid colds and other bugs by being diligent about handwashing or using an antibacterial hand gel when you're in public places. And when sampling local cuisine, think before you eat and drink.

Make it quick: If you're flying, try to avoid checking luggage and print out your boarding pass the day before. Anytime you can avoid a long line, your stress level will go down. If you're traveling by car, pack up as much as you can the night before and be sure the gas tank is filled. Then, when you're ready to hit the road, you can just jump in and go.

Back to Reality

Come home early: You might be tempted to fill every last minute of vacation time with travel, but you need some time for re-entry. Give yourself at least a day to unpack, go through your mail and prepare to plunge back into reality.

Extend the effects: To prolong that cherished feeling of relaxation, schedule a massage for the day of your return. It's a mini-vacation that doesn't require a passport, luggage or sunglasses.

Take it easy: If possible, plan a light schedule - both at work and at home - for the week you get back. Too many commitments right away can erase that new feeling of calm you just worked so hard to acquire.