Ah, vacation. Time to catch up on a few zzz’s, de-stress, and sink your teeth into all the mouth-watering food you can shove into your pie hole. But if you’re going to take a free pass on your diet, you’ll want to make sure every bite is worth the extra five pounds you’ll be dragging home. Whether you’re planning each culinary moment months in advance or just blowing through town on your way to your final destination, these tips will help make sure every meal is scrumptious.

Before You Leave

A little planning will ensure you don’t become intimately familiar with every Bob’s Big Boy you see along the highway. At Citysearch.com, search restaurants by city to find reviews written by the site’s editors, as well as the local dining public. Of course, there’s no shame in making incredible food the sole purpose for your trip; if culinary tourism is your goal, check out FOOD&WINE’s 2008 “Go List” for their picks for the best places to eat around the world. And if washing down your coq au vin with the best bottle of red around is your priority, Wine Spectator ranks restaurants based on their selection of wines and their caliber of cuisine.

When you’ve made your selections, OpenTable.com is a great way to book reservations at participating restaurants around the world.

Getting Hungry at Check-In

You’ve just arrived at your hotel and are famished (a girl can only down so many bags of Terra Blue chips after all), but where to dine? Head directly to the concierge desk, but don’t just ask “Where should we eat?” Instead, ask “Where do the locals like to eat around here?” Be specific about your preferences (“We’re dying for sushi,” for example.) and your price range.

While you’re in town, don’t hesitate to pick up a local newspaper or magazine and check out their restaurant reviews for new hot spots. And steer clear of chain restaurants, which are often tourist traps (not to mention cookie-cutter).

Last-Minute Meals

Whether you’re just passing through town or prefer a more spontaneous approach to dining, when looking for a good meal at the last minute, follow the crowds. If a restaurant looks empty at dinnertime, there’s probably a reason why. Don’t be shy about stopping a local on the street and asking for their suggestions, or if that seems too bold, drop into the local wine shop and ask the staff—they will be very familiar with the cuisine in the neighborhood. Farmers’ markets are also a fantastic way to sample local produce and delicacies.

Most restaurants proudly advertise their menus, reviews, and ratings in their windows, so take some time to survey a few choices. Look for reviews with more recent dates to ensure quality hasn’t changed over time.

Mobile, AAA, and Zagat are probably the most recognizable restaurant reviewers in the U.S. Zagat reviews are compiled from customer comments, and establishments are rated by food, décor, and service on a scale of 0 to 30. Zagat also estimates the cost of dinner for one person, including one drink and tip. Mobile travel guides and AAA ratings use stars and diamonds to rank eateries, but more icons doesn’t equal better—all the restaurants ranked are considered above average. Instead, a single diamond or star is used to indicate a more casual eatery, like a pizza parlor or mom and pop establishment, while multiple icons equal a more upscale experience.

Bon appetit!