I can't say to cut out alcohol completely because I do love me some bourbon. But definitely cut back significantly. Enjoying 1-3 drinks a week or so won't hurt ya.

I agree 100% cardio at least 4 (I do 5) times a week. I don't run. I get on a treadmill and set the incline to 8-10 degrees and walk at 3.5mph. This will burn on average 300 calories alone. If you include weight lifting before or after this (I'd recommend before) you're looking at far more. There's plenty of weight-free workouts you can do in your hotel room too if no dumbbells or machines are available.

You don't want to do weight training more than 4 (5 days max) per week. Otherwise your progress will plateu and you'll lose motivation. Give your muscles a chance to regroup and "revive" themselves so-to-speak.

You'll feel much better and the "it hurts so good" feeling will diminish after you've been at it for a while.