Holiday Travel: 10 Ways To Stay Healthy On Vacation

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

06 Dec 2006 06:54 PM

Continuing with our series: "Holiday Travel" today we move on to another important issue related to holiday travel--health. Winter's crummy weather doesn't only serve as the impetus for travel delays and cancellations, it wrecks havoc on people's immune systems. To avoid being laid up in a hotel bed while the rest of your family is hitting the slopes or the beach consider following these tips:

1. Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating.

2. Examine dishes and utensils (make sure they are clean and dry) before using them.

3. If you are traveling abroad (places other than the United States and Europe) do not drink water unless it is bottled.

4. If you are traveling to destinations outside of the United States and Europe, don't brush your teeth with tap water--use bottled water instead. (Consider bringing a ribbon and tying it on your hotel room's faucet as a reminder not to drink or brush your teeth with the water). Also don't open your mouth while taking a shower.

5. Boil water for five to 10 minutes if you need to use local water.

6. If you are traveling overseas avoid eating salads, raw vegetables and fruit (unless the fruit can be peeled such as bananas and oranges).

7. Stick to bottled beverages such as bottled soda, beer or wine in their original containers-and make sure you open the can or bottle yourself. Also, it's a good idea to carefully wipe off any can or bottle before drinking from it. In addition, don't put ice in your drinks.

8. Make sure your meat has been thoroughly cooked prior to eating it.

9. Don't buy food from a street vendor outside of the United States.

10. If you are in a country with a picky eater and unfamiliar menu items look for dry foods like breads and cereals, and food with high sugar content for a safe alternative that will fill him/her up.

Related Articles:

Water Woes--A Trip Gone Terribly Wrong

Traveling with a Medical Condition

Holiday Travel: Important Passport Information For Parents and Children

Holiday Travel: 10 Ways To Save Time At The Airport

Holiday Travel: Tips To Consider Before You Hit The Highway

Holiday Travel: 10 Hotel Safety Tips

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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