You check for what seemed like the millionth time to ensure you have gotten everything from your list to make your vacation a smooth one – passport, itinerary, sunscreen, foreign currency, and whatever you could think of. But do you remember the importance of your health and the medication that you might need to bring for the trip? Because nothing will ruin a vacation as thoroughly as you getting too ill to even leave the hotel room!

Before you rush out the door for your road trip, pay some serious attention to your health needs because getting sick can ruin your holiday!

Think that’s not going to happen to you? Well, think again! According to Forbes.com, experts estimate that traveller’s diarrhea alone, which is usually contracted via contaminated food or water, affects up to 50 percent of time. Countless others catch nasty bugs from infected insects or simply by using public transportation.

“Travelling without taking some precautions is like driving without wearing a seat belt.” Says Dr. Susan McLellan, a director of the Tulane University Travel Clinic and associate professor of medicine in infectious diseases at the Tulane University School of Medicine. “You’re probably going to be fine – unless something bad happens.”

Before the Trip

These are some useful and simple tips you can do before the big trip to make sure you stay healthy as a button!

Prepare Your Body. A holiday can be trying on the body even though it’s all in the name of fun. Imagine those long-haul flights, late-night partying, long days out in the sun, and indulging in food? Now, you get the idea! So, be smart and start building up your immune system at least a month before you trip. How? By loading up on vitamins, eating right, turning in early, and avoiding stress at work by planning your work schedule way ahead of time. Many people tend to burn the midnight oil one or two weeks before their holiday trying to wrap up work. This stresses the body and would affect your immune system, making you more susceptible to getting sick.

Personal Medication Kit. You should start having your standard medication ready. For starters, your kit should have general medication for fever, flu, cold, and diarrhea. If you have special prescription medication, such as for asthma and migraine, do remember to bring extra. And take along a written prescription of the medicine’s name and also its alternative. You should research on alternatives that will provide you the same relief as well. This is important because bear in mind that not every country will carry the particular medication you are taking. More often than not, they will have an equivalent medication you can use. So, do some homework on that and if you aren’t sure then it’s best to check with your local pharmacist and doctor.

Pay a Visit to Your Doctor. If you are going to some exotic locations, it’s best to make an appointment with your doctor to check if you need to get vaccinated. Bear in mind such country has its own unique brand of diseases (yes, it’s very much like food!). Different people react differently to the disease, so early appointment will help avoid any side effects too close to the travel date. Common side effects include slight fever and body ache, and we all know you don’t want that with you during your trip!

During the Trip

Be Careful with All Food and Drink. If you have a weak stomach, you have to be extra careful with not only what you put in your mouth but also with what you use. Many times, we forget to ensure our utensils are clean. Also be diligent about your hands being clean before grabbing some yummy delights off your friend’s plates! Wash all fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating them. Boil water before drinking or washing if you are staying in an area where water is not properly treated. It’s safe to say that you should skip the ice cubes. If in doubt, avoid uncooked foods and anything that might contain tap water, including soft drinks. If food is served at room temperature, particularly buffet style, and you don’ know how long the food has been sitting out, skip it. Eat hot or very cold foods instead.

Wash Your hands Often. It’s simple yet people keep forgetting. Wash your hands before eating, after touching your face, after handling money or items that have been in contact with the ground and after travelling by public transport. Carry antibacterial hand wipes or gel cleanser for situations where hot water and soap are not available. Washing your hands frequently is the best way to avoid catching a communicable disease!

Banish Insect-Borne Illnesses such as malaria by carrying insect repellent and using it frequently. Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts when hiking or while visiting countries where malaria is prevalent.

Avoid Touching Animals, including birds, both wild and domestic. Do not try to remove animals, particularly bats, from your room, tent or vehicle; call animal control authorities instead. If an animal bites you, wash the bite area well with soap and hot water and seek medical attention immediately.

Don’t Overdo Things. Get plenty of rest, drink lots of water, and avoid extreme heat or cold. You don’t have to see every single monument or museum in every city or country you visit! It’s far better to travel at a relaxed pace and enjoy your trip.

When You Return

Monitor Your Health. If you should become ill, be sure to tell your doctor that you were on vacation recently, particularly if you visited a malaria prone country.

All that said and done, have fun!