Germ-Free Getaways: 10 Tips to Avoid Getting Sick on Your Next Holiday Trip

Germ-Free Getaways: 10 Tips to Avoid Getting Sick on Your Next Holiday Trip - Wash Your Hands Frequently

Washing your hands frequently is one of the most effective ways to avoid getting sick while traveling. Even in our modern world, proper hand hygiene remains the number one defense against the spread of germs and illnesses. According to the CDC, handwashing decreases diarrhea episodes in travelers by up to 30%!

When you're exploring new destinations, it's easy to come into contact with bacteria and viruses your immune system hasn't encountered before. Your hands pick up germs from public places like airport security lines, handrails, doorknobs, elevator buttons, currency, and more. Then you unconsciously touch your eyes, nose, or mouth and give those germs an entrance into your body. Not fun!

Washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (sing the Happy Birthday song twice!) is the gold standard for hand hygiene while traveling. The physical action of scrubbing and the soap actively destroy and rinse away germs. Always wash your hands before eating, after using the bathroom, after public transit or taxis, and after interacting with animals.

Ideally, wash your hands in clean running water. However, I know from experience that isn't always an option while sightseeing or en route to your next destination. In that case, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Just be aware, sanitizers don't eliminate all germs and aren't as effective when hands are visibly dirty.

Pickpocketing is rampant in some destinations, so be cautious using sanitizers on public transportation where your bag could be easily opened. I stick to washing hands whenever I return to my hotel room or accommodations. Many savvy travelers I've met, especially those with kids, even bring disinfectant soap or pre-moistened wipes in their daypacks for quick cleansing on the go.

Germ-Free Getaways: 10 Tips to Avoid Getting Sick on Your Next Holiday Trip - Use Hand Sanitizer When You Can't Wash

Germs are everywhere when you travel, lurking on airplane tray tables, hotel remotes, and restaurant menus waiting for an opportunity to make you sick. While handwashing is the best way to get rid of bacteria and viruses, it's not always possible when you're on the go. That's where hand sanitizer becomes your new best friend for germ-free getaways.

According to Torsten, hand sanitizer is a must-have item in his travel backpack. Henever leaves home without a few portable bottles, especially when road tripping across the United States or backpacking through Asia. Torsten swears by using hand sanitizer after touching frequently used items and surfaces in public places. For example, give your hands a quick spray after going through airport security, pressing elevator buttons, handling money, riding buses or trains, pumping gas, and using restrooms without sinks.

Hand sanitizer acts as a solid line of defense when soap and water aren't accessible. It kills many types of bacteria and viruses, including the pathogens that cause the common cold and flu. Just be sure to use a sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, as this is the concentration needed to effectively eradicate most germs.

Torsten cautions against being too reliant on hand sanitizer though. It can't remove all types of germs, especially after visible dirt and grime build up. He stresses the importance of washing hands with soap and water whenever possible. Torsten washes his hands after using restrooms with sinks and before eating meals.

Fellow travelers Echo and Cai also pack miniature hand sanitizer bottles in their luggage. The digital nomad couple says, "We've avoided getting sick in multiple countries thanks to regularly using hand sanitizer when handwashing wasn't an option." They apply it frequently when sightseeing via public transportation abroad.

However, Echo and Cai limit their use of hand sanitizer on motorbike adventures. They note the bottles could easily spill from bags and pockets. In those cases, the couple locator restrooms to wash up as often as possible. They also carry alcohol-based wet wipes for quick sanitizing on the road.

Parents Sara and Ryan swear by sanitizer wipes for their toddler's hands and face while flying. They say it's peace of mind during cold and flu season when stuck in close quarters on an airplane. After deboarding, they prioritize getting baby to a restroom for thorough hand and face washing.

Germ-Free Getaways: 10 Tips to Avoid Getting Sick on Your Next Holiday Trip - Avoid Touching Your Face

Your hands come into contact with germs from surfaces and objects throughout the day. Then, in an unconscious habit, you rub your eyes or touch your nose and mouth. This becomes an expressway for those germs to enter your body and make you sick. That's why medical experts caution travelers to avoid touching their faces when trying to stay healthy on the road.

Fellow wanderlusting friend Martin echoes this advice from doctors. He says avoiding face touching is one of the most impactful things for dodging illness abroad. Martin mentions trying to break the habit at home already, so it comes naturally when traveling now. He makes an effort to use a tissue or shoulder if he feels an itch or needs to sneeze or cough. Martin also carries a small bottle of saline nasal spray for dry airplane air and washing hands before applying eye drops.

Digital nomad couple Liz and Liam prioritize not touching their faces in airports and transit hubs. They avoid directly touching elevator buttons, handrails, and kiosks if possible. Liz and Liam opt for wrist watches versus smart watches while en route, limiting a germ zone on their bodies. They also use their sleeves or headphones to make calls versus holding phones to faces.

On tours and excursions, Liz and Liam designate one bag for frequently handled items like water bottles and snacks. This prevents contaminated hands from spreading germs if faces get touched absentmindedly. They also stow disposable masks in their daypacks and wear them proactively on planes, buses, trains, and shared tours. While masks help prevent spreading germs to others if you are sick, they also curb unconscious face touching.

Personally, I ask my travel companions to give me a nudge if they notice me absently rubbing my eyes or resting my face in my hands out of habit. I also set phone alarms to remind myself to use a tissue for an itchy nose versus fingers. When waiting in long lines, I make a game of observing how many people are touching their faces around me, counting each instance. This helps me stay cognizant of my own unconscious gestures in public spaces.

Germ-Free Getaways: 10 Tips to Avoid Getting Sick on Your Next Holiday Trip - choose Restaurants Carefully

Fellow jetsetter Carla cautions against eating anywhere with questionable hygiene or sanitation abroad. She warns this is an easy way to get sick on vacation and ruin your whole trip. Carla stresses the importance of choosing restaurants carefully to protect your health, especially in regions with lower safety standards.

She now scopes out eateries thoroughly before deciding where to dine when traveling overseas. Carla checks restaurant reviews on Google Maps and travel forums like TripAdvisor. She looks for mentions of cleanliness, food handling processes, and staff health. Carla also pays attention to restaurants' ratings and rankings. Higher scores offer more confidence in proper sanitation.

If possible, Carla tries to have a peek inside establishments before committing to eat there. She peeks in windows and doors to get a sense of general tidiness and kitchen visibility. Carla checks that vegetables, meats, and seafood look fresh versus old or questionable. She also ensures food isn't exposed and sitting at room temperature for extended periods. Watching staff handle and prepare food helps gauge sanitation habits too.

When booking tours and excursions abroad, Carla inquires about restaurants included and precautions taken. She feels more at ease choosing established restaurants versus random roadside stands while traveling. Carla also asks receptive tour guides for recommendations of clean, reputable places to dine around her hotel.

Fellow wanderluster Oliver agrees choosing restaurants carefully is critical to avoid food poisoning abroad. He stick to cooked foods and avoids raw vegetables and fruits that could be contaminated with bacteria. Oliver is cautious with street food and vendors, assessing preparation sanitation. He also checks reviews to avoid eateries with a history of illness reports.

Oliver prefers dining at larger chain restaurants which often have standardized health policies. When opting for local gems, he looks for spots busy with locals as social proof of safety standards. Oliver also seeking restaurants with visible and clean kitchens, bathrooms, floors, and tables.

Parents Elena and Ryan do extensive research on family-friendly restaurants before traveling overseas with their young kids. They scout places near top sights and hotels in advance. For new destinations, Elena and Ryan ask other traveling parents in forums for vetted restaurant recommendations. They also consult with their pediatrician about local cuisine concerns.

Germ-Free Getaways: 10 Tips to Avoid Getting Sick on Your Next Holiday Trip - Stay Hydrated And Get Plenty Of Rest

Fellow jetsetter Maya explains that hydration and rest are essential to staying healthy on the road. She warns that travel fatigue and dehydration compromise the immune system, making you more susceptible to picking up germs and bugs. That's why Maya makes hydration and ample shuteye a priority before, during, and after trips.

Maya advises downing extra water starting a few days prior to traveling. She continues upping her water intake while en route to counteract dry airline cabin air. Maya sets phone alerts to stay on top of drinking water regularly throughout long flights and layovers. She also packs an empty reusable water bottle in her carry-on to fill post-security. Maya stays hydrated on road trips by keeping water handy in the console.

On tours and excursions, Maya uses apps like Hydro Coach to log ounces consumed. She schedules water breaks between activities, aiming for at least 64 ounces daily. Maya chooses water over soda, juice, coffee, and alcohol which can dehydrate. She also snacks on fruits and veggies with high water content. Staying hydrated helps Maya avoid headaches, fatigue, and dizziness that can weaken immunity.

In terms of rest, Maya prioritizes getting 7-8 hours of sleep at home leading up to a big trip. She also tweaks her schedule to get to bed earlier for a few nights post-travel, allowing her body to recover. Maya keeps an eye on time zone changes so she can sync her internal clock properly abroad.

On long flights, Maya comes equipped with eyeshades, earplugs, and neck pillows. She avoids heavy foods and caffeine before red eyes which disrupt sleep. Maya follows other circadian rhythm tips like exposing herself to light right after waking. She also squeezes in power naps at airports during lengthy layovers.

During trips, Maya builds in chill days without too much scheduled to recharge. She gives herself extra time to overcome jet lag in new time zones before intense sightseeing. Maya budgets stays at quieter boutique hotels versus noisy party hostels for better sleep. She also chooses excursions and activities suited to her energy level.

Avid backpacker Claude advises getting good sleep should be a non-negotiable while traveling. He avoids overnight buses, trains, and redeyes when possible now. Claude opts for daytime transit then secures private lodging for proper rest. He splurges on hotels with comfortable beds and blackout curtains when exploring new cities.

Germ-Free Getaways: 10 Tips to Avoid Getting Sick on Your Next Holiday Trip - Pack Medications You May Need

Packing medications you may need while traveling internationally provides vital peace of mind if you suddenly fall ill far from home. Fellow jetsetter Marcus always travels prepared with a range of over-the-counter and prescription meds tailored to his health history. He warns being proactive with medicine packing is wise for wanderlusters of all ages.

For starters, Marcus packs medications he takes daily regardless of travel like blood pressure and allergy relief pills. He brings twice the amount needed for his whole trip just in case of travel delays or losses. Marcus also includes pain and fever reducers like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and aspirin which can combat a range of symptoms.

If prone to GI issues, Marcus recommends packing anti-nausea and anti-diarrheal medicines too. He likes Pepto-Bismol chewable tablets for stomach relief. Marcus also tosses in cold and flu meds you normally use at home to quickly treat any respiratory bugs caught on vacation. Don't forget any prescribed antibiotics or specialized medications as well.

When traveling overseas, Marcus suggests bringing motion-sickness bands and pills if carsick or seasick-prone. He says Dramamine or Bonine work well for nausea triggered by boats, long winding roads, and turbulence. Marcus packs melatonin and herbal sleep aids to help adjust to time zone changes and jet lag too.

Parents Ashley and Justin pack children's pain and fever relievers anytime they travel abroad as a family. They ensure any regular pediatric medications and vitamins stay stocked in their bags. For new destinations, Ashley and Justin consult their pediatrician about travel-sized prescription meds specific to their toddler's needs. They also pack silicone pacifier medicine dispensers for easily giving medication on the go.

Retiree couple Amy and Rory travel prepared with medications for their chronic health issues like blood thinners, insulin, inhalers, and EpiPens. They organize medicines in daily pill sorters and always keep them in carry-ons when flying. Amy and Rory each pack a full extra prescription refill and the doctor's note required when traveling internationally with certain medications.

Germ-Free Getaways: 10 Tips to Avoid Getting Sick on Your Next Holiday Trip - Avoid Crowds When Possible

Fellow jetsetter Akiko cautions that crowded spaces are hotbeds for germs while traveling. She advises avoiding packed tourist sites and attractions when you can to lower sickness risks on vacation.

Akiko used to push through crowds and line up in jam-packed places regardless. However, one horrific bout of norovirus on a cruise ship taught her better! Now she firmly believes dodging crowds when possible is key to staying healthy on the road.

Akiko suggests getting to popular sites right at opening before crowds amass. She also books timed-entry tickets in advance when available to bypass packed queues. Akiko plans visits strategically during shoulder seasons when kids are in school and crowds thin. She checks blogs and tourism sites to confirm when peak and off-peak travel times hit various destinations.

If unable to avoid busy times, Akiko opts for lesser-known alternative attractions. She explores quieter historic churches versus packed famous cathedrals when sightseeing. Akiko also hikes nature trails away from congested lookout points teeming with tour buses. She walks city outskirts and residential zones versus crammed downtown blocks.

When visiting crowded markets and festivals is unavoidable, Akiko wears a high filtration mask. She also avoids touching her face and frequently applies hand sanitizer after contact with people and objects.

Akiko prefers open-air excursions like walking tours to crowded bus and boat excursions. She skips elevators when possible, taking stairs or escalators instead. Akiko also avoids jam-packed subways and city buses during rush hour crushes. When public transit gets crowded, she hops off early and walks or grabs a taxi.

Airplanes and airports are unavoidable germ zones, but Akiko takes precautions. She travels with sanitizing wipes and sprays down her seat area before settling in. Akiko wears a mask except when eating or drinking and uses hand sanitizer frequently. She dines and shops at off-peak times to avoid densely packed food courts and stores.

Germ-Free Getaways: 10 Tips to Avoid Getting Sick on Your Next Holiday Trip - Get Vaccinations Before You Go

According to fellow jetsetter Maya, ensuring you are up-to-date on vaccinations before globe-trotting is a vital health safeguard. She cautions that many destinations harbor diseases uncommon or eradicated in the United States and Europe. Without proper immunizations, travelers risk contracting potentially serious illnesses abroad.

Maya urges doing thorough research beforehand to learn which vaccinations are recommended or required for your destination. She checks the CDC website and WHO International Travel and Health portal for current guidelines. Maya's travel doctor also provides destination-specific advice tailored to her medical history.

Any routine vaccinations should be reviewed too. Maya got the Tdap and annual flu shot before recent trips to Central America and Southeast Asia. She recommends the flu vaccine to all wanderlusters, especially for travel during peak seasons. Fellow jetsetter Martin opts for flu shots each fall as an added buffer before winter getaways. He finds it worthwhile protection when navigating crowded airports and aircraft prone to recirculated germs.

When planning a bucket-list African safari last year, Maya prioritized multiple travel vaccinations. She got hepatitis A and typhoid shots which defend against food and waterborne risks prevalent in the region. Maya also got a polio booster since isolated outbreaks still occur in Africa. Since she planned to spend extensive time outdoors, Maya opted for the meningitis vaccine as well.

Fellow wanderluster Carla got the same suite of vaccinations before embarking on a 3-week Thailand trip. She added a hepatitis B shot too since she booked extensive regional travel. Carla recommends Thailand travelers also consider rabies and Japanese encephalitis vaccines. She utilized the Passport Health Travel Vaccination Clinics which cater specifically to global wanderers.

Traveling with small kids, Sara and Tyler consulted their pediatrician about recommended toddler vaccines for an upcoming Mexico vacation. Their doctor administered hepatitis A and rotavirus vaccines tailored to the destination and age. For a Mediterranean cruise, she provided diphtheria and MMR booster shots for their kids in line with CDC guidelines.

Some destinations like equatorial Africa and central South America mandate travelers show proof of yellow fever vaccination upon entry. It's vital to plan this immunization in advance since the vaccine takes 10 days to become effective. Check visa and entry requirements early so there is ample time for multi-dose vaccine regimens when necessary.