But you probably also want to avoid getting sick, even with a good ol fashioned common cold.
All of them agree on one key point: A good sickness-prevention strategy begins before you leave town!
Be prepared to follow COVID-19 safety guidelines.
Experts share the six things you can do to avoid getting sick while traveling.
Lets get to the elephant in the room first.
(If youre eligible for a booster dose, ask your doc about that before you leave too.)
Masks also help prevent other peoples droplets from reaching you.
(Generally, places that have at least 100 new cases per 100,000 people are considered high-risk3.)
Get enough sleep before (and during) your trip.
One reason people get sick on vacation is because they run themselves ragged in the week before they leave.
(You know, with a miles-long to-do list or just generalized fretting about getting away.)
Stay hydratedespecially when youre flying.
First, drinking enough water can help prevent dehydration, which can make you feel tired and dizzy.
You then expel these germs by coughing or sneezing, according to the British Society for Immunology6.
Staying hydrated is especially important when flying.
You should assume that just by sitting on the plane, youre becoming dehydrated, Dr. Pottinger says.
Be careful when eating and drinking to prevent foodborne illness.
Eating or drinking something a bit funky can give you a one-way ticket to your hotel bathroom.
Consuming contaminated food or drinks can causetravelers diarrhea and other diseasesthat can disrupt your travel, Dr. Friedman says.
One thing youll want to watch out for are vendors that seem to leave foods out unrefrigerated.
These are big ones forfoodborne illness.
That ice was likely made with tap water, Dr. Friedman says.
Wash or sanitize your hands frequently (and thoroughly).
Handwashing is a very simple, very effective way to avoid illness.
In particular, washing your hands with soap and water (for at least 20 seconds, preferably!)
after touching things that are used by many people, like handrails and door handles, is really important.
But its very important to wash your hands before eating, according to every expert we spoke to.
If you cant use soap and water, opt for hand sanitizer in a pinch.
A bottle of Purell in your pocket goes a long way, Dr. Pottinger says.
Choose one that contains at least 60% alcohol for the best protection.
Pack essentials such as pain relievers, medications, and insect repellent.
Although no one leaves for vacation expecting to get sick, it can happen.
