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Get your shots -

Before you even book your trip, make sure you're up-to-date with your shots.

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Load up on the right vitamins -

Want to reduce your risk of getting sick even before you touch down? Take immune-boosting supplements like vitamins A, C, and D, plus zinc, for three to five days leading up to the trip, and continue while you're away.

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Add some probiotics to your routine -

While you can't always control the number of illness-causing bacteria in your environment, you can help how your body responds. Probiotics can make your body less friendly to invading bacteria.

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Start taking regular walks before you leave -

If you know you'll be doing a lot of walking on your trip, gradually increase your walking before you leave. This will prevent overuse injuries such as tendonitis.

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First-aid know-how -

Another wise move is to sign up for a first-aid class to brush up on or expand your preparedness skills.

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Skip the cigarettes -

Multiple studies confirm that cigarette smoking weakens the immune system, while also making cold and flu symptoms worse.

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Break in your shoes before you go -

It's best to break in new shoes before traveling. Sometimes shoes seem comfortable for a short period of time, but if suddenly worn all day it can leave you with blisters.

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Pack essentials such as pain relievers, medications, and insect repellent -

If you're on prescription medication, make sure you bring enough to last your whole trip. It’s also a good idea to bring any over-the-counter remedies, like painkillers and anti-nausea medication.

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Sanitize surfaces -

If you want to avoid getting sick from the germs left behind by other passengers, start by sanitizing surfaces with a wet wipe.

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Stay hydrated on the plane -

That stale airplane air can quickly leave a person feeling dehydrated. Therefore, drink plenty of water, as the air humidity is much lower than in our normal environments.

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Get up periodically throughout your flight -

If you're in for a 10-hour flight before you reach your destination, make sure you get up periodically to stretch your legs. This can help decrease your risk of blood clots.

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Keep your lips moisturized -

As airplane air is drying, make sure you apply lip balm in flight. Dry, cracked lips can leave you open to infection.

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Skip the booze on your flight -

Though it's tempting to get your vacation started, alcohol only contributes to dehydration.

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Ask for help with your bags -

If you're traveling with heavy bags, get a hand to avoid injuring yourself. You don't want aches and pains to ruin your vacation.

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Avoid ice -

If you're going somewhere with low water quality, make sure to order your drinks without ice. Even after freezing, much of the bacteria and other contaminants in the water still remain. And only drink bottled beverages!

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Get plenty of sleep -

While it may be tempting to stay up and explore, getting a good night's rest when you arrive at your destination will reduce the chances of you getting sick. Researchers have found a link between sleep deprivation and a suppressed immune system, so you better catch those z's!

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Stick to your exercise routine -

Research has found that exercise can reduce the likelihood of developing respiratory tract infections, and shorten their duration if you do get one. Therefore, make sure you're not skipping your exercise routine, even on vacation.

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Clean cans before drinking -

Before you take a sip, make sure you rinse it thoroughly with uncontaminated water and wipe it down. One experiment revealed that everything from mold to staphylococcus can live on the top of cans.

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Avoid touching your face -

Try your best not to touch surfaces and then put your hands to your eyes, nose, or mouth. Doing so will transfer germs into your portals of entry.

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Avoid risky food -

This is pertinent everywhere, but especially in locations where the diet is significantly different from yours or hygiene standards are lacking. You don't want to risk getting any foodborne illness.

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Cover up -

Keeping your skin covered while you travel can help you avoid serious sunburns that might otherwise sideline you. When it's hot, opt to wear protective clothing, like long sleeves and pants that have a breathable material. Oh, and don't forget to put on sunscreen!

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Swap soda for seltzer -

To help with your digestion while traveling, have a small glass of room temperature club soda or hot water with lemon about 15 minutes before each meal. You'll be much less prone to indigestion or heartburn.

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Bring some melatonin -

If you're traveling far from home, taking melatonin to help with jet lag will make a difference when adjusting to new time zones.

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Increase your fiber intake -

Eat as much fresh fruit and vegetables as you can while on vacation, unless you're concerned about contamination. It will provide your body with minerals and nutrients that aid immunity.

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Keep clean -

If the past few years have taught us anything, it’s that hygiene is important. Remember to wash your hands often with soap and water. Also, bring a hand sanitizer if you can't wash your hands.

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Take some time to relax -

For many people, travel is a very stressful experience in and of itself. And research has shown that stress negatively affects our immune system, making us more likely to get sick. 

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Bring mosquito netting -

If you're traveling to an area with a high risk of mosquito-borne illness, pack mosquito netting.

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Travel with tea -

Bring a few bags of licorice, marshmallow root, or throat coat tea, the latter which has a combination of herbs. These can help if you get heartache, indigestion, or a stomach ache from alcohol or rich foods.

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Load up on electrolytes -

Although you should avoid sugary drinks, adding some electrolytes to your diet can help you avoid illness while you travel.

Sources: (Self) (Condé Nast Traveler)

See also: Common money mistakes you’re making when traveling

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