How to Stay Healthy on a Winter Trip

If your plans include winter travel, whether you're headed home for the holidays or off to a beach resort, you don't want a sudden illness to ruin your vacation. Traveling at the height of flu season through crowded airports or train terminals, visiting tourist attractions packed with holiday revelers and partying into the wee hours all increase your risk of exposure to germs and stress your body. You can stay healthy on a winter trip if you take a few extra precautions.

Step 1

Evaluate your current health. If you feel like you are getting sick, take appropriate measures to cope with the symptoms and to keep from spreading it to other people.

Step 2

Get vaccinated. Before you head out, get vaccinated for the seasonal flu, H1N1 and any other vaccines your doctor might suggest before you head off to your destination. Some destinations require certain vaccinations, so leave yourself time before you go to get those.

Step 3

Pack a health kit. Keeping yourself healthy during travel doesn't just entail keeping away from colds and flu. Include pain relievers, antiseptic wipes, bandages, a cold pack, antibacterial ointment and anything else you feel might be necessary to bring along. Having a mini first-aid kit with you can be helpful no matter where you are.

Step 4

Sleep. Getting plenty of rest both before you travel and during your trip is essential to staying well. Your body needs rest so that it can fight anything it might be exposed to.

Step 5

Drink water. Keeping hydrated is essential to staying healthy. Drink water, not soda or alcohol, on the plane and during your trip activities. Hydration is essential to fighting infection, so include plenty of water among your drink choices.

Step 6

Take vitamins. Many travelers swear by extra vitamin C as a way to help their immune systems and fight infection. Specialized vitamins, like Airborne, are available and claim to enhance your immunity against illness.

Step 7

Wash your hands often while traveling. Use soap and water and wash for about 20 seconds (sing the Happy Birthday song once through). Try not to touch your face while traveling, as this will introduce unfamiliar bacteria to your most sensitive germ-receiving areas (eyes, nose, mouth).

Step 8

Wear a face mask if you are concerned about your ability to handle germs you come into contact with. You may feel a little conspicuous at first, but the knowledge that you're avoiding airborne bacteria can help you get over that.

Step 9

Bring your own pillow or blanket. Don't take the ones offered by the airline, as they are rarely laundered and can keep germs from previous passengers lingering in them for quite a while.