Getting sick should be the least of your worries when trying to enjoy your vacation. So, to avoid ruining your next trip, here are a few of the common travel health topics that you should look out for.

Bug Bites

Most bugs, such as mosquitoes, ticks, and even some flies can spread various diseases.  And, unfortunately, some of these diseases cannot be prevented by pre-vaccination. So, here is what you should do.

For starters, buy a repellent that contains AT LEAST 20% DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours. Any products that contain deet include, Off!, Cutter, and Ultrathon. Deet fights against both ticks and mosquitoes.

Make sure to follow the product directions and reapply as directed! If you intend of using sunscreen, apply the sunscreen first, then apply the repellent!

Food and Water

Eating unclean food or water can cause diarrhea and other diseases. (GROSS!) This often happens when traveling to developing countries, but it can happen anywhere depending on your body.

Reduce your risk by sticking to safe food and water habits.

Food: make sure you eat food that is served hot. It sounds like the obvious, but this eliminates your option to eat salad. Foot at room temperature may carry a lot of bacteria that can be a threat to your body.

Make sure to eat hard cooked-eggs. Sometimes the yoke may not be the same as when you eat over-easy eggs with home fries!

If you usually like your steak cooked rare, you might want to consider another option. Undercooked meat is not the same in the U.S as it is in other countries.

Make sure if you are drinking anything, that it be in a bottle! If you like having ice in our glass, make sure the ice was made with bottled or disinfected water!

Jetlag

Jet lag is often a problem for travelers who are crossing different time zones. Although it is not a serious condition, jet lag can make your first few vacation days a bit exhausting.

So, before travel, it is good to exercise, eat a healthful diet, and get plenty of rest.

A few days before your departure, start going to bed about an hour or two later than usual, if you are traveling west, or earlier if you traveling east. This is a good way to shift your mental clock!

During travel it is best to avoid large meals, alcohol and caffeine. Make sure to drink lots of water, and try to sleep on the plane. (As uncomfortable as it may be)

After you arrive, make sure to eat food at the appropriate local time. Continue to drink plenty of water, and avoid caffeine.

If you feel sleepy during the day, it is okay to take naps. Make sure they are in 30 minute intervals so you can still sleep at night!

Motion sickness

Motion sickness happens when the motion you are experiencing is different from the motion sensed by your inner ear. It often occurs in cars, trains, airplane or boat.

Motion sickness is not a deadly condition, but it is very unpleasant for travel. Thankfully, there are ways to prevent it.

In a car or bus, sit in the front seat, or drive, if possible. When driving, you will be more focused on driving safe and looking at the road to be distracted by the movement from any speed bumps. Sitting in the passengers seat decreases the movement you would feel when sitting in the back.

In an airplane, sit over the wing. Sitting above the wing will limit how much turbulence you may feel.  Try sucking on hard candy to prevent any nausea.

On a boat or ship, try to stay in a central cabin. Next, close your eyes and try to focus them on the horizon. Stimulating your other senses can distract you from the motion.

Sun Exposure

The point of summer vacation is to enjoy the sun while playing in the water. However, spending too much time outdoors can be dangerous due to too much exposure from UV rays.

Protect yourself from the sun by staying in the shade every so often, especially during the hottest times. (11-2)

Wear clothes to protect exposed skin. Wearing a hat with a wide brim to cover your face and head is a great help!

Use sunscreen! Anything above SPF 15 is a great choice! Especially, if you have kids, look for "blocks UVA and UVB" or "broad spectrum" on the bottle.

Sunscreen works better if applied to skin about 20 minutes prior to sun exposure. This will allow the sunscreen to settle on the skin and become fully active when it feels the sun. And reapply ever 2 hours!

Be safe and have fun on your next vacation! See more At Traveler's Health!