As the
vacation season approaches, it is smart
to think about the preventative measures
you can take to keep you and your travel
companions safe and healthy, no matter
where you go. Here are some ideas:
In the Air
We
all know about the germs that are
recycled -- along with the air --
in a crowded airplane cabin. So
keep your time on the plane as
short as possible by booking
flights early in the morning when
you're least likely to be
delayed. And travel on Monday
(the day with the least crowded
flights) rather than Thursday
(the day with the biggest
crowds).
Don't
use the airline's blankets or
pillows unless they come in a
sealed bag. These items are not
always washed between flights and
can therefore be rife with the
germs of the gent who drooled on
the pillow an hour ago.
On
long flights, get up and move
around every hour or two to avoid
cramped muscles and reduced
circulation.
Hydrate,
hydrate, hydrate!
In
the Car
If
you are preparing for a long
trip, have a tune-up -- check the
oil, tire pressure, etc. --
before you leave, and make sure
you have emergency equipment,
including flares, in your trunk.
Take
a break from driving if you feel
tired or sleepy.
Always
lock your doors while you are
driving and keep windows rolled
up far enough so that no one can
reach in while you are stopped at
a traffic light.
Never
leave the car unlocked and never
leave the keys in the ignition --
even if you are just stopping for
a moment.
At
Your Hotel
Even
at the best hotels, your room
might not be as clean as you'd
like. Items like the TV remote, light switches
and the telephone receiver almost
never get cleaned, so be sure to
give them a swipe yourself with
an antibacterial wipe before you
use them.
Similarly,
bedspreads are only washed every
month or so, so put it aside and
replace it with clean blankets
you request from housekeeping.
With
Children
If
your child needs to use a car
seat or booster seat, make sure
you know how to install it
correctly and always use it. (The
American Academy of Pediatrics
has a thorough
online guide to help
you.)
Bring
along items to help child-proof
your hotel room (or Grandma's
house, if you're visiting
relatives).
Young
children have sensitive skin, so
remember to slather them with
sunscreen and put on a hat if
you'll be outdoors.
Dress
your child in bright,
easy-to-recognize clothing and
always carry a current photo in
case you are separated.
Carry
a first aid kit, that includes
items such as antibiotic
ointment, band aids, and Tylenol.
No matter
where you are, always carry an
alcohol-based hand sanitizer (like
Purell) or cleansing wipes with you to
use when soap and water aren't available.
BOOK
AN ACTIVITY
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by booking your vacation activities now! Click here
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