No one likes to think about it — you’re finally enjoying your vacation, but suddenly sickness strikes. Couple that with being in a foreign place, and your trip could turn stressful fast.

Don’t panic! Illness doesn’t have to ruin a great time. Here are some tips for staying healthy while traveling.

1. Research Your Destination
Depending on your upcoming locale, you might need to take certain precautions. Check the Centers for Disease Control and the U.S. Department of State Travel to learn more about international medical care, as well as helpful health-related dos and don’ts. Stay informed about current outbreaks or water contamination issues at your destination. Sure, no one likes needles, but you might need immunizations before you jet. See your primary-care physician before your travels. You’ll be happy you did.

2. Pack Medications
Sure, you’ll need to figure out which dresses and pairs of shoes you’ll want to pack, but you have to worry about some other suitcase essentials. Namely, don’t skimp on the medications. Bring a healthy stash of your prescriptions and over-the-counter medications to combat everything from cuts and allergies to motion sickness or heartburn. Some medicines considered commonplace in the U.S. aren’t as easily accessible abroad. Take in the scenery … and don’t worry about the ragweed.

3. Imbibe and Indulge Modestly
Of course a little more vino sounds like a marvelous idea! You’re on vacation, after all. But don’t overdo it — and guzzle some water while you’re at it. Drinking plenty of liquids is one of the most basic ways to stave away illness. Besides, overindulgence can have some nasty effects. No one wants to deal with an angry stomach, poor sleep or mood swings while they’re trying to catch up on some much-needed R&R. Unwind – don’t unravel.

4. Get Some Shut-Eye
The excitement of getting to a new place can be difficult to sleep. But as much as you might want to take in all the historic sites and shopping hotspots, you can’t allow the stress of traveling to take its toll. Give your body a break and let it rest. Fight that jet lag with some good, old-fashioned sleep the first night of your trip. Your body and your mind will thank you.

Enjoy your next trip without worrying about catching a cold or dealing with fatigue. Follow these handy rules, and you’ll be healthy and energized enough for anything.

Before you can enjoy that sandy stroll, you’ll have to finalize some travel arrangements. Reserve you pre-flight hotel with ParkSleepFly and take the stress out of getting to the airport on time!