Whether you're heading to some sun-drenched shore, hitting the slopes at your favorite ski resort, or taking the Grand Tour of Europe during your hard-earned, weeks-long sabbatical, it's in your best interest to make sure that you do everything in your power to ensure that you remain healthy during and after your trip. After all, it's going to be awfully hard to muster up the energy to see the sights when you're suffering from heat exhaustion, withdrawal from prescription medication, or malaria, just for example. So before you hit the road for parts unknown, here are a few tips to help you stay healthy during your time as a tourist.

1. Immunizations. If you're traveling to a foreign country you'd better hope you left enough time for the many immunizations you might need. Your country of origin may not be subject to ailments like malaria, diphtheria, or hepatitis A, for example, but that doesn't mean you won't be exposed to such diseases should you travel to foreign countries. At the very least you should probably see your doctor about common vaccinations for influenza, tetanus, and measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). But if you happen to be planning travel outside of your national borders you may need several more shots in order to protect yourself. Your doctor will be able to find out which immunizations are necessary once you know where you're going, but some require multiple doses over 4-6 weeks so you need to schedule an appointment with your doctor early.

2. Prescription refills. Anyone who takes prescription medication on a daily basis (or in the event of certain circumstances) needs to make sure they have enough on hand for the duration of their trip since it can be difficult to get refills in other states, much less other countries. You might also want to pack simple remedies like aspirin, antacid, and antibacterial ointment. While these items are often readily available in most countries, keep in mind that you may not be able to read the labels.

3. Diet plan. How and what you eat on your trip could have a marked effect on your overall state of health. For example, there are some places where it's not safe to drink tap water. And if you're not accustomed to the local cuisine you could end up with stomach problems. Before you travel you should try to plan a basic diet that includes plenty of water (possibly bottled) and a variety of foods that you think you can stomach (including plenty of fruits and veggies if you can find them). If you don't know what is in certain types of cuisine you should probably figure it
out ahead of time (especially if you have food allergies). This should help to protect your digestive system.



4. Travel insurance. Check in with your health insurance provider to see what their policy is on coverage for travel. Most do not cover foreign treatment, but many do offer travel plans for a small additional fee so that you can remain covered no matter where you are. There are also independent providers that have such plans.

5. Safety first. Let's be honest; some of us are keen to spark up a little non-committal romance on vacation. There's nothing wrong with using your overseas adventure to get a little lovin' from some hot Italian stallion or that saucy French waitress (so long as it involves adults engaged in consensual acts). But unless you want to return home and immediately seek out affordable STD testing, it behooves you to go into any such trysts well-prepared for safety.