Whether you travel for pleasure or work, it is important to maintain good hygiene when you are on the road. This can help you to avoid illness and discomfort so that you can enjoy your trip and make the most of it.

Listed below are some common health hazards that travelers are prone to and the things you can do to avoid the same:

Gastrointestinal infections and diarrhea: The water you drink and the food you eat are the main sources of bacteria that cause these diseases. Watch your food and drink only bottled water. If bottled water is not available, drink boiled water; ideally, this should be boiled for 20 minutes, though 10 minutes is the minimum. Ask your hotel whether you this can be arranged. Also avoid adding ice to your drinks, unless you are sure that the water source is safe.
Avoid eating food sold by street hawkers as it could be contaminated. Do not eat raw fruits or vegetables that are already cut, as the exposed surface is prone to bacterial growth. Eat only fresh fruits and vegetables after washing them in clean water. Be careful about meat or fish; eat it only if you are sure it has been cooked well. And remember to wash and dry your hands before eating.

Allergies: The dust and dirt that travelers are exposed to can carry many allergens. It is advisable to always carry anti-allergy medication. Also carry your own bedding if possible; linen and mattresses in hotels can house a lot of allergens.

Motion sickness: If you are prone to this condition, make sure you carry anti-emetics (medicines that prevent vomiting). Avoid traveling on a full stomach and having carbonated drinks before or during the journey. Chewing some sour candy can temporarily alleviate the symptoms.

Urinary tract infections (UTI): Women travelers may be especially prone to these, because they delay trips to the washroom or are exposed to dirty toilets. Not holding back the urge to urinate and hygienic practices while using public toilets (such as lining toilet seats with tissue) help to prevent this risk.

Travel ‘must haves’
Some things that you should carry to help maintain hygiene and deal with health problems while traveling, include:

Children and the elderly
If you have elders accompanying you, make sure that you carry medication that may be required for them. You should have consulted the doctor to check if it is fine for them to travel.

If you are traveling with children, carry sufficient packed food to avoid giving them food of doubtful quality when they are hungry; bottled water is a must for them. If you are traveling with an infant, pack all accessories required for sterilizing the feeding bottles and cups. Also encourage children to drink lots of water to prevent them from getting dehydrated, especially in hotter climates.