Nothing is worse than being sick on the road. You pay big bucks to get to a place, hoping to see the sights and have the time of your life, but all you really get to know is the cold, hard tile of the bathroom floor. Germany-incident aside, I have never gotten sick on the road. What’s my secret? Read on:

1.) Doctor, Doctor!: If you’re heading to a sketchy area, visit your doctor beforehand to see about vaccinations or pills (like malaria pills) you might need.

2.) Amend your Diet: If it’s the “third world”: No local tap water, even for brushing your teeth—bottled water only. No ice, unpeelable fruits or vegetables, or dairy products, unless you’re sure they’re pasteurized. No questionable-looking eating establishments unless you see that food’s kept cold, cooked in front of you, and served in clean dishes. Forget meat in areas where it’s been linked to illness.

3.) “…Liquor, Never Sicker”: Don’t allow a hangover to ruin precious time. Set your drink limit before going out, drink water before bed, and have your Advil/favorite hangover preventative/cure at the ready, just in case. Visit Hungover.net in case of emergency.

4.) My Supplement Cocktail: Vitamin C (1000 mg/day), B-complex vitamins, milk thistle, garlic, ginseng, and Airborne (or Berocca if overseas). If “third world,” take papain/bromelian tablets before protein meals to aid digestion and protect again infection from intestinal worms. I know. Ewww.

5.) Zzzzzzz Ain’t Just the Last Letter in the Alphabet: Rest is key to keeping the pace up. Try to sleep 6 hrs./night and bring ear plugs and an eye mask if you’re an especially sensitive sleeper.

6.) Water—the Catch 22: I’ve been to some places where toilet facilities were so non-existent, I stopped drinking water just to minimize trips to the bathroom. But staying hydrated is important, so keep water with you at all times, and drink regularly.

7.) Bugs: Bugs are rampant disease-carriers, so if heading to a mosquito-plagued area, always use bug spray with Deet, sleep under a mosquito net, and keep your body covered. Also try mosquito-repelling clothes or wristbands, available at travel stores.

8.) Cleanliness is next to Godliness?: Make Purell a key accessory when traveling. Great to have on hand in case all fails and you end up gripping a garbage can in the subway for hours, like I did.

Those things are mighty dirty, wherever you go in the world.

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About the Author: A former Hollywood producer and now 2nd-generation travel professional, Susan Michelle travels the planet as the “face” of the fashion-forward Compass travel lifestyle brand. For more of Susan’s articles, tips, hot spots, and community with fellow Cosmopolitan Travelers, visit http://www.CompassTravel.info.

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