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Enhance your immune system with nutritional supplements
Travel can take a toll on your immune system , so load up on vitamins . Emergen-C or Airborne are both designed to support your immune system with crucial vitamins and minerals ( like vitamin C and zinc ). Plus , since your diet tends to change when you ’ re abroad , these types of supplements ensure you are still getting some important nutrients . Also bring a bottle of Echinacea to help keep yourself fit along the way .
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Be careful what you eat — but live a little
Plenty of experts say to avoid street foods , but some of my most memorable culinary adventures took place in local markets and food stalls . If you are going to indulge , just use common sense . Choose places that ( obviously ) look clean and are busy serving customers . Only drink bottled water that you ’ ve seen opened in front of you . And where produce is concerned , if it isn ’ t cooked or peeled , don ’ t eat it . If you ’ re traveling on a group tour , ask your Trip Experience Leader for tips on good places . You can also ask your concierge and hotel staff for recommendations . And plenty of small local gems are reviewed on TripAdvisor , Yelp , or other food or travel sites .
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Make sure the water is safe
Drink plenty of water throughout your travels . If tap water is unsafe , try using a portable water filter or Aqua Potable water-purifying tablets . Use only bottled or filtered water to brush your teeth . As an added precaution , boil water in your coffee maker to clean your toothbrush . Keep your mouth closed when you shower in places where water is suspect . ( You might even shower with mouthwash in your mouth to remind yourself to keep your mouth closed !) And be mindful of that other water , too . That refreshing river or stream might carry river flukes ( bilharzia / schistosomiasis ). So don ’ t take the plunge unless you are certain that the water is safe .
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Get a good night ’ s sleep — no matter what it takes
Don ’ t feel as though you have to do everything . Who wants to be too tired to enjoy the trip ? Rest occasionally if your body is saying to !
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Use panty liners
They help you feel clean and comfortable , and can be a lifesaver if you find yourself in a bathroom with no toilet paper . Panty liners also extend the life of your underwear , making it easy to launder them on the road .
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