Traveling exposes you to new environments, people, and experiences—but it also puts you at higher risk for coming into contact with germs. Whether you're boarding a plane, staying at a hotel, or dining at a restaurant, high-touch surfaces and crowded spaces are often breeding grounds for harmful bacteria and viruses. Fortunately, there are simple yet effective strategies to avoid getting sick and stay healthy during your travels.
Why Germs Are More Common While Traveling
Airports, airplanes, hotels, and restaurants are common places where germs thrive. These environments are full of high-touch surfaces that are frequently touched by multiple people—making it easier for bacteria and viruses to spread. For instance, germs such as E. coli, staphylococcus, Bacillus spp, and even drug-resistant organisms can linger on hard surfaces like stainless steel and plastic for hours, or in some cases, even days source. The bacteria Clostridium difficile (C. diff) can survive on surfaces for as long as five months source.
What makes matters worse is that many pathogens are transferred to your body when you touch contaminated surfaces and then touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. To avoid these infections, it’s crucial to stay vigilant about where you go and what you touch while traveling.
High-Risk Areas for Germs While Traveling
Some places are especially susceptible to germs due to the frequency with which they are touched by people. These high-risk areas include:
- Airplane Tray Tables and Seatbelts: Airplanes are notorious for harboring bacteria on tray tables, seatbelt latches, and armrests. It's essential to disinfect these surfaces with a disinfecting wipe as soon as you sit down to reduce your exposure to harmful germs source.
- Hotel Rooms: Hotel rooms can harbor numerous germs, especially on frequently touched items like the TV remote, doorknobs, and bathroom fixtures. These surfaces are often overlooked during cleaning, making them potential sources of bacteria and viruses. Hotel bathrooms, in particular, can harbor fecal material, which may lead to illnesses like norovirus source. Make sure to sanitize these areas and avoid direct contact with them.
- Public Restrooms: Restrooms are another common area where germs thrive. In addition to toilets and sinks, shared bathroom doors, light switches, and faucets are frequently touched by multiple people.
How to Stay Safe and Avoid Germs While Traveling
Despite the high risks, there are practical steps you can take to minimize your exposure to germs while traveling.
1. Wash Your Hands Regularly
The most effective way to prevent illness while traveling is by washing your hands thoroughly and often. This reduces the likelihood of transferring germs to your face or mouth. Follow these simple steps for proper handwashing:
- Wet your hands with clean, running water.
- Apply soap and lather your hands, making sure to scrub the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
- Scrub for at least 20 seconds, or as long as it takes to hum the "Happy Birthday" song twice.
- Rinse your hands with clean water and dry them with a clean towel or air dryer source.
If soap and water aren’t available, use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
2. Use Disinfecting Wipes
Disinfect high-touch surfaces such as airplane tray tables, armrests, and hotel room furniture with disinfecting wipes. Viruses like the flu and the common cold can live on hard surfaces for several hours to a few days source. Wiping down these areas before using them can provide an additional layer of protection.
3. Vaccinate Before Traveling
Vaccines play an essential role in boosting your immune system and protecting against diseases. Flu, COVID-19, and pneumonia vaccines are recommended before traveling to areas where these diseases may be prevalent. For international travel, consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to ensure you’re up-to-date on any required vaccines for specific destinations source. Getting vaccinated at least two weeks before your trip ensures maximum effectiveness.
4. Boost Your Immune System Naturally
While there's no magic pill to prevent illness, maintaining a healthy immune system is essential. Ensure you're eating a balanced diet with plenty of vitamins and minerals, staying hydrated, and getting enough rest. A healthy immune system can help fend off any germs you may come in contact with.
Foods rich in fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin C support immune function. Consider incorporating more fruits, vegetables, and fish into your meals leading up to and during your trip.
5. Consider Wearing a Mask
In crowded spaces like airports and on planes, wearing a well-fitting mask can provide an extra layer of protection against airborne viruses, including COVID-19. Choose N95 or KN95 masks for the highest level of filtration. Make sure the mask fits snugly against your face to minimize any gaps where germs can enter source.
Important Travel Tips for Avoiding Germs
- Don’t touch your face: Try to avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth, after touching public surfaces.
- Use hand sanitizer: Always carry hand sanitizer with you, especially when soap and water aren’t readily available.
- Be cautious with hotel linens: When checking into a hotel, remove the comforter or bedding immediately and avoid placing personal items like your toothbrush on the counter. Hotel linens may harbor germs and bacteria, so it’s safer to keep them off surfaces near your face source.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water during your travels to keep your immune system functioning optimally.
Traveling can be an exciting experience, but it also exposes you to an increased risk of germs and illness. By taking proactive steps such as washing your hands, using disinfecting wipes, staying up-to-date on vaccinations, and practicing good hygiene, you can reduce your chances of getting sick while traveling. With a little preparation and mindfulness, you can enjoy your trip without worrying about germs. Safe travels!