If you're planning a trip this year, you may be asking how to stay healthy. The last thing you want to do on vacation is to get sick. 

The likelihood of catching a cold or the flu increases the more you spend in crowded areas, such as airports. The good news is that staying virus-free when traveling is as simple as following a few simple precautions. Here are five ways to stay healthy throughout your holiday travels.

Flu Shot

Vaccinating yourself against the flu is the greatest approach to prevent yourself and others from contracting and passing on the illness. The flu vaccine works to strengthen your immune system so that your body can better combat influenza viruses.

It can take up to two weeks for the flu vaccine to provide protection. The good news is that flu shots are widely available in a wide variety of locations, including your local drugstore. The vaccine might be given to you by your doctor as well.

Avoid Germs

Touching a contaminated surface is the most common method of transmitting infectious bacteria or viruses. Simply brushing your eyes, mouth, or nose after touching the doorknob of an airplane restroom is enough to make you sick. Here's how to steer clear of such a scenario altogether:

Regularly wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer, including your fingernails.

Open door handles and turn off water taps with a tissue or paper towel.

After touching something a sick person has contaminated, refrain from touching your nose, eyes, or mouth.

Swab armrests, tables, and other furniture with disinfecting wipes.

Make sure you keep at least six feet between you and any person who appears to be in poor health or who is congested or coughing.

Stay Hydrated

If you're flying, it's important to stay hydrated. Keeping viruses and bacteria at bay is one of the primary functions of the nose's mucous membranes. Dehydration and dry air in an airplane cabin can dry out your nasal passages, making you more vulnerable to a neighboring passenger's flu-packed.

Carry a bottle of water with you when you're out and about, and steer clear of caffeinated and alcoholic beverages.

Make Sure You're Getting Enough Sleep

Your immunity is strengthened when you get enough sleep.聽

If feasible, try to obtain a decent night's sleep the night before you leave and keep a routine while on your vacation. Get the necessary amount of sleep per night by following these guidelines:

At night, keep the temperature of your bedroom chilly.

Reduce your coffee and alcohol intake to the absolute minimum.

It is best to turn off all electronic gadgets an hour before bed.

Consider bringing a sleeping mask and earplugs to help you get some shut-eye on the plane or train.

Eat Healthily

Keeping a nutritious diet is essential all year round, and it's even more important when you're on the road. An effective strategy to maintain your immunity and stave off infection is to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet that includes plenty of whole, immune-boosting foods.

You'll keep healthy when traveling if you follow these basic guidelines.