Tips for healthy family travels

Seeing friends and family at the holidays is a time many families look forward to all year long. Staying healthy for the holidays is an integral part of enjoying family gatherings or holiday vacations. Here’s some tips to protect yourself and your family while you travel:

• Germs abound on airplanes. Take a travel pack of sanitary wipes to wipe down arm rests, table trays, seat belt fasteners and fixture handles. Turn off the circulated air above your seat to reduce the amount of forced air blowing directly on you.

• Hotel rooms can also be a breeding ground for unwanted bacteria. Before drinking from glasses run them under hot water to sterilize them, or better yet, use disposable glasses. Wipe down flat surfaces in the bathroom with sanitizing wipes, bedside tables, the remote control and dresser handles. If the hotel gift shop has Lysol, purchase a can and spray the room to add an extra level of protection.

• Eating on the go can be a challenge when traveling. Try to make good choices and avoid fast food when possible. Pack healthy snacks of fruits, veggies and cheese before you go and put them in your carry-on bag for travel days. When eating in restaurants, make sure to add a salad or side veggie. Also be sure to hydrate with water even when it’s cold.

• It’s not always possible to avoid sick relatives over the holidays, so if Aunt Betty appears to have a severe cough, no need to do a lot of hugging and kissing, and be sure to do a thorough job of hand washing before nibbling on snacks or eating a holiday meal. By the same token, if members of your immediate family are ill, keep them away from holiday gatherings. The host and hostess will appreciate your consideration.

Planning for holiday travel will make your vacation plans run smoothly. Taking time to make sure you’re making healthy choices will ensure that you and the rest of your family feel great and are able to participate in all of the festivities that make the holidays memorable.