8 Simple Habits That Keep Travelers Germ-Free

1. Wash your hands. The Centers for Disease Control recommends frequent washing with soap and water as the number-one way to stay germ free. When soap and water aren’t available, hand sanitizers can be useful.

2. Stay hydrated. When mucous membranes dry out, they can no longer effectively trap germs or bacteria.

3. Wipe down frequently touched objects. Use hand wipes to disinfect hotel TV remotes, door handles, light switches, televisions and phones.

4. Be wary of bedspreads. They don’t get cleaned as often as sheets and pillowcases. Don’t lie on them; remove them from the bed.

5. Disinfect your room. A spray such as Lysol Disinfectant Spray To Go will kill airborne germs.

6. Carry a handheld water-filtration device. Contaminated water can spread illness. A product such as SteriPen will kill nearly all bacteria and viruses using UV light.

7. Boost vitamin intake. This can help your body fight off germs and viruses. Travel-friendly products such as Emergen-C dissolve easily in a glass of water.

8. Bag the bacteria. Shoes and wet clothing can breed bacteria in travel bags. Use bags with antimicrobial protection, such as Apera Bags, which also have air vents and washable inserts.