Do you have plans to travel this holiday season? We’d like to help keep you healthy and away from the doctor! You’re probably busy with last minute holiday shopping, decorating the house or packing your suitcase, so we put together some helpful tips to keep you and your family healthy this holiday travel season.

Getting a flu shot is a good way to protect you and your family. While flu season begins in late October, it usually peaks from December to February, right around the time a lot of people are out traveling for the holidays. Crowded places like airports, shopping malls and schools are a prime spots to pick up flu germs. So make sure to wash your hands!

Take a daily vitamin. While vitamins may not prevent you from getting sick, taking vitamins or supplements throughout the year can help boost your immune system. It is important to talk to your doctor about what vitamins and supplements are right for you. Be sure to combine that with a healthy diet of fruits, vegetables and healthy fats.

Be aware of what you touch when you are out and about or while traveling. Door and suitcase handles, public restroom faucets and money are touched by people all day long. Make sure not to touch your face after touching things like these and again, make sure you wash your hands with soap and water regularly. (If you can’t wash your hands, you can use hand sanitizer.)

Clean your surroundings! Tray tables, touch screen monitors, armrests, restaurant tables and many other surfaces you touch while traveling are covered in germs. Use cleaning wipes to clear off these surfaces before you get settled in for you journey or meal.

Stay active. While you may be sitting on an airplane or in the care for an extended period of time, make sure you get up and move. Whether it’s a rest stop or taking a couple laps up and down the aisle, keep yourself moving!

While the holidays are a time to indulge in cookies and desserts, try to be mindful of what you eat. Also, it is important to stay hydrated. Whether you are traveling by car or by plane for a long time, you can get dehydrated. Make sure you drink plenty of liquids throughout your travel.

Take a well-deserved shower once you reach your destination to rinse off all the germs you may have encountered while traveling. Change into a clean set of clothes and you’ll be ready to celebrate the holidays!