5 Myths About C Travel

Getaways are a must, but certain mistaken beliefs will bring on the wrong kind of travel bug.

- KATE ROCKWOOD

MYTH #1

It's just Murphy's Law that you always get sick on vacation.

MYTHBUSTER There may be some bad luck involved, but there is an identifiable reason you often get sick when you finally get away: "You're more likely to indulge or overindulge, undertake a variety of strenuous activities you might not have the physical fitness for, and stay up late and not get enough sleep," says William Schaffner, M.D., a professor of preventive medicine and infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. And if you're traveling to an area with poor public sanitation and hygiene, you might eat or drink something that makes you sick. "That, of course, can result in an unhappy two or three days when you have to stay in your hotel room," he says. Travel also means more exposure to people, ergo more germs. To cut your exposure, wash your hands, wear a high-quality mask in public places, drink bottled water, and, if you're unsure about food safety, try to eat only food that can be cooked or peeled, Dr. Schaffner says. "Travel should be fun and rewarding. So do it, enjoy it, and just don't overdo it."

MYTH #2

Airplane ventilation is so good that you don't need a mask.