There’s no bigger bummer than getting sick while you are traveling—especially with a serious illness endemic to a particular country. Here are the ways that can keep you and your family healthy and safe for a worry-free vacation.

Coming down with fever or sudden illness spoils any vacation, especially if it has been planned for so long and entailed considerable resources. But the truth of the matter is that travelers face a barrage of risks: a sickness can be caused by undercooked food, long flight, or endemic viral or bacterial strains, among others. As prevention is better that the cure, it’s best to take necessary precautions that will keep one and one’s family safe and healthy. Here are a few tips on how to get an extra boost of protection while in a foreign territory: 

• Before packing your things, check out the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) websites for specific diseases endemic in your vacation destination. The websites contain updated information on kind of vaccination you need. If you’re planning to visit any South American country, for example, be sure to get a shot against typhoid. Preparations for malaria are necessary before going to any tropical country. A visit to a doctor well-versed in travel medicine is recommended, at least four to six weeks before you leave.

• Keep your stash of over-the-counter medicines for common traveler ailments neatly packed in a kit. For diarrhea, bring immodium; minor pains are usually treated with ibuprofen, aspirin, or acetaminophen; for colds, use your usual cold medicine. Bring your supply of antibiotics from back home but be aware on the right frequency of usage. If in doubt, consult your doctor. Include a complete first aid-kit so that you’re well prepared for any sudden emergency like minor cuts or bruises.

• During your travels, be careful of the food you eat and the water you drink. Stomachs not usually exposed to exotic cuisines or food cooked unsanitary conditions may react, leading to what is called as traveler’s diarrhea. Always bring bottled water and never drink tap water in developing countries. If you want to try street food, eat dishes that are fresh from the stove or cooked in front of you. Don’t bother with pre-prepared meals that have been exposed to the air for hours.

• Do your research on common first-aid procedures. This will prepare you for any emergency such as choking, unconsciousness, fractures, or strains. For any muscle strains or sprains, the first course of action is to rest and support the affected limb. Placing a rug soaked in vinaigrette will help decrease the swelling. Applying ice and pressure and elevating the affected limb can reduce blood flow. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) procedures vary for adults, children, and babies. If the whole family’s going on vacation, know the exact steps for performing CPR kids.

• Be extra hygienic. Don’t forget to wash your hands before and after taking meals. Keep a small bottle of 70% alcohol or hand sanitizer to clean your hands if washing is not an option. Make sure that plates and utensils you eat from are clean, if in doubt clean it with alcohol, hot water or baby wipes.

• Travel insurance is a good investment. Good travel insurance is able to recover what you’ve spend for any medical services abroad. If your insurance comes from an HMO, ask if it covers medical treatment outside its service area. Travel insurance is advisable if the HMO does not cover any overseas medical expenses.

Being healthy is not guaranteed by taking a few medicines or knowing first aid procedures. Always practice healthy living no matter what place you are in. Although certain countries are infamous for seemingly life-threatening diseases, these can be easily avoided by being cautious and prepared. There’s no such thing as a disease-free country so health risks are no excuse to cancel a trip abroad.