7 Tips to Stay Healthy When You're on Vacation

If you're planning a summer vacation or a weekend getaway, the last thing you want to do is ruin it by getting sick.

Coming up 7 things you should do before you leave to make sure you have a healthy vacation

Your bags are packed --you're ready -- but for a worry-free vacation expect the best and prepare for the worst.

Before you leave, call your medical insurance company

Most insurance companies will cover emergencies but if you just get ill and need to see a doctor and out of network doctor you need to know what kind of coverage you would have," said Trisha Calvo of Consumer Reports.

If you're sick on a cruise ship, do not assume there's a full medical facility on board. If you have a medical condition--know where the closest hospital is and consider buying travel health insurance

"You don't want to buy your travel insurance from a tour operator or a cruise lines -you want to go to an independent broker," said Calvo.

Consumer reports recommends the website insure-my-trip.com - it sells coverage from multiple companies.

If your doctor has electronic medical records and an patient portal website--go online and download your vital info onto a thumb drive

Sites like this make it easy to download or follow Ruth Brosnan's example and skip the technology

"I write down the milligrams and everything else, and what it's for"

She lists all her medications on one piece of paper that's always in her wallet

Pack all your medications in your carry on not your suitcase. Stock up on prescriptions and bring the basics--like ibuprofen and antacids

Brittany Nalley whose on her way to Texas makes sure to bring her must-have medication: "Allergy medication because you don't know what the air is," she said.

The dry air in airplanes may dry out the mucous membrane of your nose making it easier for a virus to enter. So drink plenty of water before the flight. Once you arrive at your destination-- take some advice from 7-year-old Brandon Pinson-- and try not to overindulge.

"I eat a lot of healthy stuff like apples bananas and grapes," said Pinson

And there's research proving that all the stress before your vacation can weaken your immune system-- the running around and last minute work. The solution, which is tip seven... Rest before you go. Try to pack early and get plenty of sleep, which I know is easier said than done!