If you have children, you probably have at least one good story about how an illness put a kink in family vacation plans. Whether it was someone getting sick on an airplane, a first ear infection far from the pediatrician's office, or missing out on a day at the beach to care for a feverish kiddo, it is never fun to get sick on vacation.

While it is impossible to ensure you won't get sick. The best you can do is follow these recommendations to minimize your chances of getting sick or spreading germs.

• Travel only when you are feeling well
• Get vaccinated for flu (both seasonal flu and 2009 H1N1 if they are in a priority group)
• Don't touch your mouth, nose or eyes unless you've just washed your hands
• Wash hands often, especially before touching your mouth, nose or eyes and before eating
• Carry hand sanitizer for emergencies
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve
• Make a list of doctors and clinics at your destination that accept your health insurance so you won't waste time or stress about if someone does get sick.
• Take it easy. Stress increases the chances you will get sick.
• Pack your favorite foods to help your family eat well during the trip.
• Drink plenty of water
• If you are traveling outside of the country, find out about disease outbreaks, travel alerts, and vaccination information for travelers the CDC Travelers' Health website.

References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Traveler's Health, http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/