Water and food contamination are the chief causes of illness when traveling to another country. Don't think because you are on a sleek cruise ship that all is well. Just ask yourself where do they get their water, food and crew from.

Common Health Issues for Travelers

1. Watch what you eat and drink. Travelers diarrhea the most common illness when traveling abroad. It's transmitted by water and food contamination. So don't drink the water and forget about ice in your drink too.
2. If you become seriously ill or injured abroad, medical evacuation is possible,
3. Make sure you have the required vaccinations for the countries that you plan to visit,
4. West Nile Virus is spreading in the U.S. Avoid infection by avoiding mosquito bites and find out where the disease is spreading.
5. The Yellow Book- an in-depth book on disease and prevention for the international traveler,
6. The Blue Sheet- countries currently infected with quarantinable diseases,
7. The Green Sheet- CDC's inspection scores of specific cruise ships.

Should you travel when you're pregnant or breast feeding? Take a look at what you need to know to travel with kids.

The best place for health information when traveling is the Center for Disease Control. Foreign countries depend on it heavily as well.

See our related article on staying healthy when cruising.