7 Things That Can Make You Sick This Summer

From Airline Tray Tables to Rental Cars, Hidden Germs -- and Potential Vacation-Ruining Illness -- Lurk in Unexpected Places

No one wants to head off on a well-deserved summer vacation, only to end up stuck in the hotel room -- or worse, a doctor's office or ER -- because of a vacay illness. But thanks to a whole lineup of places where illness-inducing germs live, that could very well happen.

Blisstree.com points out seven of the most germ-ridden locales you are likely to encounter during summer travel, as well as ways to avoid them/deal with them, lest they ruin your trip.

Read: Are Makeup Counter Germs Killing You?

Like:

-- Public restrooms -- and we're not just talking about potentially getting super-glued to a toilet … bathrooms in rest stops and camps, as well as outdoor porta-potties are filled with bad bacteria, and may not be cleaned as frequently as other restrooms. They also don't always include the chance to wash up after using them, so, if you can't avoid them, make sure to carry anti-bacterial lotion with you;

Read: Poop Report: 9 Places Fecal Matter Lurks

-- Airline tray tables -- think about the various things the tray tables are used for, from eating and drinking to sleeping and sneezing (we once saw a woman change her baby's diaper on one, too) … don't assume yours is sanitary when you sit down, and wipe it thoroughly with a bleach wipe (a travel-size packet is a good thing to stash in a carry-on bag) before you use it;

-- Hotel room phones -- every time a study is commissioned about the dirtiest things in a hotel room, the hotel phone always tops the list, above the remote control, the shower, even the toilet. So once again, don't even think about picking it up and putting it near your face without wiping it down;

-- Rental cars -- people spend hours in them, eating, sleeping, sneezing, coughing … well, let's not even think about all the things they might do in them. Suffice it to say, there are many opportunities for germs to live on in rental cars, and with no guarantee that they've been detailed with antibacterial wipes before you pick them up, make sure you have a package of wipes handy yourself before driving off in one.

Read: 1 in 5 Americans Pees in Public Swimming Pools

For the complete list of germ traps you might encounter on your summer getaway, check out Blisstree.com, and remember: antibacterial wipes and lotion should be your constant travel companions.