One perk of a beach-bound vacation is knowing that you can lounge happily, shoe-free with the sand beneath your soles. However, being barefoot on the beach comes with its own set of troubles.

"Even if you are just lying still on your back soaking up the rays, your feet are still vulnerable," says American Podiatric Medical Association member Dr. Jane Andersen. "You can seriously sunburn your feet, and no matter how upscale your hotel, athlete's foot can lurk in all public pool areas."

Here are some tips to protect your feet on your next vacation:

* Pack a foot-care kit containing flip-flops, antibiotic cream, sterile bandages, blister pads, toenail clippers, emery board, pumice stone, sunscreen and aloe vera.

* Wear shoes or flip-flops around the pool, the beach, the locker room, even in your hotel room. This will limit walking barefoot to minimize the chances of athlete's foot, ringworm and other infections or injuries.

* If you injure your foot or ankle while on vacation, seek medical attention from a podiatric physician.

* Apply sunscreen all over your feet, including the tops and fronts of ankles, and don't forget to reapply after you've been in the water.

* Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. This will help to minimize any foot-swelling caused by the heat.

* Keep the blood flowing with periodic ankle flexes, toe wiggles and calf stretches.

* Wear shoes that are suitable to the activities you are doing. If your shoes get wet, make sure they dry out completely before wearing them again to prevent the growth of bacteria or fungus.