While the thought of traveling to a new country is exciting, you also need to consider the dangers of traveling abroad, particularly around food and water which isn’t purified. While many other countries are extremely safe to visit whether you are traveling alone or in a group, it is still important to do your homework, before buying those airline tickets.
One of the most important factors you must consider is your health, because there will be a high risk of food poisoning and other illness. Below, you will discover several tips on how to avoid foodborne illness when traveling abroad.
Tips For Avoiding Food Poisoning When Traveling Abroad
Do Not Drink Water From A Tap
When traveling to a developing country, you will want to avoid drinking the water that comes from a tap. It is also just as important to avoid beverages with ice cubes, because both of those can contain parasites, bacteria and viruses responsible for cholera, typhoid fever and hepatitis. If you cannot get access to bottled water, your next bet will be to boil or treat the water with chloride tables. Be sure to boil the water for at least 3 minutes, before consumption.
Do not even swallow the small amount of water utilized to brush your teeth. Just a drop of water can lead to a food borne illness or food poisoning. When visiting a restaurant only consider beverages made from water that has been boiled, such as coffee and tea.
Do Not Consume Vegetables And Fruits
When choosing a restaurant to dine at, be sure to choose carefully. However, when eating out it is crucial to avoid ordering uncooked vegetables and fruits. While restaurants such as Yassou Greek Restaurant in Las Vegas, will take the extra time to wash raw fruits and vegetables thoroughly, before serving to patrons, others will do follow the same standards. To rule out the risk of coming into contact with harmful bacteria, parasites and viruses, just keep those foods off your plate.
Road side fruit stall on route to a wacaday republic
Avoid Street Vendors
Most countries have communities markets set up in specific areas for tourists. These markets are great places to obtain souvenirs, unique attire and jewelry for a very affordable price it is not a good place to buy foods. Many of the vendors will serve meals with uncooked eggs, seafood and poultry, which may potentially be tainted with bacteria. Some of the food may be cooked, but not thoroughly, putting you at risk of food poisoning. When you and your family get hungry, while shopping in the community market or sightseeing, just visit one of the reputable restaurants in the area. And, for staying safe or when illness sets in, here’s a great guide of what to do and not do.
Night markets
Avoid Hard Cheeses And Self-Ready Milk
As you probably already know, many international countries offer a wide range of foods that are unique and very tempting. However, it will be in your best interest to avoid consuming ultra-pasteurized milk and hard cheeses, while traveling abroad. These foods can contain bacteria and viruses that can cause a food borne illness.
If you accidentally consume a food that makes you ill, you will need to visit a local physician, which may or may not be available. Always pack drugs that control vomiting, diarrhea and pain in your suitcase for those just-in-case moments. It is better to be over-prepared than under-prepared in these cases.
Try to eat healthy when on the road too so your immune system is in tip top shape an d SteriPEN water purification can help with water on the road.
Jonny Blair is a self confessed traveling nomad who founded and blogs at Don’t Stop Living. He sees every day as an adventure. Since leaving behind his home town of Bangor in Northern Ireland ten years ago he has traveled to all seven continents, working his way through various jobs and funding it all with hard work and an appetite for travel. Don’t Stop Living, a lifestyle of travel’ contains over 1,000 stories and tips from his journeys round the globe. He wants to show others how easy it is to travel the world, give them some ideas and encourage them to do the same but most of all he aims to constantly live a lifestyle of travel. He is currently based in Hong Kong and on Twitter @jonnyblair.
