Tips and Tricks to Stay Healthy While Eating Abroad

Going to a different country is a dream that most people have, but only some people actually accomplish. Whether you want to go to Paris, the city of lights, or India there will be some drastic differences between the city you visit, and what you are used to. There are going to be differences such as hygiene practices, food eaten, and even how driving is set up.

Here are 5 different things you can do to be prepared for traveling:

Research, Research, Research

Is it safe to drink from local water sources? If not you will need to plan on purchasing bottled water, and be prepared to carry it around with you everywhere you go. There are some places such as Rome, Italy where it is safe to drink out of the water fountains found throughout the city.

Study what kinds of food the local people eat there, and prepare yourself to try that kind of food. If you have food allergies this is also a good time to know what dishes to avoid, and see what kind of food you can eat.

Use a Guide

If you aren’t really sure what is available in the area, or you just aren’t sure where you should go to eat, you can always hire a food tour guide. There are local food tours where a local will guide you around the town for several hours, and take you to different places, and give you different foods to try. This is a great way to get a feel for the city you are visiting and allow you to see what you like and don’t like.

Be as Hygienic as Possible

Even if your food is amazing and super clean and healthy, if you aren’t practicing great hygiene you will probably get sick. This can be something as simple as brushing your teeth, or washing your hands before you eat food with your fingers.

You can carry around some hand sanitizer, or use some essential oils that have cleaning properties. Check out Young Living Reviews to see what you can use while traveling around the world. Another simple trick is to find a bathroom if you are at a restaurant, and wash your hands in there after they have your order and you are waiting for your food.

Use Your Senses

If it looks or smells bad, then don’t eat it. No seriously, do not eat it, even if other people around you are eating it. Your digestive system may not be accustomed to their culture, and adding bad or spoiled food on top of that can cause some serious digestive problems.

Digestive problems are the last thing that you want on your trip, and you don’t want to spend anytime in your apartment because you have food poisoning. Even if you are super careful, you may get a case of traveler’s stomach, and have a mild case of diarrhea. This is normal and should pass. If it doesn’t get better, you should seek trusted medical attention.

Be Prepared for the Worst

Okay not the absolute worst scenario of you starving or having to eat really gross food, but just be prepared for a case of travelers stomach or your digestive system adjusting to the food. This doesn’t take that long, may take a day or several days depending on where you are traveling to, and what you are used to.

You can pack some Imodium or even laxatives if you end up with constipation, which is normal during travel. Stomach relievers such as Pepto-Bismol, and acid blockers can also help keep your digestive system happy.

Traveling internationally is such an adventure that is always full of ups and downs. The bad parts make for great stories later on, but can be frustrating, and even scary when they are actually happening. Be sure to share this with a friend who is traveling out of the country soon!