Traveling can be an exciting adventure, but nothing can ruin a trip faster than getting food poisoning. Whether you’re traveling domestically or internationally, it’s important to be cautious when it comes to food safety. Towards the end of my rotation, my crew and I stayed at a luxurious hotel in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. We decided to have dinner before heading to the airport for our long flight back to the United States. However, mid-flight, I started feeling extremely ill. My stomach was in turmoil, and I was in a lot of pain. Upon landing, it was dark, late, and customs was about to close. While standing in line, I was hit by the symptoms once again and realized I needed a restroom immediately! I asked the customs officer where I could find one, and he directed me. Unfortunately, when I returned, the entire customs area was closed and locked up! I was left stranded and had to call for help, feeling embarrassed and helpless. Reflecting on the incident, I realized I should have been more cautious when ordering food at a restaurant I didn’t trust, and avoided the “soup of the day.” Here are the top three ways to avoid getting food poisoning while traveling:
1. Stick to Bottled Water
One of the most important things you can do to avoid getting sick while traveling is to stick to bottled water. When you’re in a new place, the water may not be safe to drink, so it’s important to be cautious. Avoid tap water, ice cubes, and drinks made with tap water, such as coffee or tea. Be sure to check that the bottle seal is intact before opening it, and ask for no ice in your drinks.
2. Choose Restaurants Carefully
When choosing restaurants, it’s important to be selective. Look for places that are busy and have a high turnover of food. This is a good indicator that the food is fresh and safe to eat. Avoid street vendors who are not busy or who have food sitting out for long periods of time. Also, check online reviews and ask locals for recommendations. I usually look for places that have good reviews of more then 200 or 300 comments. Some places will higher people to leave reviews but not that many. When in doubt, it’s better to be cautious and stick to restaurants that have good hygiene practices.
3. Wash Your Hands Frequently
One of the easiest ways to prevent food poisoning is to wash your hands frequently with soap and water. This is especially important before eating, after using the restroom, and after touching anything that may be contaminated. If you’re in a place where clean water is hard to come by, use hand sanitizer to kill any germs on your hands. You can also bring antibacterial wipes to clean surfaces such as tables and utensils.
In conclusion, getting food poisoning while traveling can be a nightmare as was in my case. By following these top three ways to avoid food poisoning, you can minimize your risk and enjoy your trip to the fullest. Remember to stick to bottled water, choose restaurants carefully, and wash your hands frequently. Safe travels!
