Whether you are at home or on the road, it is important to take care of your health. Since traveling can bring you into contact with many things that your body isn't used to, it is easier to get sick. In fact, more than 10 million overseas travelers fall ill with diarrhea and other sicknesses each year from drinking water and food according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
What kinds of foods are safe to eat when traveling? First, avoid foods that require a lot of handling before serving. In most cases, foods that are boiled should be safe to consume. Avoid dishes that contain raw or undercooked meat or seafood.
If the dish you ordered is supposed to be served hot, make sure it is hot when it is served to you. The same is true for any foods that are intended to be served cold. Otherwise, it may not be safe to eat. If you buy fresh fruits or vegetables from a local market while traveling, make sure to thoroughly wash and peel them as necessary before eating, just as you would at home.
Dehydration can be a problem when traveling. Many times we wait to drink until we feel thirsty, which usually means we may already be slightly dehydrated. But when traveling, how do you know if the local water supply is safe to drink?
If you need to use tap water from an unknown source, be sure to boil it for several minutes first at a good rolling boil. Avoid consuming beverages that may be mixed with the local tap water supply, such as juices or sodas from sources such as fountain machines. Also avoid consuming beverages containing ice, since freezing does not kill most microorganisms.
While bottled water is an option many travelers reach for, not all bottled water products sold abroad may meet American standards. Bottled water products in other countries can be impure or even counterfeit (i.e., refilled from a local tap source), so always check the seal to ensure it is intact.
While watching what you eat and drink can help avoid illness, the best action you can take to maintain your health all year long is to wash your hands frequently. If fresh water is scarce, use antibacterial hand gels or wipes to help keep your hands clean, especially after using a restroom and before eating.
