Health Precautions to Take When Traveling to Foreign Countries
I have had the rare privilege of traveling to most areas of the world, many of which are famous for getting a bad case of diarrhea or stomach problems.
With all this said some simple precautions that you can take will prevent this and let you enjoy a Journey of a Lifetime.
Follow these easy and simple tips and you will experience the joy of visiting some of the most wonderful sights of the world.
First, visit your family doctor BEFORE you leave.
Let them know where you are going to make sure you do not need any vaccinations or special prescriptions.
There are several good over the counter remedies that you can ask your local pharmacist about, however if you are traveling to an area where it is known that the drinking water is not safe, your doctor can prescribe a medication to take just in case.
Generally, but not always, the quality of food is good.
If you plan to eat out, do some research on local restaurants.
Many of them have websites with customer reviews.
You can usually get good advice from the concierge or the front desk of the hotel.
When ordering from a menu, ask the waiter what an item is if you don't know.
You can ask how it is fixed and what do they recommend.
Usually the restaurant has specials they promote each day.
Do not forget to ask for bottled water, unless you are drinking wine or alcohol.
I do not recommend that you put ice in your drink if you know the water is not safe.
If the water is not safe, the ice will not be safe either! Many people overlook this important item.
I keep repeating, because it is so important, DO NOT eat raw, unpeeled vegetables or fruit.
It can be deadly.
If you take these simple and easy to follow instructions, you can have a safe and enjoyable vacation almost anywhere.
With all this said some simple precautions that you can take will prevent this and let you enjoy a Journey of a Lifetime.
Follow these easy and simple tips and you will experience the joy of visiting some of the most wonderful sights of the world.
First, visit your family doctor BEFORE you leave.
Let them know where you are going to make sure you do not need any vaccinations or special prescriptions.
There are several good over the counter remedies that you can ask your local pharmacist about, however if you are traveling to an area where it is known that the drinking water is not safe, your doctor can prescribe a medication to take just in case.
- Visit your doctor and get their advice on what precautions to take.
- Do not drink the local water! It does not matter where you are, different people have different levels of tolerance and you can get ill, even in supposedly "safe" water countries.
- Buy SEALED bottle water.
Usually you can purchase it at the hotel.
If you are with a group, many of the local guides sell it on their busses. - Do not eat raw, unpeeled fruit or vegetables.
- Do not eat salads.
- If you do not know what something is, ASK.
Generally, but not always, the quality of food is good.
If you plan to eat out, do some research on local restaurants.
Many of them have websites with customer reviews.
You can usually get good advice from the concierge or the front desk of the hotel.
When ordering from a menu, ask the waiter what an item is if you don't know.
You can ask how it is fixed and what do they recommend.
Usually the restaurant has specials they promote each day.
Do not forget to ask for bottled water, unless you are drinking wine or alcohol.
I do not recommend that you put ice in your drink if you know the water is not safe.
If the water is not safe, the ice will not be safe either! Many people overlook this important item.
I keep repeating, because it is so important, DO NOT eat raw, unpeeled vegetables or fruit.
It can be deadly.
If you take these simple and easy to follow instructions, you can have a safe and enjoyable vacation almost anywhere.