International Travel Insurance / Eating & Drinking

Here are some useful tips about eating and drinking when you're travelling do avoid illnesses and food poisoning while you’re on vacation.

Whether you're a seasoned traveller or new to travelling and living abroad, it is important to plan ahead particularly and look after your health whether that may be by ensuring what you eat and drink is clean or taking out international travel insurance to protect against unexpected circumstances. Here are a few basic precautions that can help to avoid any unnecessary accidents and illnesses.

Eating & Drinking In Developing Countries

Traveller's diarrhoea is the most common health problem affecting those travelling to developing countries.

It can affect anyone but is more serious in the elderly and young children, it is therefore important to think the issue through BEFORE get to your destination.

• Boil any drinking water you are unsure about – or drink bottled water – but always ask to open the bottle yourself in restaurants, checking the seal is in place – if in doubt stick to carbonated water – and make sure it fizzes!
• Use bottled or boiled water for cleaning your teeth, don't open your mouth and drink water when in the shower.
• In developing counties order drinks without ice, avoid roadside food vendors selling ice cream and unwashed fruit.
• Eat early if you have a buffet that has been sitting out for long periods during the day – food kept warm under food lamps can be a source of infection.
• Avoid – unpasturised milk, shellfish, soft cheeses, lukewarm food and empty restaurants.
• Boil it, cook it, peel it or forget it.
• Apply strict hygiene while away especially after using the bathroom and before you eat food – never use communal, damp towels in public conveniences! Use disposable paper towels or hot air.
• If you get diarrhoea – drink plenty of clear, clean fluids. It might be helpful to take diarrhoea medication along with you with some re-hydrating fluid.
• If it continues for more than 48 hours and you are unable to drink, or are passing blood – SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION.
  
  

Staying Healthy Once You Are At Your Destination

Make yourself familiar with the healthcare facilities of your chosen destination. Make sure you know the emergency numbers for your locality and know where to get help if you get into trouble.

Safety rules for food and drink are very important while travelling – ensure that you are aware of the precautions you need to take to eat and drink safely while on your trip. Ensure that you have access to adequate amounts of non-alcoholic fluid to prevent dehydration during your journey.

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