How To Avoid Food Poisoning While Traveling

You've booked your dream vacation to a far-flung locale with a legendary food culture-in fact, it's a major reason you're going. But while you salivate at the thought of diving head first into a local dish a la Bourdain or Zimmerman, you should tread lightly, lest you're hit with a bad case of food poisoning hours after landing. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), depending on the destination and time of year, 30% to 70% of travelers experience travel diarrhea, the most common food-related illness. The agency attributes the poor hygiene of local eateries as the number one contributor to food poisoning, but it's not the only ailment you'll encounter.

So how do you enjoy, literally, the local flavor yet still avoid sickness? Here, weve gathered some tried-and-true tips that will help you avoid the tummy-uh-ohs while traveling.

Sealed Beverages

Water treatment, especially in developing countries, can be dicey at best. If you can, avoid ice and fountain beverages, opting instead for sealed water and soda bottles. Drinking hot beverages like tea or coffee is generally considered safe. If worries persist, disinfect, sterilize or filter your own water. Also, it may not seem huge, but avoid food washed in water you can't verify was sterilized. This goes for salad, veggies and fruits (in this instance, fruit you can't peel, like berries). Oh, and bring travel utensils, so you know with certainty how they are cleaned.

Eat Fresh Food

This seems like a no brainer, right? You'd be surprised, though, at how much pre-prepped food you may encounter, but it's in your best interest to eat food you know was cooked upon ordering. That said, don't be afraid of street-food, but be smart! By eating at street stalls, you have a better sense of how they cook and prepare their food, as opposed to restaurants. More often than not, you will get sick in restaurants where you can't see the kitchen.

Observe Who Is Eating

Does one street food vendor have a line while the other, seemingly similar one across the street languishes? There's probably a good reason. Pay attention to who is waiting for food: mothers with their children and lots of locals are a good indication of safe eating.

Wash Your Hands!

This goes without saying, but listen to your mom. Take her advice and pack soap or sanitizer, but don't go crazy with it... Youl'l develop a local immunity with time.

What are some of your best tips for eating well but safely when you travel?

Don't let illness ruin your getaway, be sure to get the right travel insurance policy for you!

Note: Available plans and coverages may have changed since this blog was published.