7 Things You've Got To Avoid When Travelling and Eating Abroad

You've got your tickets, you're ready to board the plane for some remote part of the world, or somewhere abroad, and, if you're anything like me, you want to do anything you can to avoid getting sick while on the trip. For there's nothing worse than spending even a day on vacation holed up under quarantine in the bathroom of your hotel. 

So, to help you out, here are things you need to avoid to stay healthy on your vacation:

1. Raw shellfish: I know, you're on vacation and all, but shellfish like oysters or mussels are bottom feeders, and as such pick up terrible bacteria, which, if the shellfish is uncooked, can be transferred to you. 

2. Raw produce: Every country recommends not to eat raw produce. You can take your chances, but you could end up sick. It's best to eat all fruits and vegetables cooked. And watch for desserts that have raw fruit in them also.

3. Shady restaurants: It's best to qualify the restaurants reputation before you eat there. As with any country, there are good and bad places to eat. When you're vacationing, and spending solid money, you want to eat at the best place possible. This will also cut down the chances, albeit not entirely, of getting sick.

4. Avoid street vendors: While customary in many places, street vendors typically do not have permits, and thus not subject to health inspection, which can mean poor quality and health-risky food.

5. Eggs: A high rate of salmonella poisoning comes from eating eggs that are not properly cooked. The issue is apparently in the chicken who laid the egg, and not the shell itself. In parts of the world where a freshly laid egg is precious, it's best to eat only when you know it's been cooked. That also means avoiding caesar salads abroad.

6. Tap water: It's become more common to drink bottled water, even in Canada where our water is still somewhat clean. In other countries, it's best to avoid tap water altogether, which also means no ice in your beverages and brushing your teeth with bottled water.

7. Big meals: If you're in Italy, for instance, you'll most likely regale yourself on heavy meals, especially past 10 o'clock at night. However, in other parts of the world more foreign, it's best to eat smaller portions of food in the event that there is contamination; this way your body has a better chance of fighting off the bacteria or offering faster recovery.

Another thing that's important is always wash your hands before eating to cut down on any bacteria left on your fingers. Bring alcohol-based hand sanitizer wipes in your bag in the event you're not close to a washroom, or in places where washrooms are unsanitary.