5 Things That Food Experts Never Eat Or Drink While Traveling Abroad

Traveler’s diarrhea is the most common travel-related illness, and you get it by consuming tainted foods or drinks, according to the CDC.

E. coli bacteria is the main culprit, Baum said, but travelers can also get sick from salmonella, shigella, or campylobacter. Viruses, like astrovirus, norovirus, and rotavirus, can also be to blame, as well as the parasite giardia.

It often happens in instances of poor food handling, a lack of sanitation, or contaminated drinking water, Silberman said.

Diarrhea, abdominal pain, cramping, nausea, vomiting, and fever are the most common symptoms of traveler’s diarrhea, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Symptoms of viral or bacterial infections typically show up within six to 24 hours, but parasites can take a few weeks to show signs.

The highest-risk destinations are Asia (except for Japan and South Korea), the Middle East, Africa, Mexico, and Central and South America, according to the CDC.

Washing your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom and before eating, can reduce your risk, Baum said. 

Foods And Drinks To Avoid When Traveling Abroad

You can actually get foodborne illness from any food or beverage. But some might be riskier than others, depending on where you travel.

Food safety measures, sanitary standards, and culinary habits vary in different parts of the world, Silberman said. Your best bet is to research food safety and health risks for your destination.

But here are some foods and drinks to consider avoiding.