Besides the possibility of visiting great museums, imposing monuments or beautiful landscapes, one of the reasons why we all love to travel is that it allows us to try new ingredients and dishes. One of the best ways to get to know a destination is through its food and for the most intrepid travellers, tasting exotic delicacies can be the most exciting part of a trip.

Unfortunately, our love of food can put us at risk. It is important to remember that hygiene standards and the quality of sanitation services can vary greatly from country to country and if we are not careful we could spend much of our journey locked up in the toilet, or worse, in a hospital.

Among the most common ailments and diseases faced by international travellers is dreaded traveller’s diarrhoea. The most common pathogen causing this disease is Escherichia coli bacteria, followed by Campylobacter jejuni bacteria, and the mode of transmission is usually the consumption of contaminated water or food. The infection rate among international travellers ranges from 30% to 70%, depending on the destination.

Other diseases that often occur after eating food that has not been prepared or handled hygienically include hepatitis A and typhoid fever. The first is caused by a virus found in the stool of infected people. It is one of the most common foodborne infections and occurs periodically throughout the world. Typhoid fever is a disease caused by a bacterium called Salmonella Typhi. Symptoms include high fever, stomach pain, and diarrhea. Some people become carriers of the bacteria, even when symptoms have disappeared.

You know the risks, but what can you do to protect yourself?

First, it is essential to receive vaccines against hepatitis A and typhoid fever. Although they help reduce your risk of these diseases, it doesn’t mean you can eat anything with confidence. Be sure to take the following precautions:

• Eat only foods that are properly cooked and served hot.
• If you are going to eat fruits or vegetables, be sure to wash and peel them yourself.
• Drink liquids from a reliable source, such as water and bottled juices.
• Avoid ice in drinks if you don’t know their origin.
• Use utensils, dishes and glasses that are clean and dry.
• Wash your hands often, particularly after going to the bathroom and before handling food.

Following the above points will help you avoid infections that could put your health at risk. We know that you want to enjoy the traditional dishes of the places you visit, that’s why our final recommendation is that you do it in establishments that enjoy a good reputation. Food sold on the streets can be tempting, but eating it is like playing a lottery and not worth missing out on the rest of your vacation because of an infection.