Okay, here’s my personal take on staying healthy while traveling in developing countries, shared as a blog post:
Alright, folks, let’s talk about something super important: not getting sick when you’re exploring awesome, but sometimes less-than-sanitary, places. I’ve had my fair share of adventures in developing nations, and trust me, a nasty stomach bug or worse can REALLY ruin your trip. I learned a few tricks along the way.
My “Don’t Get Sick” Routine
First thing I did, even before booking flights, was research. Not just the fun stuff, like where to find the best street food (although, that’s important too!), but also the local health situation. I checked for any common illnesses, required vaccinations, and what the water situation was like.
Then, I got all my shots. Seriously, don’t skip this. I talked to my doctor months in advance, got the recommended vaccines, and made sure I had enough malaria pills (if needed for the region). Better safe than sorry!
Once I arrived, my top priority was, and always is, the water. I simply avoid tap water like the plague. No ice in my drinks, no brushing my teeth with it, nothing. I bought bottled water constantly, and for extra peace of mind, I also used a water purifier, filter my bottled water.
- Stick to bottled water. It’s a life-saver. Literally.
- No salad.
Next up: food. Street food is amazing, but it can be a gamble. Here’s what I did: I only ate at places that were busy. A long line of locals is usually a good sign that the food is fresh and tasty. I also watched how they handled the food. If it looked questionable, I walked away. And I always made sure everything was cooked thoroughly. No raw or undercooked anything.
I also became best friends with hand sanitizer. I carried it everywhere and used it religiously, especially before eating anything. And I mean anything. Even a piece of fruit I peeled myself got the hand sanitizer treatment.
Another thing I started doing was taking probiotics. I’m not a doctor, but I figured a little extra gut support couldn’t hurt. I started taking them a few weeks before my trip and continued throughout. Whether it was the probiotics or just luck, I can’t say for sure, but it seemed to help.
Finally, and this might sound obvious, I listened to my body. If I felt even a little bit off, I took it easy. I rested, drank lots of (bottled!) water, and avoided anything that might make things worse. It’s better to miss out on a day of sightseeing than to spend the rest of your trip in bed (or worse, a hospital!).
So, yeah, that’s my not-so-secret formula for staying healthy on the road. It’s not foolproof, of course, but it’s worked pretty well for me. Remember, a little preparation and caution can go a long way in keeping you healthy and happy on your adventures!
