A big part of traveling anywhere is sampling local cuisine. Eating as the locals do is a sure-fire way to expose yourself to new food and drink no matter where you may be. Whether it's sashimi in Tokyo, antipasti in Venice or fish tacos in Punta Cana, there is an endless smorgasbord of cookery delights at the ready across the globe.
While part of a vacation usually involves a relaxed itinerary and a willingness to "throw caution to the wind" and not deprive one's self of what is on offer. When it comes to food it pays to use a bit more caution than perhaps you normally might. Regardless of where you travel you are making yourself a bit vulnerable to things you have no control over or are unaware of. When it comes to eating while away from home it makes sense to be aware of what you're eating and how it's been prepared or stored before it's served to you.
Health standards vary from country to country and once you're outside of tourist friendly areas ("hotel zones") in some countries, your luck will vary greatly when it comes to food safety. If you're not sure about something (appearance, smell, preparation, etc.) that you've been served or are considering ordering - ask. Nobody will be offended if you are polite. Eating with the locals and simply assuming that the locals are in the know and therefore will eat only good food isn't a smart idea because they've lived there for years and may have adapted to whatever hazards come from the food. Be adventurous, but exercise some caution before grabbing something that looks and smells great from a food vendor or roadside eatery.
Of course, being prepared is half the battle, so make sure that when you set off on your travels that you are at least mildly prepared for any digestive system related issues by packing some over the counter antacid (like Tums), something to combat diarrhea (like Imodium) and something that combats nausea (like Pepto Bismol). Mild antibiotics can also come in handy, as can some homeopathic based medications. Always have a small bottle of an alcohol based hand wash also (like Purell).
If half of the notion of eating well and eating smart while on holiday is based around safety, then the other part of eating well on vacation is eating right - in other words, don't overindulge. Even the best prepared foods can be a source of discomfort if you eat too much of them. Exercise a bit of common sense and don't assume that just because you're on vacation the food you're eating isn't going to cause you to gain weight if you aren't careful - just because you're someplace far from home doesn't mean you have to leave your day-to-day eating habits and sensibilities behind. Coming home from a month long vacation overweight is a sure way to associate your destination with bad memories and ill will.
Easy tips to remember:
Whenever you're unsure about something - ask. No matter where you are, or what you're thinking of ordering. Drink water from bottles if you are unsure about quality, even at a well known resort. Always err on the side of caution because there's nothing adventurous about forgetting common sense and ending up sick on your vacation. Travel with some over-the- counter remedies in the event of temporary gastrointestinal issues. Eat smart and don't overindulge. If you really like something, you can always come back for more on another day before you go home.
While part of a vacation usually involves a relaxed itinerary and a willingness to "throw caution to the wind" and not deprive one's self of what is on offer. When it comes to food it pays to use a bit more caution than perhaps you normally might. Regardless of where you travel you are making yourself a bit vulnerable to things you have no control over or are unaware of. When it comes to eating while away from home it makes sense to be aware of what you're eating and how it's been prepared or stored before it's served to you.
Health standards vary from country to country and once you're outside of tourist friendly areas ("hotel zones") in some countries, your luck will vary greatly when it comes to food safety. If you're not sure about something (appearance, smell, preparation, etc.) that you've been served or are considering ordering - ask. Nobody will be offended if you are polite. Eating with the locals and simply assuming that the locals are in the know and therefore will eat only good food isn't a smart idea because they've lived there for years and may have adapted to whatever hazards come from the food. Be adventurous, but exercise some caution before grabbing something that looks and smells great from a food vendor or roadside eatery.
Of course, being prepared is half the battle, so make sure that when you set off on your travels that you are at least mildly prepared for any digestive system related issues by packing some over the counter antacid (like Tums), something to combat diarrhea (like Imodium) and something that combats nausea (like Pepto Bismol). Mild antibiotics can also come in handy, as can some homeopathic based medications. Always have a small bottle of an alcohol based hand wash also (like Purell).
If half of the notion of eating well and eating smart while on holiday is based around safety, then the other part of eating well on vacation is eating right - in other words, don't overindulge. Even the best prepared foods can be a source of discomfort if you eat too much of them. Exercise a bit of common sense and don't assume that just because you're on vacation the food you're eating isn't going to cause you to gain weight if you aren't careful - just because you're someplace far from home doesn't mean you have to leave your day-to-day eating habits and sensibilities behind. Coming home from a month long vacation overweight is a sure way to associate your destination with bad memories and ill will.
Easy tips to remember:
Whenever you're unsure about something - ask. No matter where you are, or what you're thinking of ordering. Drink water from bottles if you are unsure about quality, even at a well known resort. Always err on the side of caution because there's nothing adventurous about forgetting common sense and ending up sick on your vacation. Travel with some over-the- counter remedies in the event of temporary gastrointestinal issues. Eat smart and don't overindulge. If you really like something, you can always come back for more on another day before you go home.
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