Georgia Dixon
Travel Tips

10 foods you must avoid while travelling

Part of the fun of travelling is getting to try and experience different cuisines from all around the world, but some foods just aren’t worth the risk of an upset stomach. Here are 10 foods that are best steered clear of when you’re on holidays. 

1. Raw eggs

Runny eggs, novelty cocktails, homemade mayonnaise and other products that rely on raw and undercooked eggs can also carry nasty foodborne illnesses.

2. Postmix soft drinks

You should be especially cautious in countries with questionable water quality, as restaurants and vendors often use tap water and ice to make these beverages.

3. Leafy salads

Green-leafed vegetables can contained nasty microorganisms that won’t necessarily wash off with water (and in places with dodgy water this can compound the problem).

4. Unpasteurised dairy products

Unpasteurised milk, or products like cheese or ice cream that’ve been made from unpasteurised dairy are more likely to contained nasty foodborne illnesses.

5. Fish and shellfish

Seafood products can be delicious, but they can also contain some pretty nasty illnesses. Seafood poisoning has been known to cause vomiting, diarrhoea and worse!

6. Buffet foods

Be wary of the buffet! This hot-pot for germs and microbes is a logistical challenge to keep sanitary and is better to steer clear off if you’re not confident of the hygiene.

7. Uncommon meats

If your gastrointestinal health is a priority you’re better off avoiding some of the more adventurous meats like wild game, as these can contain all sorts of nasties.

8. Ice blocks

In areas where the tap water is of a questionable quality, it makes no sense to be consuming something that is mostly made out of the clear stuff.

9. Raw strawberries

Even if they’re washing anything raw that grows at a ground level is hard to get 100 per cent clean and strawberries can often host nasty microorganisms.

10. Odd local craft brews and liquors

In many places local beverages can be made or kept in unsanitary conditions and questionable alcohol levels can see you ill if they’re higher than you’re used to.

Have you ever become sick after eating something overseas? Let us know in the comments.

Related links:

The one thing you must check when using a hotel safe

The surprising thing that could get you kicked off a flight

6 healthy snacks you can actually take on a plane

Tags:
travel, health, food, sick, avoid