Skip These Common Dishes
Traveling is an exciting opportunity to explore new places, cultures and cuisines. However, it’s important to be mindful of what you eat and drink while on the road, in hotels or on cruises. Eating the wrong foods or drinks while traveling can lead to discomfort, food poisoning or other health issues. This can potentially ruin your trip. In this article we look at 10 foods to avoid when traveling so you can be prepared.
Common Foods to Avoid When Traveling
1. Avoid Greasy Fast Food on Road Trips
When you’re driving for hours on end, it’s tempting to stop at fast food chains for a quick bite. However, greasy foods like burgers, fries and fried chicken can leave you feeling sluggish and bloated. They are often high in unhealthy fats, salt and preservatives, which can upset your stomach and cause discomfort during long drives. Additionally, these foods don’t provide sustained energy, and leave you feeling tired and unfocused behind the wheel.
Opt for healthier snacks like fresh fruit, nuts or sandwiches made with whole grain bread, lean protein and plenty of vegetables. These choices will give you more sustained energy and help prevent crashes in energy levels while driving.
2. Avoid Unreliable Street Food in Foreign Destinations
While street food can be delicious and a great way to experience local culture, it can also pose a risk if hygiene standards are not met. Food from vendors who don’t practice proper sanitation may be contaminated with bacteria or parasites, leading to foodborne illnesses. In unfamiliar countries, it’s important to avoid raw or undercooked foods like sushi, shellfish or meats from street vendors.
If you want to try local cuisine, choose reputable restaurants that maintain high hygiene standards. Look for busy food stalls, as this is a good sign of freshness, and opt for cooked food over raw options.
3. Avoid Hotel Buffet Food That’s Been Sitting Out
Many hotels offer buffet-style meals that are convenient, but food that has been sitting out for too long can become a breeding ground for bacteria. Hot foods need to be kept at the correct temperature to prevent bacterial growth, and cold foods can become unsafe if they’re left at room temperature for too long. Salads, dairy products and seafood are particularly risky when not properly stored.
If eating from a buffet, choose freshly cooked items and avoid anything that looks like it’s been sitting out for too long. You can also opt for à la carte options, where food is prepared to order, and reduce the risk of contamination.
4. Avoid Ice in Drinks on Cruises
While the food on a cruise ship is generally safe due to strict hygiene standards, the ice used in drinks can sometimes be a hidden culprit of illness. If the water used to make ice is contaminated, it can introduce bacteria into your drinks, leading to digestive issues or even waterborne illnesses.
To be safe, opt for bottled water or drinks without ice. On larger cruise lines with excellent reputations, this may not be a significant concern, but it’s always better to err on the side of caution when in doubt.
5. Avoid Pre-Packaged Convenience Store Sandwiches
When stopping at convenience stores or gas stations during a road trip, pre-packaged sandwiches or salads might seem like a quick and easy option. However, these foods are often prepared far in advance and may contain preservatives, as well as ingredients that can spoil quickly if not stored properly. The risk of food poisoning increases when sandwiches are kept at improper temperatures or not consumed within their recommended time frame.
If you need to eat on the go, purchase fresh ingredients from a grocery store and make your own sandwiches. You can also look for fresh salads or fruits. These are usually safer options than pre-made meals that have been sitting on shelves for too long.
6. Avoid Tap Water in Certain Destinations
In many parts of the world, tap water is not safe to drink due to contamination with bacteria, viruses or parasites. Even in some developed countries, the local tap water may contain minerals or other substances that your body is not accustomed to, which can lead to digestive upset.
Always stick to bottled or filtered water when traveling in countries with questionable tap water. Be cautious about using tap water to brush your teeth or rinse fruits and vegetables.
7. Avoid Room Service Meals That Have Been Sitting Too Long
When ordering room service at a hotel, the food may sometimes sit in a delivery cart for an extended period before it reaches your room. This can result in temperature-sensitive foods, like seafood or dairy, falling into the "danger zone" where bacteria multiply rapidly. Cold foods can become warm, and hot foods can cool down to unsafe temperatures, increasing the risk of foodborne illness.
If you order room service, ask for your food to be delivered as quickly as possible, and avoid dishes that are highly perishable or sensitive to temperature changes.
8. Avoid Alcohol in Excess on Cruises
While it’s common to enjoy cocktails or wine on a cruise, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to dehydration, nausea and headaches, especially when coupled with the sun and sea. Alcohol also lowers your inhibitions, making you more likely to consume unsafe food or drinks without considering the risks.
Instead, drink alcohol in moderation and make sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Balance your alcohol intake with other non-alcoholic beverages to avoid dehydration.
9. Avoid Dairy in Hot Climates
In hot climates, dairy products like milk and cheese can spoil quickly, especially if they are not stored at the right temperature. Consuming spoiled dairy can lead to stomach upset and foodborne illness.
Instead, choose plant-based dairy alternatives if you can, which are often more stable in warmer conditions.
10. Avoid Raw Seafood in Coastal Destinations
While it may seem like a great idea to indulge in raw seafood like sushi or oysters, it can also pose a health risk. Even in regions where seafood is a staple, there’s always a chance that raw fish or shellfish could be contaminated with bacteria, parasites or toxins. This is especially true if the seafood isn't handled, stored or prepared properly. In warm or tropical climates, the risk of foodborne illnesses from seafood increases significantly.
If you’re craving seafood, opt for cooked dishes like grilled or steamed fish, shrimp or clams. Cooking kills most harmful pathogens, making these options much safer than raw seafood. Always choose reputable restaurants where freshness and hygiene are priorities.