 31Likes
 |
|
16 Nov 2022
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Seville (E)
Posts: 561
|
|
|
How do you get your stomach ready for a trip?
First off, apologies if I did not find the thread for this topic
I understand that the best way, it is to eat local food -especially, raw uncooked- progressively, so that your stomach gets used to it, while using common sense with limitations (local people, used to germs and bacteriae also get sick and food poisoned).
Do you have any tricks to ease the process or adapt somehow beforehand? Curiosity to know if anyone stopping washing hands, eating old food/leftovers… 
Esteban
|
16 Nov 2022
|
|
-
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,344
|
|
|
Ajo!!
|
16 Nov 2022
|
|
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,982
|
|
|
I do nothing whatsoever to prepare my GI tract, and I’m generally less ill than other travelers. The thought that I’d stop handwashing(!) or start eating spoiled food before a trip strikes me as more than a bit odd.
I’ve never been obsessive about cleanliness at home—I don’t run around spraying everything with bleach or sanitizing chopping blocks and cookware—and this, too, has worked for me.
On the other hand, my hygiene while traveling has benefited from learning the hard way what’s really important and what’s merely performative. I’ve had giardia, dysentery, malaria, inactive TB, and various topical and systemic infections, and I try my best to evade those particular microbes and parasites. I definitely do NOT try to invite them into my life in hopes of building some sort of immunity.
That’s what works for me, but you know the standard disclaimer.
Mark
|
16 Nov 2022
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Colombia,(when not travelling)
Posts: 384
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by markharf
I do nothing whatsoever to prepare my GI tract, and I’m generally less ill than other travelers.
|
Similarly - we take care of food hygiene whether travelling or not - no difference prior to travelling. Seems to work. If it seems like a bad idea to eat or drink something, don't. Eat where others are eating - street food sellers don't survive if they sell food which results in indigestion or worse. The traditional view that eating where truck drivers eat is good advice - truck drivers cannot afford to be sick, especially in countries where the minimum wage is zero...
The single occasion on which I recall being sick in the last decade was when I drank açai juice sold in a plastic bag on a stick from a canoe at an Amazon port in Brazil: I should have known better.
|
16 Nov 2022
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Seville (E)
Posts: 561
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by markharf
I do nothing whatsoever to prepare my GI tract, and I’m generally less ill than other travelers. The thought that I’d stop handwashing(!) or start eating spoiled food before a trip strikes me as more than a bit odd.
I’ve never been obsessive about cleanliness at home—I don’t run around spraying everything with bleach or sanitizing chopping blocks and cookware—and this, too, has worked for me.
On the other hand, my hygiene while traveling has benefited from learning the hard way what’s really important and what’s merely performative. I’ve had giardia, dysentery, malaria, inactive TB, and various topical and systemic infections, and I try my best to evade those particular microbes and parasites. I definitely do NOT try to invite them into my life in hopes of building some sort of immunity.
That’s what works for me, but you know the standard disclaimer.
Mark
|
I have never done anything either but being more cautious at the 1st stages of a any trip. I just wondered if people had some tricks, just to share thoughts/open debate.
I usually did not get sick -but I am no hardcore traveller, and no infections/diseases as you mention-, except some years ago in India that I spent a few days with high fever vomiting and going to the toilet a lot. I eat almost anywhere, but I reckon India standard is too much for me and definitely avoid sellers in buses/street stalls. I do not intend to develop any special inmunity either!
I travelled a bit by car through Northern Morocco with my 9 y/o daughter some months ago and I was especially cautious regarding food to avoid her getting sick. We met plenty of people sick who ate like they would do in Europe, so she learned that fresh salads washed with tap water were a no-go during the trip.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Alanymarce
Similarly - we take care of food hygiene whether travelling or not - no difference prior to travelling. Seems to work. If it seems like a bad idea to eat or drink something, don't. Eat where others are eating - street food sellers don't survive if they sell food which results in indigestion or worse. The traditional view that eating where truck drivers eat is good advice - truck drivers cannot afford to be sick, especially in countries where the minimum wage is zero...
The single occasion on which I recall being sick in the last decade was when I drank açai juice sold in a plastic bag on a stick from a canoe at an Amazon port in Brazil: I should have known better.
|
I like the idea of truck drivers. In Spain we consider they go to places with good meals.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Toyark
Ajo!!
|
"Garlic", what does it make it special?
|
17 Nov 2022
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Devon, UK
Posts: 845
|
|
|
My biggest concern is reducing its size to get into the riding gear more easily.
|
17 Nov 2022
|
|
-
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,344
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by estebangc
"Garlic", what does it make it special?
|
Its chemical composition and effects on human anatomy
|
18 Nov 2022
|
 |
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Oslo, Norway
Posts: 658
|
|
|
I do nothing to prepare in advance. It is all about food hygene. The faster I travel the more rigerous I am. If I can/will stay put in one pkace for a few days, I take grwatwr risk.
Fried is better than boiled, boiled is better than raw and washed. Be vary about large kitchens that offer a broad selection. Eat seafood only near the sea.
Hand hygene!
I swear by psyllum husks for perfect bowel movements (one wipe only).
|
18 Nov 2022
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,116
|
|
|
Good luck if you think you can 'prepare' your stomach by pre eating sub standard food or dirt or whatever. You're more likely to go down with something severe enough to postpone the trip than end up with a cast iron constitution.
Other than that I don't think there's much you can do other than taking hygiene seriously and hoping it's your lucky day. Because sooner or later, and if not this trip then the next, something will get you when you least expect it. Mostly, my odds say anyway, it'll be mild and you'll either live with it or get over it quickly, but occasionally it'll be severe enough to cause you issues (delays or a need for medical care) - as I found this summer.
Take a (good) supply of the diy remedies (imodium in my case) that you're most likely to need, hope that over zealous customs officials believe the contents of your first aid kit are all for your 'medical condition' and check your medical insurance covers you for more professional help if that's not enough / it's all confiscated. Buying stuff over the counter in a pharmacy in a foreign land isn't easy when drug names for the same active ingredient vary and you don't know what to ask for.
|
18 Nov 2022
|
 |
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,324
|
|
|
I clearly remember talking to a local in Guatemala who had gone to the USA for several years for school. When he arrived there he had stomach issues, but eventually it cleared up. On his return home to Guatemala years later, he ate his mothers food and had serious tourista! After much trying to get used to it he gave up and only drank bottled water and was generally careful, just like a tourist would.
His theory was that your stomach can eventually get used to the local flora and fauna, but it just took too long for him.
So I think "we" should just be very careful as noted by several above posts - we're NOT going to get used to the local bacteria as we travel through relatively quickly.
I'm personally very sensitive "Grant's sick again" is a common phrase, it's just part of the game for me. Fortunately for me Susan has a better stomach, but she has been REALLY ill a few times.
One TIP: When you get really sick, head for a GOOD hotel - time to splurge on someplace nice, with room service, good bathroom, and they'll check on on you and call a doctor if needed. And your bike etc is safe. I've been in dumps sick, and good hotels sick - it's a no-brainer which is better when you're heading for the toilet and you're undecided which end to put on it.
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
|
18 Nov 2022
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: Finland
Posts: 184
|
|
|
What I do.
I take all the vaccines. Including Dukoral for Cholera.
I carry and use hand sanitiser.
Bottled water only.
Avoid all cold foods.
If possible, I buy packaged food from markets.
I still got brutally sick in Turkey lol.
|
19 Nov 2022
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: May 2014
Location: East Yorkshireman...in the Chum Phae area, Thailand
Posts: 1,346
|
|
Having done 22 years in Her Majesty’s Army and eating the then Army Catering Corps food both in camp and on operations I would like to think it’s prepared me for the worst (sarcasm)
I also live in the North East of Thailand and having the odd, grub, rat stew, frog curry or ant salad has not done me any harm lol. Maybe I do have an iron constitution  So I should be prepared 
|
21 Nov 2022
|
|
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Northeast US
Posts: 29
|
|
|
Planning to ride from northeastern US to Ushuaia. How can I get salads? Clearly shouldn't have lettuce on street tacos.
What are my chances with a salad at a "good" restaurant? Can I clean salad greens well enough in camp?
Even riding in western Canada or walking in Europe, I get too much meat and not enough greens (for me).
I'll have to adapt my diet to what's available, what's safe, plus some local specialties. Balance needs to include salads.
I've ridden all over US and Canada and visited Europe but this is my first foray into Mexico and south. Been studying Spanish for over 2 years for this trip.
Last edited by DaveGetsLost; 21 Nov 2022 at 21:44.
Reason: Add my limited experience
|
21 Nov 2022
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Vancouver, B.C. Canada
Posts: 131
|
|
|
Dukoral
For those not familiar with it, Dukoral, an oral vaccine, is not only aimed at cholera.
It's maker also markets it as preventing "diarrhea caused by heat-labile toxin producing enterotoxigenic E. Coli". Which would cover many cases of traveler's diarrhea not including those caused by viruses or parasites.
In any event, it's easy to get (over the counter in Canada) and I've used it on the basis that any reduction in the chances of getting sick is desirable.
Last edited by normw; 21 Nov 2022 at 22:59.
Reason: Error
|
22 Nov 2022
|
|
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,324
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by DaveGetsLost
Planning to ride from northeastern US to Ushuaia. How can I get salads? Clearly shouldn't have lettuce on street tacos...
What are my chances with a salad at a "good" restaurant? Can I clean salad greens well enough in camp?
...
I'll have to adapt my diet to what's available, what's safe, plus some local specialties. Balance needs to include salads.
|
Totally agree it's hard to get enough greens.
Our experience has been that it's a crap shoot on getting good safe salads. Better the hotel the safer you are, but not certain. In a resort catering to tourists, they HAVE TO make it safe for tourists.
We bought greens etc in the local market and then always purified the water we used to rinse / wash veggies in a compact folding sink. And did it twice, mostly because of my known tricky belly.
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|
helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
Linear Mode
