Travelers Stomach What to Do IN THE EVENT THAT YOU Get Sick Abroad

Exotic locations in Latin America unfortunately often come with their share of exotic problems. Many of us are happy to steer clear of the pleasure of wailing right into a toilet bowl at 2am in the morning after an ill-advised 'seafood experience', but if you're determined to get out and 'live it local' then ultimately it is something you'll have to deal with. If you're planning an action packed itinerary to help make the the majority of your vacation in Latin America, the last thing you need is to get sick, so here's some advice to assist you spend more time enjoying your trip than cursing from the comfort of one's en suite bathroom.

The food in many elements of Latin America, particularly Peru, Argentina, Brazil and Mexico is great. However make sure you take the advice of one's travel company to avoid any real medical issues and maximise the enjoyment of one's vacation.

Plan the worst - TRAVEL COVER

Along with stomach trouble, it is possible to pick up a number of unpleasant conditions if you're getting stuck in to your destination; its always far better have it covered if things fail. Ensure that your travel cover, if purchased independently, includes medical care. Ask an insurance advisor or your tour operator if you need any destination-specific advice , nor simply depend on the cover given by your credit card as this is often not adequate!

Get yourself a portable medication kit for your destination

A destination guidebook, your tour operator or your doctor will be able to advise on the contents of a simple portable medical kit to cover the most typical ailments while abroad, including digestive issues. It shouldn't take up too much packing space and could make life a lot more bearable if you are tearing frantically through your luggage trying to find something to help ease any discomfort.

Take it easy the week before leaving

Your system is pretty incredible; in many cases it has the ability to resist disease, infection and all of the nasty things that you put into it. However, if you have been burning the candle at both ends to obtain all your work finished before your vacation or attending a string of leaving parties before flying out, your immune system could be weak, making you much more susceptible to problems.

Clean hands

A great way to pick up germs and all manner of nasties is from your hands. A straightforward alcohol or anti-bacterial gel or spray to clean them before meals or after likely to the bathroom will certainly reduce the opportunity of something unwanted finding its way into the mouth area.

Careful cuisine

There are common culprits which have brought unwanted bacteria and diseases to the stomach lining of travellers over the years. Whilst if could be a great experience to eat vendor food out on the street of a foreign country, if you don't have a few weeks to go through the roller coaster of allowing your stomach to adjust it is probably worth going for a safer option. Typically dubious options for food are raw or undercooked meat, poultry, raw fruit and vegetables and dairy products. Water is usually a source of problems in lots of Latin American countries, so try to stick to water in bottles and prevent ice, as this is made from tap water. When you are determined to consume local snacks, try to do so earlier in the day when they are still fresh.

Hopefully you're not reading this on a Blackberry whilst heaving in a toilet cubicle, but it's good to possess a plan if things fail; remember these easy steps to get on the path to recovery fast.

1. Make contact with your hotel and rest

2. Tell your tour company local contact, a friend or someone at reception to help keep an eye you and tell them of any medication taken or allergies in case a doctor must be informed

3. Drink lots of water and use re-hydration salts from your own medication kit. Have a handful of painkillers if necessary.

4. Many stomach problems could be resolved in 72 hours, but if your condition is still the same after 3 days or there is any blood involved, contact your physician as recommended by your tour operator, guide or hotel.

Getting sick is certainly no outcome anyone wants from their trip, but at the very least you can take delight in the fact that going on a global adventure is pushing you out of your safe place and developing you as an individual.