9 Food Safety Tips When Traveling Abroad

At IGOGEER we love delivering to you great travel articles. This time we have found very important article about Travel Safety – Food Safety when you travel abroad. Not all countries have the same hygiene standards. So be very careful where you eat and what you eat.

It’s always exciting planning a trip to foreign lands, experiencing new cultures, scenery, and culinary delights. Your health is of paramount importance at home and abroad, so don’t take risks when eating our overseas. We urge you to take note of the very important “9 Food Safety Tips When Traveling Abroad”.

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Your travel plans are set, your passport is ready … but do you know what might be lurking in the food on your plate as you travel outside the United States? There’s a chance some of it may be hazardous to your health, especially if you take a vacation from proper food safety practices.Repercussions range from mild (travelers’ diarrhea) to serious (hepatitis A or typhoid, which can have long-term health effects) to fatal. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 3,000 people die each year of foodborne diseases in America, food safety-related statistics can be dramatically higher in other parts of the world. The World Health Organization estimates that 2 million people die each year from contaminated food or drinking water due to harmful bacteria, parasites, viruses and chemical substances.Whether at home or abroad, proper hand-washing is an important key to preventing foodborne illness. Wash your hands often with soap and warm water, especially before eating and after using the bathroom. When soap and warm water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer instead. Pack it in your carry-on, purse or backpack for easy access. Follow these additional tips to fend off food and beverage safety risks.

Before your international trip

      • Plan ahead. Anticipate issues, food safety or otherwise, that could arise during your trip, starting with researching your destination.
      • Pack smartly. Bring a travel health kit and carry your health insurance card in your wallet. Place prescription medications in your carry-on. Check the TSA website to determine what’s allowed on airplanes.
      • Visit a health-care provider before you go. Depending on where you’re traveling, you may need new or updated vaccines or special medications.

When visiting a popular destination

      • Germs travel beyond borders, including to popular tourist destinations in developed countries. Just as in the U.S., you can get sick from undercooked, raw and contaminated foods and beverages. It’s always a good idea to avoid raw foods such as meat, fish, shellfish and eggs.
      • Don’t be fooled by appearance of cleanliness in well-traveled areas of the world. Whenever in doubt, don’t drink tap or well water or anything that was made with it, including fountain drinks. Your best bet is to opt for sealed, bottled beverages.
      • Steer clear of food that has been sitting at room temperature — that falls within the temperature “danger zone” where bacteria thrive. This includes not eating from a buffet-style service, since food may not always be held at safe temperatures and can easily become mishandled. Stick to cold or hot foods instead.

When visiting a remote destination

      • Always err on the side of caution. Even though you may typically enjoy certain foods and beverages at home, your safest bet is to avoid the following during foreign travels to remote locations: meat served rare or at room temperature; raw, unwashed or cut-up fruits and vegetables, including salads; tap or well water and anything made with it, including ice; unpasteurized dairy; and raw or runny, cooked eggs.
      • Only eat foods that have been cooked and served hot. Only drink beverages that are in manufacturer-sealed containers.
      • Curb your adventurous foodie enthusiasm. While it may be tempting, skipping food from unknown street or roadside vendors can help keep you from getting sick. And, no matter how curious you are, it’s safest to avoid exotic dishes such as prepared monkey, bat, unusual wild game and bushmeat.

What Happens if You Do Get Sick

Even if you play it safe and follow the rules for food safety, you still may find yourself sick while on an international trip. If you experience diarrhea, drink plenty of clean fluids to stay well-hydrated. If you experience a more serious illness, not all global destinations have adequate health resources, but the U.S. Department of State can help travelers locate medical services.

Bon voyage and have a safe culinary adventure!

Source:

http://www.eatright.org/resource/health/lifestyle/travel/9-food-safety-tips-when-traveling-abroad

On – 13 Apr, 2017 By Jackie Newgent

Jackie Newgent, RDN, CDN, is a Brooklyn-based culinary nutritionist, writer and media personality.

 

Finally!

Do you have more Travel Health Tips for travelers abroad? If so, please post them in the comments below.

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Never Travel Without Protection!

Never travel locally or abroad without RFID security protection! It’s always best to use an RFID blocking wallet to protect you from electronic pickpocketing. Pickpockets operate everywhere. It will save you from both the physical and emotional loss of your credit cards, passports and other important travel documents; and the electronic data stored on them. Once you’ve lost your personal data you are vulnerable to identity loss. As you may know, this can be personally devastating to those who are affected. IGOGEER™ has a range of RFID Blocking products designed to Stop this from happening to you! Check them out on our store today. https://igogeer.com

 

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45 Travel Tips for First Time Travelers

You’re nervously excited about that first overseas trip. You’ve been planning it for months (probably years). And it’s finally arrived. That departure day is here. Your bags are packed, your checklist is checked and triple checked. Your tickets, passport, travel documents, itinerary, money, credit cards, traveler’s checks, etc… are all accounted for…

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When you arrive at your destination and fresh off the plane on your first travel adventure, there is much you probably don’t know about the wider world of travel.

But a lot you do know about the place where you just left. Home!

This fact can be dangerous. It can lead you to commit many cultural, social and religious faux pas in a foreign land. It may also mean that you travel with a mind that is not yet open to new experiences and ways of life in other countries.

 

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To make that journey of discovery and growth easier, here is a list of travel tips for beginners:

45 travel tips for first time travelers

      1. Don’t expect life to be like it is at home. After all, that’s why you’re traveling. Isn’t it?
      2. Travel with your eyes wide open and your mind alert!
      3. Open your mind to learning new things.
      4. Don’t judge people. Be inquisitive and say, “Isn’t that interesting? Tell me more.”
      5. Learn the basics of the local language. Push yourself to use them often. This is the best way to show your respect. And break down barriers to starting conversations.
      6. Never forget your manners. They are universal. So use them!
      7. Do not shout or raise your voice at others. They are probably not deaf. They just can’t understand your language or your attempts at theirs.
      8. If the locals don’t speak English then NEVER complain about it! After all, its their country you’re visiting.
      9. Learn to Bargain! Culturally it’s an expected part of the transaction in many parts of the world.
      10. Do not over bargain. Remember that the bargaining process should be a WIN/WIN for both parties.
      11. Respect local customs. You are the visitor to their country.
      12. Learn how to toilet squat. You’ll need it.
      13. Yes, party and have fun, but don’t get it out of control where people are hurt and property is trashed.
      14. Show respect and leave a good impression of your culture on the locals of the countries you are visiting.
      15. Be adventurous, have off the beaten path adventures in addition to traveling to the touristy stuff too.
      16. Just because you’ve visited 45 countries on a budget of $30 a day by going off the beaten path doesn’t make you cool! You need to mix it up to enjoy your travel the most.
      17. Ignore everyone else’s opinion. Travel in a style that suits your values, likes and interests.
      18. Start your travel adventures when you are young. Don’t leave it until your too old to enjoy it.
      19. Don’t listen to the naysayers and dream-stealers. Because, they have probably never taken the chance to follow their dreams!
      20. Experience the street food. It won’t kill you! Just be cautious about where you eat.
      21. Ditch the Western diet of Maccas and KFC. Be adventurous, try the local cuisine.
      22. It’s okay to feel uncomfortable at times. Accepting the challenge is how you grow.
      23. Be flexible and learn to compromise, because you’re out of your comfort zone.
      24. Don’t shy away from asking for help when you need it. Even if it’s embarrassing. It won’t kill you!
      25. Carry phrase cards as prompts for the local language. These are essential for vegetarians in China.
      26. Don’t be afraid to respectfully say “no”. Be firm but not forceful!
      27. If the village chief offers you rice wine shots at 10am after a morning hike to chase away evil spirits you may be carrying, do not be afraid to say “Yes”. It’s disrespectful to say “No”.
      28. Be Friendly. Talk to the local people. It’s amazing what you will learn.
      29. Do as much local as you can: local food, transport and accommodation.
      30. Smile and laugh often! You’ll meet so many wonderful new friends this way.
      31. Improve your confidence. Do one thing each day that scares you. This will push those comfort barriers a little further away each time.
      32. Mingle with and befriend other travelers. It will give you a feeling of  comfort and security.
      33. Celebrate local culture and festivities with the locals in their traditional manners.
      34. Learn about the local religions. This will help you to understand the local culture and perhaps to bring a new perspective on your own beliefs.
      35. Don’t just rely on technology to help get you around. Resort to hard maps when the map app crashes.
      36. Stay in contact with loved ones at home. Email, Skype and call home regularly. It will help keep your spirits up.
      37. Don’t be afraid to take each day as it comes with limited plans. Don’t plan your travel too tight.
      38. Take out comprehensive travel insurance. It ain’t sexy, but neither are the thousands of $$$ you could end up paying if you don’t have it.
      39. If you get robbed or bad things happen, don’t get hung up on it. As long as you are safe and well, let it go and continue to enjoy yourself.
      40. Don’t be afraid to blow the budget occasionally for those once in a lifetime experiences.
      41. If you are really hating it, then change your perspective and direction. Move on to the next town, city or country.
      42. Be prepared for reverse culture shock when you return home as it could really mess you up.
      43. Guard your passport with your life! You can’t travel freely without it.
      44. Take travel security seriously. It’s a dangerous world out there. Stay alert and be cautious about your surroundings. There are potential dangers everywhere.
      45. Protect yourself from electronic pickpocketing with an RFID Travel Wallet. It will save the loss of your credit card details and possibly your identity!

Never Travel Without Protection!

Never travel locally or abroad without RFID security protection! It’s always best to use an RFID blocking wallet to protect you from electronic pickpocketing. Pickpockets operate everywhere.  It will save you from both the physical loss of your credit cards, passports and other important travel documents. And the electronic data stored on them. Once you’ve lost your personal data you are vulnerable to personal identity loss.  IGOGEER™ has a range of RFID Blocking products designed to do just that. Check them out on our store today – Here >>>>>https://igogeer.com

 

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Check out our range of Rfid Blocking products here at the IGOGEER Store

Source:

Based on the original article by Caz and Craig at YTravel

 

Finally!

Do you have more Great Travel Tips for first time travelers? If so, you’re welcome to post them in the  comments below.

 

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Want More?

If you liked this Travel Tips Checklist you can easily get more here. Or you can click the ‘Join Now‘ button below to get more today! We’ll happily send you our latest Travel Hacks, Cheatsheets and Checklists as soon as they’re published. And look out for the special deals and bonuses too!

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12 Things You Should NEVER Do While Traveling Abroad!

I know you just can’t wait to go on that long awaited travel experience. But for the young at heart and uninitiated there are some important things you must be aware of before you take off!

Whether you’re honeymooning, vacationing, backpacking or any other reason for traveling internationally, there are certain things you should never do.

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Here is our list of the 12 key things your should never do:

1.       Trust anyone giving you a “great deal” that’s too good to be true!

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Be warned! 99% of the time they are trying to con you, rob you or sell you something illegal. Politely, Say No!

2.       Take pictures of security-related buildings or personnel

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If it’s a government building, cool looking police quarters, army barracks, or even inside an airport – ASK FIRST! In many countries you can be detained, imprisoned and/or deported for photographing these types of facilities.

3.       Buy or traffic illegal drugs

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The penalties for drug charges in most countries are severely worse than in the US. They can including imprisonment without bail or trial for up to a year or more. Or even death in some countries! Don’t take the risk.

4.          Buy Knock off products

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You will be arrested and charged if you’re caught buying counterfeit goods. Its not worth the RISK!!

5.       Drink too much (alcohol)

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Drinks are a lot stronger in other countries. Some countries prohibit drinking alcohol in public places. Don’t make poor life decisions because you drank what is normally your limit. Think before you drink!

6.       Use “American” hand gestures

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Different hand gestures mean different things depending where you are. For example, you may think you’re giving the peace sign to someone in the UK, but they might take it as you flipping them off. After all you don’t want offend anyone do you!

7.       Lose track of what you’re card spending

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Americans have been arrested for mistakenly going over their credit limit while traveling abroad. Use common sense and discretion when shopping abroad despite the fact that prices can be so much cheaper.

8.       Join a protest rally

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Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness is an American thing. In other countries, demonstrations can quickly result in violence, detention and deportation. Don’t risk it. Its not worth!

9.       Speak louder because you are speaking a different language

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Just because someone speaks a different language, doesn’t mean they are deaf! Americans have a reputation for speaking too loudly in foreign countries. Tone it down a notch to keep less conspicuous.

10.   Drive off the main roads

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More than 200 U.S. citizens die each year from car accidents while traveling abroad. If you are going to drive, know the rules of the road for that country and don’t forget your International Driving Permit. In some countries foreigners are targeted by corrupt police for payment of illegal fines! So be careful to obey the road laws.

11.   GET ARRESTED!

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Have you ever seen the show “Locked Up Abroad?” If you haven’t, you should. You do not want to end up in a foreign prison where you have no rights. But if you do find yourself in a legal situation, contact the closest U.S. embassy or consulate. They may be able to help.

12.   NEVER Leave Home Without Protection!

Never travel locally or abroad without rfid security protection! It’s always best to use an Rfid blocking wallet to protect you from electronic pickpocketing. Pickpockets operate everywhere.  It will save you from both the physical loss of your credit cards, passports and other important travel documents. And the electronic data stored on them. Once you’ve lost your personal data you are vulnerable to personal identity loss.  IGOGEER™ has a range of Rfid Blocking products designed to do just that. Check them out on our store today. https://igogeer.com

 

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Check out our range of Rfid Blocking products here at the IGOGEER Store

Source:

Original article by: Danielle Dougan

Article Link

 

Finally!

Do you have any additional activities that travelers should NEVER do when traveling abroad? If so, please post them in the comments below.

 

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If you liked these Travel Tips you can easily get more here.  Or you can click the ‘Join Now’ button below to get more today!  We’ll happily send you our latest Travel Hacks, Cheatsheets and Checklists as soon as they’re published. You can also expect to receive loads of special deals and bonuses from us too!

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TRAVEL TIPS: ATM CASH MACHINE WARNING!!

A Warning About Using ATM Cash Machines!

The use of ATM machines to get instant cash is widespread throughout the world. Despite their popularity there are many downsides to their usage. There are many precautions that travelers should take when using these machines.

So, it’s probably a good time to remind people while they’re traveling on how to avoid being scammed/skimmed when using ATMs!

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Here are our suggested Guidelines for Using ATM’s at home or abroad.

Guidelines for Using an ATM:

1. Don’t use stand-alone ATMs. Only Use an ATM in a bank with a 24 hour security system & during business hours if possible.
2. Make sure no-one is hanging around nearby using a hand-held machine.
3. Make sure no-one is looking over your shoulder, as this is a common trick of stealing your PIN.

Card Slot:

1. Check card slot has not been tampered with.
2. Check the card slot for a skimmer device that records the account data.
3. If the card slot feels loose, do not use the machine.

Pin Pad:

1. Check the pin pad has not been tampered with.
2. Cover the keypad with your hand, or other object. This will stop a hidden camera from recording your PIN to access your account.

There are three things you should receive before you leave the ATM booth:

1. Card
a) .Remove card asap, in case machine retains card.
Some ATMs return your card last & sometimes very slowly, so don’t leave it behind. Many people have!
2. Cash – Check amount
3. Receipt – Check amount
Count out those three items, before you leave the booth.

Do Not Be Rushed

Do not be distracted & do not be rushed, doing these 3 processes. This is a very important process
Put your card, cash & receipt away in a safe wallet, money belt or neck wallet, before you leave the booth.
Keep all transaction receipts. Bank accounts can be stripped after you return home when you are not expecting it.

Tourists are particularly vulnerable to local scams. Because they’re unaware of what’s happening around them. Find out how to protect yourself in these situations. The answer is really simple! Go here to find out how!

Transactions:

If the ATM displays, “this transaction cannot be processed” do not try again on that machine.
If you continue, you will not receive money, but it will be deducted from your account.
When you have free WiFi, check your account.

Contact your Bank:

Don’t forget to advise your bank of your travel dates, so your card won’t be blocked & attempted fraud can be picked up quickly.

You may need to change your password, if your account is compromised.
If your account is compromised, you have 60 days to lodge your appeal.
You can ask your bank to send you a SMS message every time there is a transaction on your account.

Protection:

Check your bank accounts regularly. If you notice anything suspicious, contact your bank immediately.
Have one account which you keep a small amount of money & only use this account to withdraw money from ATMs. Have another account where you keep the bulk of your funds. Transfer money from that account to your ‘ATM account’ when your ATM account needs topping up. Never make an ATM withdrawal from this account.
This process may be a bit inconvenient, but it is an easy way to protect yourself.

Scams:

A wireless router/scanner & small camera can be embedded in the ATM. The router can record data from the ATM card’s embedded micro-chip, while the camera can see customers’ valuable PIN numbers.

Electronic Pick-Pocketing:

Electronic pick-pocketing is now commonplace in most countries. It’s so easy for a thief to use an inexpensive handheld scanner/reader device that can read your credit card (or other cards embedded with a micro-chip) to steal your card data and/or your identity!

To protect yourself from electronic pick-pocketing we recommend that you use an RFID Wallet with RF Blocking Technology. The special RFID Blocking material will stop electronic pickpockets from stealing your embedded micro-chip data on your credit cards and other identity cards.

Finally!

Do you have more Travel Tips for travelers abroad? If so, please post them in the comments below.

 

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Want More?

If you liked these Travel Tips you can easily get more here. Or you can click the ‘Join Now’ button below to get more today! We’ll happily send you our latest Travel Hacks, Cheatsheets and Checklists as soon as they’re published. You can also expect to receive loads of special deals and bonuses from us too!

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