A doctor duo with a passion for travel have shared expert advice to help holidaymakers avoid a common illness capable of ruining a dream trip: traveller’s diarrhoea.
For many globetrotters, sampling local food is one of the highlights of a trip abroad – but it can also come with unwelcome side effects: stomach upsets and frequent, loose stools caused by contaminated food or unfamiliar bacteria.
But according to Dr Méabh and Dr Danny, a couple who’ve travelled to 41 countries in their van – yet have ‘rarely’ fallen ill – there’s no need to miss out on delicious, authentic cuisine if you follow a few simple hygiene rules.
The pair, who hail from Ireland and Scotland but have since settled in Australia, are known for documenting their adventures and health advice on their Instagram page, @celtsontheroad.
In a recent video, which has since amassed over 24 million views, the couple claimed tourists can enjoy local food safely by taking a number of key precautions.
They said: ‘If you travel or speak to any travellers for a lengthy period of time, then the topic of traveller’s diarrhoea will no doubt come up.
‘You’ll hear horror stories of travellers trying new foods only to spend the next week feverish and exploding out of both ends.’
‘We’re both doctors and we’ve travelled to over 41 countries combined. We eat local food everywhere we go, and we rarely get sick.’
Dr Méabh and Dr Danny, a couple who’ve travelled to 41 countries in their van have said there’s no need to miss out on delicious, authentic cuisine if you follow a few simple hygiene rules
The pair claimed holidaymakers often tend to ‘avoid local food, ice, salads, meat and fish,’ while abroad, but they’ve insisted that it all boils down to implementing four crucial habits in hand hygiene to minimise the risk of getting traveller’s diarrhoea.
First, the couple highlighted putting trust into the locals, urging travellers to choose busy food spots with lots of local customers, which often signals good hygiene and fresh food.
Next, they advised tourists to wash they hands before every meal, which is a simple yet effective way to prevent ingesting harmful bacteria.
Their third tip is to avoid touching phones or money while eating, as phones and cash can carry germs that easily transfer to your food.
Lastly, the pair stressed the importance of carrying antibacterial gel, as it can be used when soap and water are not available, especially in remote areas.
They concluded: ‘Don’t be frightened by some old wives tales. Wash your hands, eat local and savour the experiences! Ps if you do get sick, probably best to see a doctor.’
But the couple warned holidaymakers to be aware that there’s ‘always a risk of getting unlucky with unhygienically prepared food’ and to bear in mind their advice regarding hand hygiene will not prevent other unrelated illness during a trip.
In the comments, viewers expressed mixed reactions to the advice, as one person shared: ‘Love that you had different advice on this! I also love eating locally and have yet to get seriously sick!’
The pair insisted that it all boils down to implementing four crucial habits in hand hygiene to minimise the risk of getting traveller’s diarrhoea
In the comments below the video, viewers expressed mixed reactions to the couple’s advice
Another wrote: ‘I do the same! Also I eat in crowded places and I take probiotics just in case – I have sensitive intestine – and guess what. I have never been sick before.’
A third commented: ‘I was raised with lots of traveling and was always taught: eat at busy places and don’t eat the most expensive items off the menu.
‘These aren’t chosen often, but have expensive products in them. The restaurant will save these ingredients as long as possible, so they’re more likely to go bad.’
However, one person warned: ‘Note they said RARELY get sick, not NEVER get sick. Hand hygiene can only go so far when you’re immune system is being exposed to a new immunizer. Sometimes that’s just the way it is.’
It comes as two gut experts revealed the essential two foods travellers must eat on every holiday to avoid ‘travel tummy.’
Many people get sick while travelling the world for a variety of reasons, including dehydration and changes in diet.
But don’t fear, as twins Lisa and Alana McFarlane, who created The Gut Stuff, are on hand with expert advice.
From the snack you must pack in your suitcase to the food that can cure constipation, here are Alana and Lisa’s tips for how to avoid running to the toilet instead of the all-inclusive buffet on your next trip abroad.
