A globetrotting couple who spend their days exploring new destinations have revealed their top tip for avoiding illness when travelling.
Méabh and Danny, two emergency doctors from Ireland and Scotland respectively, relocated to Australia in 2021 where they met in Byron Bay.
The pair regularly share glimpses of their nomadic lifestyle on Instagram as they roadtrip across Australia and travel across the globe, having visited 41 destinations combined.
While the life of a full-time traveller may seem glamorous, it’s not without its risks, one of which is falling ill due to food poisoning or bacteria your body isn’t used to. To avoid getting sick while travelling, the couple has shared their secret to staying healthy on the move.
“We’re both doctors and never get sick when travelling because we do this one simple thing,” they began in a video post.
As the footage shows them savouring local delicacies across the world, it soon cuts to clips of them washing their hands in various eateries worldwide. They also make sure to carry hand sanitiser with them wherever they go.
“If you travel or speak to any travellers for a lengthy period of time then the topic of travellers diarrhoea will no doubt come up,” they wrote in the video description. “You’ll hear horror stories of travellers trying new foods only to spend the next week feverish and exploding out of both ends.”
Méabh and Danny went on to debunk the common travel myth that advises tourists to avoid local delicacies in favour of western-style eateries and hotel food to avoid illness. They argue that while it’s sometimes inevitable for travellers to get ill, there are better strategies to enjoy yout adventures without getting sick.
Their top tips include trusting local eateries that are packed with people, washing your hands before every meal, avoiding touching your phone or money until after eating, and always carrying antibacterial gel on you when a tap to wash your hands isn’t available.
“Enjoying different foods is one of the absolute best things about travelling. Don’t be frightened by some old wives tales. Wash your hands, eat local and savour the experiences! Ps if you do get sick, probs best to see a doctor,” they advise.
Even if you’re super careful, there’s still a chance of encountering poorly prepared food or falling ill in other ways. It’s recommended to consult a healthcare professional before travelling to ensure all necessary precautions, such as vaccinations, are taken.
The NHS recommends speaking to your GP about vaccines needed for specific destinations before your travels.
